This question is based on selected poems from R. Johnson and D. Ker et al (eds.): New Poetry from Africa : Wole Soyinka (ed.): Poems of Black Africa; K.E. S...

This question is based on selected poems from R. Johnson and D. Ker et al (eds.): New Poetry from Africa : Wole Soyinka (ed.): Poems of Black Africa; K.E. Senanu and T. Vincent (eds.): A selection of African Poetry and E.W.Parker (ed.): A Pageant of Longer Poems.

'Red booth, Red pillar-box Red double-tiered Omnibus squelching tar. It was real!....'

These lines from Soyinka's 'Telephone Conversation show that the poet

Answer Details

These lines from Soyinka's "Telephone Conversation" show that the poet believes both his environment and experience. In the poem, the speaker describes the scene around him, including a red phone booth, red pillar-box, and red double-tiered omnibus. He then goes on to recount a conversation he had over the phone with a landlady who refused to rent him an apartment because of his race. The use of the phrase "It was real!" after describing the physical surroundings suggests that the speaker is emphasizing the reality and importance of his experience, both in terms of the discrimination he faced and the world around him. Therefore, the poet believes both in the environment of his experience and the experience itself.