CBSE Class 11 English Woven Words: NCERT Solutions for Telephone Conversation

Reviewed by NCERT Help Editorial Team · Updated on 29 Jul 2026

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 11 PDF

This chapter, part of the CBSE Class 11 Woven Words textbook, focuses on the poem 'Telephone Conversation.' The NCERT Solutions explore the poem's powerful critique of racial discrimination and color prejudice, a theme particularly relevant in the context of Africa. The analysis centers on the dialogue between a landlady and a potential tenant, revealing how the landlady's deeply ingrained racist beliefs lead her to obsess over the tenant's skin color, overshadowing practical considerations like rent. The solutions examine the poet's skillful use of color imagery and specific word choices to convey the poem's message effectively. Furthermore, the text delves into the significance of the poem's title and the various poetic devices, such as understatement, employed to highlight and condemn societal biases. These explanations aim to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the poem's deeper meanings and assist them in their exam preparation.

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Board	CBSE
Class	Class 11
Subject	Woven Words
Session	2026
Language	English
Type	NCERT Solutions
Chapter	12. Telephone Conversation - (Poetry)

Chapter summary

This chapter provides NCERT Solutions for the poem 'Telephone Conversation'. It focuses on understanding the poem's critique of racism and color discrimination, analyzing the dialogue between the landlady and the tenant. The solutions explain the significance of color imagery, specific word choices, and the title's relevance. Key concepts like understatement and the poet's message about judging individuals by character rather than skin tone are explored, offering students a comprehensive understanding for revision.

Learning outcomes

Understand the central theme of racism and color discrimination in the poem.
Analyze the interaction between the landlady and the tenant to identify underlying biases.
Identify and interpret the use of color imagery and specific vocabulary within the poem.
Explain the significance of the title 'Telephone Conversation' and its connection to the poem's plot.
Discuss the poetic device of understatement and its role in conveying the poem's message.
Evaluate the poet's commentary on societal prejudices and the importance of judging individuals by their character.

Topics covered

Paper topics

Racism and Color Discrimination
Analysis of 'Telephone Conversation' poem
Character Interaction (Landlady and Tenant)
Use of Color Imagery
Literary Devices (Understatement)
Poetic Interpretation
Societal Prejudices
Themes in Poetry
Woven Words Textbook Solutions
Class 11 English Poetry

Important topics

Central theme of racism
Landlady-tenant dialogue analysis
Symbolism of colors
Meaning of 'West African Sepia'
Poet's message on judging character

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Questions and Solutions

Q1. State the central issue in the poem.

State the central issue in the poem.

Solution: The central issue explored in the poem is the deep-seated problem of racism and color discrimination. The poem starkly illustrates how, in situations where one seeks basic necessities like shelter, the focus can be unjustly shifted to superficial characteristics such as skin color, rather than practical considerations like rent. It reflects a prevalent mindset, particularly concerning the disadvantages faced by individuals due to their complexion, highlighting color as a significant and often negative factor in societal interactions.

Q2. There are intervals of silence in the interaction between the landlady and the prospective tenant. What are the reasons for this?

There are intervals of silence in the interaction between the landlady and the prospective tenant. What are the reasons for this?

Solution: The pauses or intervals of silence in the conversation arise from the landlady's intrusive and prejudiced questioning about the tenant's skin color. When the tenant provides a response that perhaps doesn't align with her preconceived notions or makes her feel uncomfortable, she attempts to regain control or deflect by attacking his appearance. These silences punctuate the awkwardness and tension created by the landlady's overtly racist attitude, revealing her underlying biases.

Q3. How is colour highlighted in the poem and why? List all the words in the poem that suggest colour.

How is colour highlighted in the poem and why? List all the words in the poem that suggest colour.

Solution: Color is highlighted in the poem to underscore the theme of racial prejudice. Various colors are mentioned, often associated with everyday objects or descriptions, to emphasize the landlady's fixation on the tenant's skin tone. The poem uses colors to represent different aspects and to critique the societal obsession with complexion.

Words suggesting color in the poem include:

Red (used for telephone booth, double-tiered bus, pillar box)
Black
White
Gold (signifying wealth or richness)
Sepia (referring to the tenant's skin tone)

The repetition and focus on these colors serve to illustrate the landlady's discriminatory perspective.

Q4. Which are the lines in the poem that impressed you the most and why?

Which are the lines in the poem that impressed you the most and why?

Solution: The phrase 'West African Sepia' is particularly impressive because it represents the tenant's dignified and intelligent response to the landlady's prejudiced questioning. Instead of being intimidated or defensive, he provides a specific, almost academic, description of his skin tone. This response subtly critiques the landlady's narrow-mindedness and the broader issue of color discrimination. The poet uses this moment to advocate for judging individuals based on their character and values, not their skin color, which is a powerful message against prejudice.

Q5. You know what 'hide-and-seek' is. What would 'hide-and-speak' mean?

You know what 'hide-and-seek' is. What would 'hide-and-speak' mean?

Solution: The term 'hide-and-seek' refers to a common childhood game. In the context of the poem, 'hide-and-speak' can be interpreted as a metaphorical extension of this game, relating to the societal pressure on dark-skinned individuals to 'hide' their true selves or feel inferior due to their complexion, while those with lighter skin tones might 'speak' or assert themselves more freely. It suggests a situation where one might initially conceal aspects of their identity due to prejudice, only to eventually reveal them, leading to a confrontation or a need to 'speak' their truth.

Q6. Certain words in the poem are in capital letters—why?

Certain words in the poem are in capital letters—why?

Solution: The words and phrases written in capital letters, such as "HOW DARK?", "ARE YOU LIGHT?", "OR VERY DARK?", "OR VERY LIGHT?", are used for emphasis. These capitalized phrases represent the direct, interrogative, and forceful nature of the landlady's questions regarding the tenant's skin color. Their capitalization highlights the intensity of her prejudice and her obsession with determining the tenant's complexion, making these moments stand out in the poem and underscoring the racist undertones of the conversation.

Q7. Why do you think that the poet has chosen the title 'Telephone Conversation'? If you were to suggest another title for the poem, what would it be?

Why do you think that the poet has chosen the title 'Telephone Conversation'? If you were to suggest another title for the poem, what would it be?

Solution: The poet likely chose the title 'Telephone Conversation' because the entire narrative and progression of the poem unfold through a phone call. This setting allows the poet to explore themes of prejudice and communication barriers in a specific, modern context. The telephone becomes the medium through which the landlady's racist attitudes are revealed. If another title were to be suggested, "Racist Mindset" would be appropriate, as it directly addresses the core issue of prejudice that drives the conversation and exposes the internal biases of the characters, particularly the landlady.

Q8. The power of poetry lies in suggestion and understatement. Discuss this with reference to the poem.

The power of poetry lies in suggestion and understatement. Discuss this with reference to the poem.

Solution: Poetry often conveys powerful messages through subtle hints and understated expressions rather than direct statements. In 'Telephone Conversation', the poet uses understatement effectively to critique societal prejudices. Instead of overtly condemning racism, the poem presents a seemingly ordinary conversation that, upon closer examination, reveals deep-seated biases. The landlady's questions, while direct, are presented within a context that suggests a broader societal issue. The tenant's sophisticated replies, like 'West African Sepia', are also understated yet potent critiques. The poem implies that judging individuals based on their appearance, rather than their intrinsic worth or character, is a flawed and unjust practice, demonstrating how suggestion and understatement can powerfully highlight social issues.

Common mistakes

Misinterpreting the landlady's questions as genuine inquiries rather than prejudiced ones.
Overlooking the subtle use of language and imagery to convey the theme of discrimination.
Failing to connect the specific colors mentioned to the broader theme of racial prejudice.
Not fully grasping the concept of 'understatement' as a literary device in the poem.

Revision tips

Read the poem carefully, paying attention to the dialogue and the descriptions of color.
Analyze the landlady's and tenant's perspectives to understand the power dynamics and prejudice.
Note down key phrases and words related to color and discrimination.
Consider the poet's message about judging people based on character, not appearance.
Practice explaining the poem's themes and literary devices in your own words.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What is the central issue addressed in the poem 'Telephone Conversation'?

Q2. Why does the landlady ask about the tenant's skin color?

Q3. What does the use of colors like 'red' in the poem symbolize?

Q4. The phrase 'West African Sepia' is a significant response by the tenant. What does it imply?

Q5. What is the meaning of 'hide-and-speak' in the context of the poem?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main theme of the poem 'Telephone Conversation'?

The main theme of the poem is the pervasive issue of racism and color discrimination, where a person's skin color is unfairly prioritized over other qualities.

Why is the title 'Telephone Conversation' significant?

The title is significant because the entire interaction and development of the plot occur over a telephone call, highlighting how prejudice can manifest even in indirect communication.

How does the poem address color discrimination?

The poem addresses color discrimination through the dialogue between a prejudiced landlady and a dark-skinned tenant, exposing the landlady's racist inquiries and the tenant's subtle yet powerful responses.

What is the role of color imagery in the poem?

Color imagery, such as the mention of 'red' in various objects, serves to contrast the mundane reality with the intense focus on skin color, emphasizing the absurdity of racial prejudice.

What message does the poet convey about judging people?

The poet conveys that individuals should be judged based on their values, character, and ethics, rather than superficial attributes like skin tone.

How can these NCERT Solutions help students?

These solutions provide clear explanations of the poem's themes, characters, and literary devices, aiding students in understanding the text deeply and preparing effectively for exams.

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