In the poem 'Telephone Conversation' what did the speaker want from the lady ?

Question

Accepted Answer

The speaker in Wole Soyinka's 'Telephone Conversation' wanted **a room for rent** from the landlady. This is explicitly stated and implied throughout the poem. The entire conversation revolves around the speaker inquiring about the availability of a room advertised for rent and the landlady's subsequent prejudiced questioning about his skin color. The poem's central conflict arises from this inquiry about renting a room.

Here's why the other options are incorrect:

*   **Option 1: He wanted to buy a clinic:** There is absolutely no mention of a clinic, buying, or any medical facility in the poem. The entire conversation is about accommodation.

*   **Option 3: A raven:** A raven is a type of bird. There is no mention of birds, animals, or anything related to them in the poem. The poem is focused on housing and racial prejudice.

*   **Option 4: A receiver:** While a telephone receiver is used during the conversation, the speaker's *desire* is not for the receiver itself. The receiver is simply the medium through which he is trying to secure a room for rent. The receiver is a tool, not the objective.