ATITHI

Summary
The story begins when a 15-16 year old fair-skinned, handsome teenage boy named
Tarapada approaches Motilal Babu to request a lift on his boat. Motilal Babu is a
wealthy landlord travelling on the boat with his wife Annapurna and 9-year old
daughter Charushashi to his village Kanthalia where he is the zamindar.

Tarapada wants a lift to Nandigram. Motilal gladly allows him on board and even
offers him lunch. On the journey, Annapurna questions Tarapada about his
background. He reveals that despite being the darling of his family and villagers, he
left home at a young age. He has a restless spirit and has joined and left various
groups like a theatre troupe, panchali singers and acrobatic troupe, not staying at
one place for long.

On the boat, Tarapada easily befriends the boatmen and helps with chores like
cooking, rowing and steering the boat. One evening he impresses Motilal and
Annapurna by enacting the story of Kush and Lav with songs on his flute. However,
their temperamental daughter Charushashi feels jealous seeing her parent’s
affection for Tarapada.

The boat reaches Kanthalia where Motilal is welcomed by the villagers. Tarapada
charms them too, except Charushashi. She feels jealous when she learns her friend
Sonamoni is already familiar with Tarapada. In anger, she destroys Tarapada’s flute
but he remains unperturbed by her tantrums.

Impressed by Tarapada, Motilal and Annapurna decide to marry him to Charushashi

to temper her wild nature. As wedding preparations begin, Tarapada starts learning
English using Motilal’s books. Charushashi disturbs his studies and they share a
love-hate relationship. Finally, on the wedding day, just as Tarapada’s family arrives,
he mysteriously disappears, giving in to his eternal wanderlust once again.

In summary, the conflict between domesticity and quest for freedom is depicted
through the charming yet detached Tarapada, who remains an elusive guest, leaving
just before he is tied down by marriage. His restless spirit and wanderlust prevail
despite people’s affection.
Logic-Based Questions
1. Tarapada approached Motilal Babu because

Answer: he wanted a lift up to Nandigram which the boat would be passing.

2. Tarapada began to help Motilal in cooking fish because

Answer: he had easy ways and immediately joined in the cooking to help out.

3. Annapurna asked many questions to Tarapada because

Answer: she was trying to extract some information about his background.

4. Tarapada left his family because

Answer: he had an inborn urge to break out of bonds, even bonds of affection.

5. Tarapada could not stay longer with any troupe because

Answer: he was wary of ties and had a restless spirit, constantly seeking new
experiences.

6. Tarapada was liked by Motilal because

Answer: of his large eyes, pleasant look, and the innocence in his appearance.

7. Tarapada thought of going to Mawligram because

Answer: the landlord there was setting up a new theatre company.

8. Charushashi threw into swings of moods because

Answer: she was a whimsical and unpredictable girl, often feeling jealous and
resentful.

9. Tarapada could adapt to any situation or work because

Answer: he was alert and active, with a good memory and an uncluttered brain.

10. Sonamani did not visit Charushashi for a while because

Answer: she had been ill and unable to visit.

Short Answer Questions

1. Which jatra troupe had Tarapada left before meeting Motilal Babu?

Answer: The gymnastic group. At the gymnastic displays, his job was to play the
Banshee or bamboo flute at a fast rhythm, as an accompaniment to the performance
of the gymnasts.

2. In spite of being a darling of his family and his neighbourhood, why had
Tarapada left them?

Answer: Tarapada had an inherent urge to break out of bonds, even those of
affection, which led him to leave his family and neighbourhood.

3. How did Tarapada make the most of his time on the boat?

Answer: Tarapada actively engaged in various activities like helping with cooking,
rowing the boat, and entertaining everyone with his singing and flute playing.

4. How did Motilal Babu and his wife treat Tarapada? What did Annapurna
want to learn about Tarapada?

Answer: Motilal Babu and his wife treated Tarapada with great affection, almost as a
family member. Annapurna was curious about Tarapada’s background, how any
mother could stay separated from such a child, and the reasons for his wandering
lifestyle.

5. Why did Tarapada seek a lift on the boat in which Motilal Babu was going to
his village?

Answer: Tarapada sought a lift on the boat to go to Nandigram, which was on the
way to Motilal Babu’s village.

6. What kind of girl was Charushashi? What kind of feelings did she have
about Tarapada?

Answer: Charushashi was a whimsical and moody girl. She felt jealousy and
resentment towards Tarapada due to the attention he received from her parents.

7. Why did Charushashi smash Tarapada’s flute? What were her feelings
afterwards?

Answer: Charushashi smashed Tarapada’s flute out of jealousy and anger.

Afterwards, she felt remorse and sought to apologise for her actions.
8. What kind of girl was Sanamani? What kind of relation did she have with
Charushashi and Tarapada?

Answer: Sanamani was a child-widow and a friend of Charushashi. She had a

friendly and affectionate relationship with Tarapada, calling him ‘Dada’ or elder
brother.

9. Why did Motilal Babu and his wife think of marrying their daughter to
Tarapada?

Answer: Motilal Babu and his wife thought of marrying their daughter to Tarapada
because they found him suitable and believed that marrying their daughter to him
would spare him and his wife the pangs of separation from their daughter, and she,
any criticism from in-laws.

10. What impelled Tarapada to make his disappearance amidst the marriage
festivities?

Answer: Tarapada’s inherent wanderlust and desire for freedom impelled him to
disappear amidst the marriage festivities, as he was unable to stay tied down to one
place or relationship.

11. Discuss the love-hate relationship of Charushashi and Tarapada

Answer: Charushashi and Tarapada’s relationship is complex, marked by a blend of

affection and antagonism. While Charushashi initially resents Tarapada for the
attention he receives from her parents, her feelings evolve, indicating a deeper,
albeit conflicted, emotional connection. This relationship oscillates between moments
of jealousy, anger, and eventual understanding, reflecting the nuanced dynamics of
a love-hate relationship where emotions are intense and often contradictory.

Long Answer Questions

1. Discuss the suitability of the title of the story.

Answer: The title “Atithi” (The Guest) is profoundly suitable for the story. It
encapsulates the essence of the protagonist, Tarapada, a teenager imbued with
wanderlust and a transient existence. Just as a guest is not a permanent member of
a household but a temporary visitor, Tarapada, too, never stays long in any place or
forms lasting attachments.

His character symbolises the fleeting nature of human connections and the
ephemeral quality of life. Throughout the story, Tarapada’s interactions and
relationships are transient, reinforcing the idea of him being a guest in every setting
he enters. This nomadic lifestyle and detachment from worldly affairs highlight the
transient nature of human existence, making the title apt and reflective of the story’s
central theme.

2. What made Tarapada an almost ascetic who was totally detached from
worldly affairs? Discuss.

Answer: Tarapada’s detachment from worldly affairs and his ascetic-like demeanour
stem from his innate restlessness and desire for freedom. From a young age,
Tarapada exhibits a unique disinterest in materialistic and familial bonds, instead
drawn irresistibly towards exploration and wanderlust. This detachment is not due to
disenchantment or negative experiences; rather, it seems to be an intrinsic part of
his nature.

His repeated departures from his family, despite their love and affection, and his
unwillingness to settle down or adhere to societal norms, suggest a deep-seated
yearning for something beyond the ordinary experiences of domestic life. Tarapada’s
disposition towards life is almost spiritual, seeking a deeper understanding or
experience that cannot be found in conventional living. This spiritual quest and his
pursuit of freedom and new experiences lend him an ascetic quality, making him
detached from regular worldly affairs.

3. What makes this story interesting?

Answer: The story “Atithi” captivates interest through its exploration of human
nature, the concept of freedom, and the pursuit of a meaningful life. The protagonist,
Tarapada, with his enigmatic personality and nonconformist lifestyle, serves as a
focal point of intrigue. His refusal to adhere to societal norms and his constant quest
for new experiences challenge conventional perspectives on life and relationships.

The narrative’s rich emotional tapestry, encompassing love, jealousy, wanderlust,

and detachment, adds depth and complexity to the characters and their interactions.
The story’s underlying themes, such as the conflict between individual desires and
societal expectations, and the transient nature of human connections, resonate
universally, making it a compelling read. Moreover, Rabindranath Tagore’s evocative
writing style, with its poetic prose and vivid imagery, brings the characters and their
emotions to life, creating an immersive and thought-provoking experience for the
reader.

4. Do the different jatras undertaken by Tarapada symbolise something?

Elaborate.

Answer: The different journeys and groups that Tarapada joins like the theatre
troupe, acrobats, and panchali singers can be seen as symbolising his quest to
explore and experience life.

The theatre troupe represents Tarapada’s desire to observe and understand the
human drama or stories that constitute life. The acrobats symbolise the thirst for
adventure and honing one’s talents. Joining the panchali singers reflects Tarapada’s
artistic spirit and love for music.

Each jatra allows Tarapada to gain something significant – whether understanding of

human psychology, mastery over the physical self, or nurturing of his creative side.
Through these experiences, the ever-curious Tarapada accumulates knowledge
about the world and different facets of life.

His joining and leaving each troupe depicts the transient nature of life’s stations. It
shows Tarapada’s belief that there is always more to learn and see, which propels
him to keep seeking new adventures. His journey reflects the human quest for
meaning which often requires exploring many different paths.

5. Does the restlessness of the youth convey any significance? Do you think
Tarapada is doing right by not staying long at one place.

Answer: The restlessness and wanderlust depicted in Tarapada’s character conveys

the significance of the eternal human yearning for freedom, exploration and
experience. His inability to settle in one place for long shows his quest for meaning
and adventure in life.

On one hand, Tarapada’s detachment allows him to experience life fully and not be
tied down by mundane responsibilities. However, it also prevents him from forming
deep relationships and commitments. Moderation between responsibilities and
freedom is perhaps ideal. So while Tarapada’s restless spirit is understandable,
staying a little longer in positive situations could have brought more enrichment too.
But ultimately, Tarapada follows his unique calling, which cannot be judged as fully
right or wrong. His life choices reflect an intrinsic human paradox.

Extra questions and answers

1. Where was Motilal Babu travelling to?

Answer: Motilal Babu was travelling along the river with his family to Kanthalia, a
place in rural Bengal of which he was the zamindar or landlord.

2. Who is the protagonist in the story? Where did he want to go?

Answer: The protagonist is Tarapada, a teenage boy around 15 or 16 years old. He

is described as handsome and alluring, with a restless spirit. He wanted to go to
Nandigram.

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28. How does Tarapada’s restless spirit shape the events of the story?

Answer: Tarapada’s restless wandering spirit drives the events of the story, from his
constantly leaving behind situations and people, to his disappearance at the end. His
inability to settle propels him from a theatre troupe, to musicians, to acrobats, then
onto Motilal Babu’s family. Though they care for him, his wanderlust prevails. His
search for meaning out in the world ultimately leads him to disappear right before
marrying Charushashi. His inner spirit determines his path.

29. Compare and contrast the personalities of Charushashi and Tarapada. How
do they foil each other?

Answer: Charushashi and Tarapada have clashing personalities that highlight their
differences. Charushashi is moody, possessive, and quick to outbursts of emotion.
She becomes irrationally jealous of the attention Tarapada receives. In contrast,
Tarapada remains detached and calm in the face of her tantrums. His placid,
philosophical nature balances her volatility. His focus is internal while she fixates on
external validation. Their differing approaches to life foil one another.
 THE COOKIE LADY
Summary
The story opens with young Bubber Surle walking down the street as other
neighbourhood boys taunt him about visiting an elderly woman they refer to as his
“lady friend.” Bubber ignores them and continues to the run-down home of Mrs.
Drew, known around the neighbourhood as the “Cookie Lady.” She greets Bubber
warmly, having just baked fresh cookies for him, his favourite treat.

As Bubber sits eating cookies in her living room, Mrs. Drew asks him to read aloud
from his school books, claiming she enjoys being read to since her eyesight is failing.
As he reads in a dull monotone, Mrs. Drew sits very close by, observing him intently.
A strange transformation begins occurring – Mrs. Drew starts growing younger, her
withered skin plumping up and wrinkles disappearing as she seems to feed off
Bubber’s youthful energy. However, the transformation is only temporary and she
becomes old again as soon as Bubber leaves.

Bubber’s parents dislike him spending time with the eccentric Cookie Lady. They
notice he comes home exhausted and tells him that he can visit her only one last
time. Bubber tells Mrs. Drew this next visit will be his last per his parents’ orders.
Mrs. Drew is distraught and begs Bubber to stay and read to her. She moves her
chair even closer to the boy and touches his arm, intensifying the rejuvenating effect.
Lost in her own restoration, Mrs. Drew becomes a vivacious, dark-haired beauty, the
withered old woman totally transformed. Oblivious, Bubber simply finishes the
cookies and leaves.

As Bubber struggles home through the cold dusk, he becomes increasingly weak
and ill, needing to frequently stop and rest. His concerned parents hear faint tapping
at the front door and open it to find a bundle of dry weeds blowing in the wind. The
implication is that Mrs. Drew’s selfish rejuvenation completely drained Bubber’s life
force, leaving only his depleted remains.

Logic-Based Questions
1. Mrs Drew kept the door open for Bubber because

Answer: she wanted to welcome him into her house to serve him cookies.

2. On eating cookies Bubber’s ample sides bulged because

Answer: he was already overweight and eating more made him even more obese.
3. Mrs Drew asked Bubber to stay and talk to her for while because

Answer: she wanted to regain her youth by draining his life and energy.

4. Bubber had been coming to Mrs Drew because

Answer: she baked tasty cookies with nuts and raisins which were his favourite.

5. Ernie used to ask Bubber about his visit to old lady because

Answer: he found Bubber’s frequent visits to the old lady amusing.

6. Mrs Drew underwent transformation when Bubber visited her because

Answer: something strange happened where she gained back her lost youth just by
being close to Bubber.

7. Bubber’s mouth watered when he saw the lady drinking ice-cream soda
because

Answer: it reminded him of the tasty cookies and cold milk served by Mrs. Drew.

8. Bubber stopped outside McVane’s drugstore because

Answer: he felt tempted by the ice cream soda he saw someone drinking there.

9. Bubber’s father did not want him to go to the lady because

Answer: he found something strange about the old lady and her influence on Bubber
as he would always come back exhausted.

10. On his way back from Mrs Drew’s house, Bubber felt tired, his headache
because

Answer: Mrs. Drew had drained him of his youth and energy when he visited her.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why is Bernard teased by his friends? Where does he go?

Answer: Bernard is teased by his friend Ernie because he frequently visits an old
lady named Mrs. Drew. Ernie asks in a mocking tone if Bernard is going to see his
“lady friend” again. Bernard ignores the teasing and continues to Mrs. Drew’s house
which is located at the end of the street.

2. Where was the old lady living? What kind of house was it?

Answer: The old lady Mrs. Drew lived in a small rundown grey house located at the
end of Elm Street. Her house looked shabby and neglected with peeling paint,
sagging porch steps, overgrown weeds in the yard, and an old rocking chair on the
porch.

3. What tempts Bubber to the cookie lady?

Answer: Bubber is tempted to visit Mrs. Drew because she bakes fresh, warm
cookies with nuts and raisins which are his favourite treat. She also serves him cold
milk to drink with the cookies which makes it even more appealing to Bubber who
has an insatiable sweet tooth.

4. What do you know about Bubber’s parents?

Answer: Not much background is provided about Bubber’s parents except that his
father’s name is Ralf Surle and his mother’s name is May Surle. They do not
approve of Bubber’s frequent visits to Mrs. Drew’s house and think there is
something strange about the old lady’s influence on their son.

5. How long has Bubber been visiting the old lady? How would she feel in his
presence?

Answer: The story indicates Bubber has been visiting Mrs. Drew for over a month.
She seems to greatly enjoy Bubber’s company, as she does not like being alone and
asks him to stay longer and talk or read to her. His youthful presence seems to have
a refreshing, rejuvenating effect on Mrs. Drew.

6. What did the boy feel in her company and after he left her?

Answer: In Mrs. Drew’s company while eating cookies Bubber felt content and
satisfied. But after leaving her house to return home, he felt extremely weary, tired,
and drained of energy.

7. What reaction did Bubber’s parents give when he returned from Mrs Drew’s
house?

Answer: Bubber’s parents were upset when he returned home late from Mrs.
Drew’s, annoyed that he disobeyed their instruction not to stay too long. They also
expressed concern that he came home exhausted and something strange was going
on with the old lady.

8. What wrong do you find in Bubber visiting Mrs Drew?

Answer: It was unwise for an innocent, obese young boy to repeatedly spend time
alone with a seemingly strange elderly woman. She appears to take advantage by
exploiting Bubber’s youth and energy for her own benefit.

9. How did the lady feel the change in herself when Bubber visited her on his
last visit?

Answer: On Bubber’s last visit, Mrs. Drew undergoes a shocking transformation

where she suddenly begins rejuvenating and regaining a youthful vigour she had
lost, with reddening lips, lush hair, firm flesh, and an exuberant thrill at getting her old
body back.

10. Do you approve of the lady feeling happy over her transformation when
she ignored what had happened to the boy?

Answer: No, it is despicable that Mrs. Drew only cares about restoring her own
youth through some mystical energy drain from Bubber without any concern for his
well-being or what terrible fate she doomed him to. Her selfishness and lack of
conscience is quite disturbing.

11. What fate is meted out to Bubber?

Answer: The last scene shockingly reveals that Bubber never made it home from his
final visit with Mrs. Drew, instead somehow turning into a mere bundle of trash
papers and weeds blown about in the wind, essentially erased or destroyed.

12. What kind of boy is Bubber depicted?

Answer: Bubber is depicted as a fat, greedy, but innocent and oblivious boy who
allows his craving for sweets and cookies to blind him to the dangerous stranger he
interacts with, making him vulnerable to being exploited without realising the harm
being done to him.

Long Answer Questions

1. Discuss the appropriateness of the title of the story The Cookie Lady’ .
Answer: The title ‘The Cookie Lady’ is highly appropriate for this story as the old
lady, Mrs Drew is the pivot around which the entire story revolves. She has an
irresistible charm of making delicious cookies which draw the young boy Bubber to
her small house again and again. While serving him cookies, she craftily gains
proximity to the boy which enables her to steal his youth and get rejuvenated herself.
The title highlights her skill in baking as well as her vicious motives.

2. Comment on the theme of the story.

Answer: The central theme of this horror story is the exploitation of innocence. The
old Mrs Drew exploits Bubber’s innocence and craving for cookies to drain out his
youth for her own benefit. It also shows how neglect on the part of parents can lead
children to fall into the traps of unscrupulous people. The theme highlights the
selfishness and greed for one’s own good at the cost of others.

3. Give a character sketch of Mrs Drew.

Answer: Mrs Drew is the main character around whom the story revolves. She is
depicted as a shrewd, cunning old lady living alone in a dilapidated house overgrown
with weeds. Her only aim is to exploit the boy Bubber who is drawn to her house by
the irresistible cookies she bakes. While serving him cookies, she gains proximity
with the boy which enables her to literally steal away all his youth and vitality, leaving
him just an empty shell. She is shown to be utterly selfish, remorseless and vicious
in her motives.

4. What kind of story is ‘The Cookie Lady’?

Answer: ‘The Cookie Lady’ is a horror story with strong elements of mystery and
suspense. There is something strange and sinister about the old lady’s house, her
persona and her interaction with the young boy. The reader feels an atmosphere of
foreboding evil as the boy loses all his vitality after his visits to Mrs Drew’s house
while she becomes younger. The climax where the boy turns into a bundle of trash
being blown around builds the horror.

5. Discuss the plot of the story.

Answer: The story follows a linear plot sequence. The exposition introduces us to
the boy Bubber who is drawn to the dilapidated house of Mrs Drew because of her
irresistible cookies. The conflict arises from his repeated visits to her house where
she craftily begins to drain out his youth. The suspense builds up around the strange
transformation Mrs Drew undergoes and the abrupt ending where Bubber loses his
human form comes as a horrifying twist. There are no subplots and the story focuses
only on the bizarre relationship between the boy and the cookie lady.

6. Comment on the ending of the story. Could there be another ending?

Answer: The ending is quite abrupt and horrifying as Bubber loses his human form
and existence and turns into a bundle of trash being blown around by the wind. This
ending shows the extent of Mrs Drew’s vicious and exploitative nature. An alternative
ending could have shown Bubber realising her evil motives and stopping his visits to
her house on his parents’ advice. But that would have made it less horrifying. The
present ending jolts the reader by its sheer unexpectedness.

7. Does the story ‘The Cookie Lady’ carry any meaning underneath? What is
it?

Answer: Yes, beneath its horrifying plot, the story carries the message that innocent
people like Bubber are often exploited by selfish and unscrupulous elements in
society. The old lady represents the greed and exploitation facing innocence and
gullibility in the modern world. Parents and guardians have a duty to guide and
protect children from falling into such traps. The story is thus a critique of selfishness
and suggests remaining vigilant in an increasingly materialistic world.

Extra questions and answers

1. What is the name of the young boy who visits Mrs. Drew?

Answer: The name of the young boy is Bernard, nicknamed Bubber.

2. What does Mrs. Drew serve the boy when he visits her?

Answer: Mrs. Drew bakes fresh, warm cookies with nuts and raisins for Bubber
when he visits her. She also serves him cold milk to have with the cookies.

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23. How would you describe Mrs. Drew’s motivation in the story?

Answer: Mrs. Drew is motivated by a ruthless desire to regain lost youth by

exploiting Bubber’s presence. She is driven by entirely selfish aims and is willing to
harm another for the sake of her own restoration. Vanity, greed and vampirism seem
to drive her more than compassion or ethics.

24. Do you think there are any deeper meanings in this story? Explain.

Answer: Yes, the story can be seen as an allegory about how the old exploit the
young in order to recapture lost youth and vitality, thus damaging bright futures. On a
deeper level, its exaggerated horror hints at the societal fear of ageing and
underscores how age drains beauty and vigour from all eventually.
 TITHONUS
Summary
The speaker in this poem is Tithonus, son of the Trojan king Laomedon. He
reminisces about the unfortunate predicament he finds himself in as a result of being
granted immortality by his divine wife, the goddess Eos. Tithonus reflects that it is
the natural law and destiny of all creatures, including humans, to age and meet their
end. However, the eternal life given to him by Eos has left him a feeble, decrepit old
man unable to die. Rather than blame Eos (Aurora) for his miserable state, Tithonus
takes responsibility, admitting it was his own pride and ambition in demanding
immortality while young that has led to this. He deeply regrets having lost his vigour
and youth, while Eos (Aurora) remains eternally beautiful and alluring as the
goddess of the dawn.

Tithonus now desperately wishes Eos (Aurora) would take back her gift of
immortality, agreeing that he has no reason to go on living when all mortals must die.
He contrasts Eos’ enduring youthful splendour with his own withered and hopeless
old age. Tithonus expresses anguish over no longer being able to match the
passionate youth of his beloved wife. When Eos (Aurora) does not respond to his
pleas, Tithonus realises she too is in pain, though as a goddess she does not shed
tears as he does. Her tearful eyes remind him of an old saying he learned in his
youth – that the gods cannot revoke gifts once bestowed.

Tithonus mourns the loss of his own passionate enjoyment of dawn’s beauty and
Eos’ youthful ardour, as he has grown old and lost the energy and zeal for life he
once had. He wonders if he is even the same man anymore. His words suggest it
was perhaps his fate to wed the radiant goddess and suffer this torment. Therefore
neither Eos (Aurora) nor Tithonus himself are to blame for his current misery. In the
end, he implores Eos (Aurora) not to force him to remain immortal as he has become
withered and aged, feeling no passion for her anymore. The sight of the vapours
from the fields of still-mortal men reveals their happiness in not having to grow old
without death. Even those in their graves under the grass seem fortunate to Tithonus
for having avoided the sorrow of immortality devoid of youth. He expresses his wish
to die and be released from this woeful existence, while acknowledging Eos (Aurora)
will go on delighting in her immortality. The poem’s implication is that humans are
meant to perish and depart the earth, while the gods remain eternal.

Though based on the Greek myth of Tithonus and Eos, the poem does not recount
the literal myth, omitting for instance Tithonus being turned into a grasshopper.
Rather it focuses on the human condition and the problems that arise when the
natural cycle of life is interfered with, whether by mortal ambition or divine power.
Line-by-line explanation
The woods…the swan.
Tennyson paints a scene of natural entropy and the inexorable passage of time. The
repeated phrase “the woods decay and fall” serves as a melancholic refrain that
nature, in its endless cycle, is subject to decline and death. The imagery of the
weeping vapours adds a layer of sorrow, as if the skies themselves mourn the fate of
all things that must eventually succumb to the gravity of time—represented both
literally as rain falling to the ground and symbolically as the sorrows of life. Man’s
brief tenure on earth is likened to a farmer’s labour, which is temporary and
inevitably ends with him becoming part of the land he once cultivated. The swan’s
death is particularly evocative; though it lives through many summers—a symbol of
beauty and grace—even it is not immune to death. This stanza establishes the
theme of mortality that contrasts sharply with the immortal existence Tithonus
laments.

Me only cruel … halls of morn.

Here, the speaker, Tithonus, describes himself as an anomaly within the natural
order. Unlike the woods, the vapour, man, and the swan, he cannot decay and fall;
he is trapped by the “cruel immortality” granted to him. The word “consumes” is
paradoxical—normally one would be consumed by death, not immortality. But for
Tithonus, immortality is a slow consumption, a perpetual withering rather than a
quick release. The image of a “white-haired shadow” emphasises his ghostly,
insubstantial existence. His comparison to a “dream” floating through “ever-silent
spaces of the East” is replete with the notion of liminality; he is caught between the
tangible world and some other ethereal realm, a place marked by the “gleaming halls
of morn,” suggestive of the unattainable beauty and renewal that dawn represents,
forever out of his grasp.

Alas! for this gray … than a God!

These lines express a profound sense of loss. Tithonus mourns for himself, recalling
his past vitality and glory. He was once a “grey shadow,” full of life and chosen by a
goddess. His selection by a divine being made him feel akin to a god, inflating his
sense of self to divine proportions. It’s a wistful reflection on past grandeur, now lost.

I ask’d thee … how they give.

Tithonus recalls the fateful request he made to the goddess Eos—to be made
immortal. The granting of this wish is recounted with a sense of naivety on both their
parts. Eos’s smile is likened to that of the careless generosity of the rich, who give
without considering the consequences or the nature of the gift. This introduces the
theme of unintended consequences and the folly of wishing for more than what is
naturally allotted.

But thy strong … in ashes.

Time, personified as “strong Hours,” seems to rebel against the perversion of its
natural law. Tithonus is not simply living; he is being actively destroyed by time, yet
not allowed to die. There’s a sense of indignity in the way time treats him, leaving
him “maim’d” and less than he once was. The juxtaposition of “immortal age beside
immortal youth” is tragic—Tithonus ages but does not die, whereas Eos (Aurora)
remains eternally young. His former self is reduced to “ashes,” a powerful image of
complete degradation and the finality that he can never achieve.

Can thy love … meet for all?

Tithonus questions whether the love and beauty of the goddess can compensate for
the torment he endures. The “silver star,” possibly the planet Venus, often
associated with love, guides Eos (Aurora) and is reflected in her tearful eyes,
signifying her regret and sadness over Tithonus’s fate. His plea to be released from
immortality is laden with the wisdom of hindsight; he now sees the value in the
natural order of life and death from which he has been excluded. He ponders why
anyone would want to deviate from the human experience, to go beyond the natural
boundaries set for life—reflecting the Victorian era’s anxieties about the
consequences of hubris and the overreaching of humanity.

A soft air … I was born.

A change in the atmosphere occurs as a gentle breeze provides a momentary
glimpse into Tithonus’s past. The “dark world” refers to the mortal world he was born
into—a stark contrast to the perpetual dawn he now inhabits. This glimpse serves as
a poignant reminder of what he has lost: his mortality and the natural world he was a
part of.

Once more … flakes of fire.

Eos’s transformation at dawn is described with an ethereal beauty. The “old
mysterious glimmer” alludes to the recurring beauty of Eos (Aurora) that Tithonus
has witnessed countless times, yet now it only serves to emphasise his eternal
alienation from the cycle of life and death. The “wild team” refers to the horses of
Eos’s chariot, full of vitality and vigour, embodying the power and majesty of the
natural world that Tithonus can observe but no longer partake in. The poetic image
of the twilight being beaten “into flakes of fire” captures the violence and beauty of
the dawn, as well as the pain it brings to Tithonus, as it signifies another day of his
endless life.

Lo! ever thus … on my cheek.

Tithonus acknowledges the silent beauty of Eos (Aurora) that grows with each
passing moment. Her departure without answering his pleas indicates a sense of
inevitability and helplessness in the face of his fate. The tears on his cheek are a
testament to their shared sorrow—a sorrow that is profound and personal, marking
the gulf between their experiences.

Why wilt thou … recall their gifts.’

The tears of Eos (Aurora) alarm Tithonus; they seem to confirm a terrible ancient
saying that even the gods cannot undo what they have given. This realisation
terrifies him, suggesting his immortality, and thus his suffering, is irrevocable. This
echoes a common theme in myths where divine actions are irreversible and often
carry a heavy price.
Ay me! … sunny rings;
Tithonus expresses a poignant longing for the past, contrasting his former vitality
with his current despair. The repeated exclamations “Ay me! ay me!” signal deep
lamentation. He nostalgically remembers watching Eos (Aurora) with a heart full of
life and eyes that could truly see and appreciate the beauty of her divine
transformation. There’s a sense of disbelief as he questions whether he is the same
person who once observed Eos’s hair transform from dim curls into rings illuminated
by the sun.

Changed with thy … wild and sweet,

He recalls being in sync with Eos’s transformation at dawn, his body reacting to the
increasing light that made her divine presence radiate. As he lay there, every kiss
from Eos (Aurora) was rejuvenating and warm, compared to the gentle emergence of
spring represented by “half-opening buds of April.” There’s a sense of mystery and
sweetness in the whispers he couldn’t quite understand, reminiscent of the
enchanting and incomprehensible nature of divine communication.

Like that … into towers.

The memory of Eos’s whispers takes him back further in time to the divine songs of
Apollo, the god of music. He evokes an image of Troy (Ilion), his homeland,
appearing majestic and dream-like, rising from the mist, possibly alluding to the
legendary past and the glory of life before his transformation into an immortal being.

Yet hold me … power to die,

Tithonus pleads with Eos (Aurora) not to keep him bound to the realm of the eternal
dawn, which she governs. There is a profound disconnect between his now-cold,
mortal nature and her warm, immortal one. The ‘rosy shadows’ and lights of dawn,
once sources of warmth and joy, now feel cold to him, a reminder of his unnatural
state. He envisions the earthly fields and homes of mortals, who, in their ability to
die, possess a happiness he can no longer attain.

And grassy … silver wheels.

Tithonus deems even the dead, lying in their grass-covered graves, to be happier
than he is. He implores Eos (Aurora) to let him join them in the earth, to end his
eternal suffering. He acknowledges her omnipotent vision, assuming she will witness
his return to the earth upon his death. He imagines a world where she continues her
daily renewal, her beauty unfading with each dawn, while he, once returned to dust,
will no longer remember the empty existence he endured. The ‘silver wheels’ refer to
her chariot, which brings the dawn each day—yet for him, it’s a cycle from which he
desperately seeks release.

Critical analysis of the poem

Alfred Lord Tennyson’s monologue “Tithonus” utilises the mythological character
Tithonus to meditate on existential questions of life, death, and immortality. Tithonus
was granted eternal life by Eos, goddess of the dawn, but not everlasting youth.
Through Tithonus’s lamentation, the poem explores the agony of an immortal being
trapped in a decaying body, suggesting immortality alone is a curse without the
permanence of youth.

A prevalent theme is the contrast between the mortal condition of constant change
and renewal versus Tithonus’s unchanging, interminable decline. While the natural
world cycles through life, death, and rebirth with each dawn, Tithonus remains
suspended in perpetual decrepitude. The vivid imagery of the rejuvenating dawn
underscores Tithonus’s stasis and isolation in the “ever-silent spaces.”

Tennyson employs mournful rhythm and enjambment to evoke Tithonus’s ceaseless,

unpausing torment. The irregular metre reinforces the anguished disjunction
between Tithonus’s state and the natural order. Requests for death’s release convey
the desire to escape suffering, highlighting the poem’s solemn existential
undertones.

The recurring dawn imagery exemplifies how love, even divine love, cannot conquer
the ruthless passage of time or mortality’s shadow. Tithonus’s yearning for his
youthful passion suggests life’s poignancy is in its ephemeral nature. Tennyson
implies immortality alone is meaningless without change, implying the necessity of
death in providing life meaning.

By poetically rendering Tithonus’s mythic agony, Tennyson stimulates contemplation

on mortality, desire, and the human quest for immortality. The poem warns against
tampering with natural laws and hubristically seeking eternal life devoid of growth or
purpose. Ultimately, “Tithonus” provides a mythological lens to examine timeless
philosophical questions about the essence and cyclical beauty of mortal existence.

Short Answer Questions

(i) Why does Tithonus call the boon of his immortality cruel?

Answer: Tithonus considers his immortality cruel because it is accompanied by

ageing without the possibility of death. He is trapped in an aged body, unable to
enjoy life as his youthful wife, the Goddess of dawn, does, making his eternal life feel
more like a curse than a blessing.

(ii) Describe the place where Tithonus lives with Aurora, the goddess of dawn.

Answer: Tithonus lives with Aurora, the goddess of dawn, in the far east where it is
always misty and gloomy. He describes it as “the ever-silent spaces of the East, Far-
folded mists, and gleaming halls of morn.” So it seems to be a cold, quiet, and dark
place enveloped in mist.
(iii) Explain the circumstances under which Tithonus was granted immortality.

Answer: Tithonus was granted immortality by Aurora after he had fallen in love with
the beautiful goddess. In his youthful passion and ardour, Tithonus had asked
Aurora to grant him immortality so he could be with her forever. Aurora readily
granted him this wish without thinking of the consequences.

(iv) What similarity is mentioned between the grant of immortality to Tithonus

and the way wealthy people give money to someone?

Answer: The grant of immortality to Tithonus is compared to the way wealthy people
casually give away money to someone without much thought. Just as rich people
don’t care how they give away their money, Aurora granted Tithonus immortality
without considering the implications of eternal life without eternal youth.

(v) Why does the speaker want the goddess to rectify the error she has made?

Answer: The speaker, Tithonus, wants the goddess Aurora to rectify her mistake
and take back the gift of immortality because it has become a curse for him. He has
grown old and decrepit over time while she remains eternally youthful. Tithonus
pleads with her to release him from this agonizing existence.

(vi) Give a description of the appearance of dawn on her chariot.

Answer: The appearance of dawn on her chariot is described vividly: “Thy cheek
begins to redden thro’ the gloom, Thy sweet eyes brighten slowly close to mine, Ere
yet they blind the stars, and the wild team Which love thee, yearning for thy yoke,
arise, And shake the darkness from their loosened names, And beat the twilight into
flakes of fire.” Aurora’s cheeks redden, her eyes shine brightly, the stars fade in the
light, her wild horses shake their manes and pull her chariot, beating the darkness
into flakes of fire in the sky.

(vii) What is the limitation of the gods that Tithonus points out? When does he
realise this?

Answer: Tithonus realises that even the gods have limitations and cannot recall the
boons they have granted. When Aurora does not respond to his plea and merely
sheds tears, Tithonus understands that she is helpless to take back the gift of
immortality. This makes him recall an old saying that “The Gods themselves cannot
recall their gifts.”
Long Answer Questions

(i) Who has made Tithonus immortal? Why is he unhappy? What does he long
for?

Answer: Tithonus has been made immortal by Aurora, the goddess of dawn. He fell
in love with the beautiful goddess and in a moment of passion, asked her to grant
him immortality so he could be with her forever. Aurora readily granted this wish but
forgot to also give him eternal youth. Over time, Tithonus aged normally as a human
while Aurora remained eternally youthful. Now old and decrepit, Tithonus is unhappy
with his immortality and longs for death, which is the natural end of mortal men.

(ii) Discuss the poem as a dramatic monologue.

Answer: The poem is a dramatic monologue with Tithonus as the sole speaker. He
directly addresses Aurora and expresses his agonised thoughts and feelings about
the curse of his immortality. The entire poem is Tithonus’ plea to Aurora to take back
her gift and allow him to die. We get insights into his mental state and emotions as
he oscillates between memories of his passionate youth and his current misery and
decay. The dramatic technique vividly brings out Tithonus’ suffering.

(iii) How does Tithonus describe his past life as a human on the earth?

Answer: Tithonus fondly recalls his vigorous youth when he was Aurora’s
passionate lover. He describes how he used to eagerly watch the dawn break,
observe Aurora’s beauty manifest as her curls turned to rings of light, and feel his
own blood glow with desire for her. He reminisces about the tender moments they
shared and how he heard her speak mystical words of love that sounded like divine
music. Overall, he paints a vivid picture of their idyllic love before immortality ruined it
all.

(iv) How does the poet describe the journey of the goddess across the sky?

Answer: The poet richly describes Aurora’s grand journey across the sky as dawn
breaks. Her cheeks redden, eyes glow, and the stars fade away unable to match her
brightness. Her spirited horses shake out their manes, ready to pull her chariot. As
they set off, their hooves beat the darkness into flakes of fire and light spreads
through the sky. The vivid imagery makes the reader visualize the glorious dawn.

(v) Compare Tithonus’ feelings and attitude towards immortality in his youth
and in his old age.

Answer: In his youth, Tithonus was so passionately in love with Aurora that he
desired immortality to be with her forever. He considered it a boon and blessing.
Now in his old age, he sees immortality as a cruel curse that has caused him
endless suffering and decay. He longs for death and sees it as a release, not a
tragedy. His attitudes towards immortality in youth and old age are completely
opposite.

(vi) How does Tithonus try to convince the goddess at the end of the poem
that she should not keep him in the East where she lives?

Answer: Tithonus pleads with Aurora not to force him to remain immortal in her cold,
gloomy abode in the East. He argues they are fundamentally incompatible – she is
an eternally youthful goddess full of light and life while he is now a withered,
trembling old mortal man. The dawn’s beauty only reminds him of his decay. He
wants to be freed and returned to the human world where he can grow old and die
naturally like all mortal men, whose graves seem happier to him than his miserable
immortality.

Additional/extra questions and answers

1. What is the central theme of the poem “Tithonus”?

Answer: The central theme of the poem “Tithonus” is the agony and pain resulting
from immortality granted to Tithonus. It emphasises that immortality is not meant for
human beings and that every earthly being has to meet death. The poem forcefully
expresses the idea that human beings should be content with mortality and the
reality of death, as immortality for humans can turn out to be a curse. It also conveys
that humans should not aspire for a life meant for gods, and overreaching one’s
limits can lead to terrible consequences.

2. Describe the character of Tithonus in your own words.

Answer: Tithonus is portrayed as a once glorious and beautiful mortal who has
become a shadow of his former self due to the curse of immortality without eternal
youth. He is filled with regret and longing for the release from his undying state,
expressing a deep sense of loss and a yearning for the natural cycle of life and
death.

19. How does the poem explore the relationship between love and mortality?

Answer: The poem explores the relationship between love and mortality by showing
how Tithonus’s immortal love for the goddess is marred by his mortality. His undying
state prevents him from fully experiencing love, which is inherently tied to the mortal
experience.

20. What can be inferred about Tithonus’ beloved and their role in his fate?

Answer: It can be inferred that Tithonus’s beloved, the goddess Eos, played a
pivotal role in his fate by granting him immortality without eternal youth. Her role is
complex, as she is both the source of his eternal life and the unintended cause of his
suffering.
 THE TELEPHONE CONVERSATION
Summary
The poem “Telephone Conversation” by Wole Soyinka explores the problematic
issue of racial discrimination through a simple phone call between a West African
man and a British landlady. The man, looking for a place to live, finds the price and
location good, but decides to tell the landlady he is African, knowing it could make
her not want to rent to him.

When he says he is African, she is silent, which he first thinks shows she is well-
bred. But then she bluntly asks if he is “light or very dark.” Her rude question ruins
any idea he had of her being sophisticated or open-minded.

Trying to clarify her intrusive question, he uses the comparison of “plain or milk
chocolate,” and she responds in a clinical, impersonal way. He finally describes
himself as “West African sepia,” a detail noted in his passport. Not knowing that
term, the landlady fails to hide her ignorance and lack of interest in him.

Frustrated and almost amused by how absurd the situation is, the man jokingly says
that while his face is dark, his palms and feet are as white as “peroxide blonde.”
Sensing the call will end soon, he makes one last try at inviting the landlady to see
his skin colour herself. The poem ends without revealing her final response, but it is
implied her questions were based more on prejudice than simple curiosity.

The poem strongly criticises the deep-rooted racial prejudice in society. Through the
straightforward but loaded dialogue between the two characters, Soyinka captures
the dehumanising experience of being judged only by skin colour. The irony and
absurdity of the interaction highlight how common racial discrimination still is, even in
everyday activities like apartment hunting.

Line-by-line explanation
The price … Off premises.
In these opening lines, the speaker provides us with the basic context for the poem.
He is considering renting a place, and the price appears to be reasonable while the
location doesn’t particularly excite or bother him. The landlady assures him that she
doesn’t live on the property, implying that the tenant will have some degree of
privacy. At this point, everything seems rather standard and nothing raises a red flag
for the prospective tenant.

Nothing remained … I am African.”

The speaker feels the need to “confess” that he is African. The use of the word
“confession” suggests that revealing his ethnicity may be perceived negatively, an
unfortunate reality many people face due to racial prejudices. The speaker is also
practical, he doesn’t want to waste time and energy in going to view the place if the
landlady is going to discriminate against him for being African.
Silence. Silenced transmission of pressurised good-breeding.
The landlady doesn’t respond immediately. The speaker interprets this silence as her
being caught between her own possible prejudices and societal norms that dictate
good manners. This “pressurised good-breeding” indicates that her silence might be
due to her trying to react appropriately, even though she may feel otherwise.

Voice, when it came … I was, foully.

When the landlady finally speaks, the speaker imagines her voice as being
sophisticated, visualising her with lipstick and a stylish cigarette holder. However, he
soon feels deceived or “caught foully” when her subsequent words reveal her racial
bias.

“HOW DARK?”…I had not misheard….”ARE YOU LIGHT OR VERY DARK?”

The landlady bluntly asks about the exact shade of the speaker’s skin colour,
confirming his earlier apprehension about racial prejudice. She doesn’t mince words
and her direct question comes as a shock to the speaker, making him realise that he
had not misunderstood her initial silence.

Button B. Button A. … squelching tar.

Here, the speaker describes his surroundings and his feelings. The “Button B. Button
A.” might refer to the buttons in a public telephone booth. The “stench of rancid
breath” symbolises the disgusting nature of the societal discrimination he is
experiencing. The repeated use of the colour “red” could symbolise anger,
emergency, or attention, encapsulating his emotional state.

It was real! … to beg simplification.

Realising the landlady’s blunt racism, the speaker feels a mixture of shame and
disbelief. His silence is not out of manners but rather from being “dumbfounded,” and
he eventually breaks it to ask for clarification, almost as if he can’t believe what he’s
hearing.

“ARE YOU DARK? … milk chocolate?”

The landlady repeats her question, but the speaker, now fully aware of her intent,
tries to bring some level of absurdity to the conversation by comparing skin tone to
chocolate. This line reflects the speaker’s effort to mirror back the ridiculousness of
her query.

Her accent was … in my passport.”

The landlady’s tone is cold and clinical, devoid of any warmth or humanity. The
speaker decides to answer her question by describing his skin colour as “West
African sepia,” a formal tone used perhaps in official documents like a passport.

Silence for spectroscopic … “Like brunette.”

The landlady goes silent again, possibly confused or unwilling to admit ignorance.
When she finally speaks, her tone changes, revealing her true feelings. The speaker
simplifies his answer to “Like brunette” to make it easier for her to understand.
“THAT’S DARK … bottom raven black—”
The conversation reaches a point of satire. The speaker plays with the idea of his
skin color, saying that while his face might be dark, other parts of him are as light as
“peroxide blonde.” He even humorously adds that sitting down has turned his bottom
“raven black,” making a mockery of the landlady’s fixation on skin colour.

“One moment madam! … See for yourself?”

Sensing that the landlady is about to end the call, the speaker makes a last effort to
invite her to judge him in person rather than base her decision on preconceived
notions. The poem leaves us hanging, not revealing what the landlady chooses to
do, but the implication is quite clear: the entire conversation exposes the insidious
and pervasive nature of racial discrimination.

Logic-Based Questions

(i) The African caller finds the accommodation suitable because

Answer: the price was seen as reasonable, and the location did not seem to be a
problem.

(ii) The man makes the confession that he is an African because

Answer: he wants to avoid the potential futility of a trip if the landlady would reject
him based on his race.

(iii) The man fears that his journey to get the house on rent will be wasted
because

Answer: he might be denied the rental on the grounds of his skin colour.

(iv) The speaker calls the woman considerate because

Answer: she varied her emphasis while inquiring about his skin tone, which he
interprets as her giving him a chance to self-identify his darkness.

(v) The man refers to the red colour of the booth and the pillar box because

Answer: these colours become symbolic of his heated shame and anger triggered
by the racist encounter.

(vi) The African man feels ashamed because

Answer: of the awkward and tense silence following his admission of being African,
reflecting the landlady’s racial prejudices.
(vii) The woman repeatedly says ‘What that’ because

Answer: she does not understand or pretends not to comprehend the term ‘West
African Sepia’ that the man used to describe his skin colour.

(viii) The man tells the lady that the colour of his whole body is not black
because

Answer: he attempts to use irony and sarcasm to highlight the absurdity of her racist
scrutiny.

(ix) The man’s bottom is raven-black because

Answer: he uses satire to mock the situation by suggesting that it has become dark
due to the friction from sitting down.

(x) He asks the woman to visit him because

Answer: he is making a desperate and ironic attempt to confront her with the
irrationality of her prejudice, though this results in the abrupt end of the call.

Short Answer Questions

(i) What were the things about the house that the speaker find attractive?

Answer: The things about the house that the speaker found attractive were the
reasonable price and the location which was apparently indifferent to him.

(ii) What comes as a shock to the speaker ? Why?

Answer: The shock to the speaker comes from the landlady’s direct and abrupt
inquiry about how dark his skin is after he identifies himself as African, a question
that exposes her racial bias.

(iii) Why does the man think that he will have a wasted journey?

Answer: The man fears that his journey to get the house on rent will be wasted
because he fears that his being an African may create problems later.

(iv) What does the lady want to know about the speaker’s colour?

Answer: The woman repeatedly wants to know whether the speaker’s skin colour is
dark black or light black/mild black. She is very particular about knowing the exact
shade of his complexion.
(v) How does the speaker explain the colour of the skin to the woman?

Answer: The speaker explains his skin colour to the woman by referring to it as
‘West African sepia’ which is the colour mentioned in his passport. When she still
does not understand, he compares it to ‘brunette’ or brown colour.

(vi) Why does the speaker say that his colour is not altogether black?

Answer: The speaker sarcastically tells the woman that his colour is not completely
black. He says the palms of his hands and feet are blonde (brown after chemical
treatment) and even his bottom is not totally black but raven black due to friction
from sitting.

(vii) Comment on the ending of the poem.

Answer: The ending of the poem is full of irony and sarcasm. The black, prospective
tenant’s comments about his own colour and his request to the woman to come and
see him are an ironical and powerful criticism of the woman’s racist and
discriminatory attitude. The woman puts the receiver down without giving any clear
response about renting out the accommodation, suggesting her prejudiced mindset
against the man based on his race.

Long Answer Questions

(i) The poem is an indictment of racial and colour prejudice and discrimination
in some societies. Discuss with close reference to the poem.

Answer: The poem “Telephone Conversation” by Wole Soyinka serves as a

powerful critique of the deeply entrenched racial and colour prejudices present in
some societies. Soyinka presents a simple interaction—a phone call regarding a
housing inquiry—that turns into an exposition of racist attitudes. The speaker, a West
African man, finds a house with a reasonable price and an acceptable location.
However, upon revealing his racial identity, he is met with an awkward silence and
then questioned about the exact shade of his skin colour. This interrogation by the
landlady symbolises the absurdity and offensiveness of racial discrimination. The
man’s sardonic responses, like comparing his skin colour to “West African sepia” and
his satirical remarks about the colour of his palms and soles, highlight the irrationality
of judging individuals by skin colour. Through this interaction, Soyinka illustrates the
hurtful and dehumanising impact of racism and discrimination.

(ii) How does the poet make use of the story in this poem and express the
anger of the Blacks?

Answer: In “Telephone Conversation,” Wole Soyinka employs irony and satire to

convey the anger of Blacks towards racial prejudice. The African man, intelligent and
composed, is juxtaposed against the ignorance and bigotry of the landlady. His witty
and sarcastic remarks serve as a defence mechanism against her rudeness and a
form of protest against the larger societal racism. The story of a seemingly
mundane phone call thus becomes a canvas for expressing the frustration and
indignation felt by the African man, representing the broader experiences of Black
people facing discrimination.

(iii) The poem is an indictment of racial and colour prejudice and

discrimination in some societies. Discuss with close reference to the poem.

Answer: The poem is a direct confrontation with the practices of racial and colour
prejudice, using a simple telephone conversation as the medium to discuss the wider
societal issue. Soyinka highlights the absurdity of discrimination based on skin colour
by having the landlady inquisitively and insensitively probe the speaker about his
skin tone. The speaker’s internal reaction to this, which ranges from disbelief to
mockery, demonstrates the personal impact of such prejudices. Through the poem,
Soyinka condemns the irrationality of racial discrimination and invites readers to
reflect on the arbitrary and harmful nature of judging someone based on their skin
colour.

(iv) How does the poet make use of the story in this poem and expresses the
anger of the Blacks?

Answer: Soyinka, through his narrative in the poem, conveys the collective anger of
Blacks by illustrating the humiliation and dehumanisation they experience. He
captures the subtle and overt forms of racism through the conversation between the
African speaker and the British landlady. The speaker’s responses, loaded with
sarcasm and unexpected analogies, expose the ridiculousness of racism and serve
as a vehicle for expressing the deep-seated resentment felt by those who are
routinely subjected to such prejudice.

(v) Write a note on the character and behaviour of the speaker?

Answer: The speaker in “Telephone Conversation” is portrayed as an articulate,

self-aware individual who approaches the situation with a mixture of foresight and
dread. His decision to disclose his African identity suggests a desire for transparency
and a refusal to be complicit in the discriminatory practices of the time. Throughout
the encounter, his language shifts from straightforward to ironic and sardonic,
revealing his intellect and his attitude towards the absurdity of racism. He handles
the landlady’s offensive questions with a blend of poise and cutting humour, showing
his resilience in the face of prejudice.

(vi) How and when does the language and tone of the speaker change in the
poem? What does it suggest?

Answer: The language and tone of the speaker change after the landlady’s intrusive
question about his skin colour. From a straightforward and hopeful tone discussing
the housing details, it shifts to one of irony and sarcasm. He uses satirical humour to
cope with the uncomfortable situation and to mock the landlady’s prejudice. This
change in tone reflects the speaker’s emotional transition from willingness to engage
to a defensive stance, and it suggests his awareness of and anger towards the
societal racism he encounters.

Additional/extra questions and answers

1. Explain the significance of the title “Telephone Conversation.”

Answer: The title “Telephone Conversation” significantly captures the essence of the
poem, as it not only reflects the mundane activity around which the central event
unfolds but also metaphorically signifies the distance and impersonality that can be
present in human interactions. This medium of communication, which should ideally
bridge gaps, ironically becomes the very site where racial prejudices are articulated
and exposed. The telephone allows for a candid revelation of societal attitudes that
might be more subtly veiled in face-to-face interactions, serving as a stark reminder
of the enduring nature of racial biases even in the commonplace aspects of modern
life.

2. Describe the initial impression the African man had about the landlady
before revealing his race.

Answer: Initially, the African man’s impression of the landlady is one of impartial
professionalism. She comes across as a straightforward person concerned with the
transactional nature of renting her space. The man perceives the situation as non-
personal and business-like, where the criteria for renting appear to be based on
price, location, and living arrangements rather than personal attributes or identity.
This impression is foundational for the poem as it sets up the contrast with the later
part of their interaction, where personal prejudices come to the fore, shattering the
initial expectation of an equitable business exchange.

19. In what ways does the poem “Telephone Conversation” critique society’s
views on race?

Answer: The poem critiques society’s views on race by exposing the arbitrary and
dehumanising nature of racial discrimination, even in mundane activities such as
renting an apartment.

20. Compare and contrast the communication styles of the African man and
the British landlady.

Answer: The African man’s communication is initially reserved and formal, becoming
ironically satirical, whereas the British landlady’s style is initially cordial, quickly
devolving into blunt and discriminatory questioning.