An Overview of Important Questions Class 11 English Woven Words Chapter 4 Poem
FAQs on Important Questions Class 11 English Woven Words Chapter 4 Poem
1. What is the central theme of the poem Telephone Conversation for Class 11 English CBSE 2025–26 exams?
The poem's central theme is racial prejudice. Wole Soyinka highlights the societal discrimination faced by the poet, a dark-skinned man, during a telephone conversation with a white landlady. The poem exposes the irrationality and dehumanizing effects of racism, making it a key topic for exam-based important questions.
2. Discuss how colour imagery is used in Telephone Conversation to present its message. [3 Marks]
- The poet uses colour imagery—red booths, red omnibuses, and the contrast between the dark man and the white landlady—to emphasize how society unjustly values skin colour above character.
- This technique highlights the poem's message about prejudice and social inequality based solely on appearance.
3. Explain the irony present in the poem Telephone Conversation. [2 Marks]
The irony lies in the landlady's polite tone masking her prejudice. Despite her supposed 'good manners', her insistent questions about the man's skin colour reveal her biased attitude. This underlines how social discrimination often hides behind civility, making it a likely exam question for 2025–26.
4. Why does the poet regret something he was born with, as described in Telephone Conversation?
The poet expresses regret over being born with dark skin, not because of personal dissatisfaction, but due to the unjust societal attitudes and discrimination he faces, as depicted in the telephone interaction. This mirrors the psychological impact of racism.
5. What does the phrase 'spectroscopic flight of fancy' refer to in the poem? [HOTS]
- It denotes the mental state of the landlady as she contemplates various shades of black, portraying her limited and prejudiced worldview.
- The use of scientific language sarcastically mocks the absurdity of judging people by skin colour.
6. How does the telephone itself function as a symbol in the poem Telephone Conversation?
The telephone acts as a symbol of both connection and distance—enabling conversation but also highlighting the social gulf and lack of genuine understanding between the two characters, reflecting a common FUQ for CBSE important questions.
7. In what ways does the poem critique social status and intellectual superiority stereotypes?
The poem questions the assumption that lighter skin equates to higher status or intelligence. The landlady's hesitancy and ignorance, contrasted with the poet's composed speech, subvert traditional stereotypes and reveal the flaws in such societal views.
8. What causes the repeated silences during the conversation in Telephone Conversation?
The silences stem mainly from the landlady's discomfort and reluctance. Her inability to communicate openly about her bias leads to awkward pauses, which emphasize the tension and inequality in their exchange.
9. Identify and explain two figures of speech used in the poem Telephone Conversation. [2025–26 Expected]
- Metaphor: 'Raven black' symbolizes deep, rich skin colour.
- Irony: The contrast between polite words and discriminatory intent.
10. What is the significance of the title Telephone Conversation? [5 Marks]
The title focuses on a seemingly ordinary call, which turns into a revealing confrontation with prejudice. It encapsulates how casual exchanges can expose deep-seated racism, making everyday situations highly relevant for board exams.
11. How does the poet use sarcasm and humour to protest racism in the poem?
The poet employs sarcasm—especially when describing shades of black and the clinical way the landlady asks about his skin colour—to highlight the absurdity of racial biases. Humour helps expose serious discrimination in an accessible manner for CBSE students.
12. What lesson does the poem Telephone Conversation impart to the reader? [Frequently asked]
The main lesson is that individual worth should not be judged by physical appearance but by character and conduct. The poem inspires readers to question racial biases and promotes equality—a likely topic for 2025–26 exams.
13. Which lines in the poem best depict poetic irony? Give examples.
Lines where the poet describes himself in shades and invites 'speculation' show poetic irony, as he mocks the landlady's obsession with skin colour while remaining composed, revealing the superficiality of her concerns.
14. Why might Telephone Conversation be classified as a powerful protest poem? [HOTS]
It powerfully blends drama, irony, and direct confrontation to lay bare the realities of everyday racism, making its protest more effective by using ordinary language and scenarios relatable to board exam candidates.
15. How can understanding Telephone Conversation help students analyse similar real-life situations?
By examining the poem's depiction of subtle and overt discrimination, students are equipped to identify and challenge biased attitudes in real-world interactions, directly supporting CBSE's aim for analytical and value-based learning.
