Telephone Conversationation By Wole Soyinka 'And' Telephone Conversation?

How is Prejudice Explored in the Poems 'Still I Rise' and 'Telephone Conversation'?

'Telephone Conversation' by Wole Soyinka and 'Still I Rise' by Maya Angelou tackle the social injustice of discrimination. Both poems lack in similarities, the only one being theme, yet possess an abundance of differences. Although both poems convey the same theme, they differ in their means of conveyance. For instance they both explore prejudice and discrimination but through different types of language, imagery and structure. Both writer's use their creativity and personal experiences to display two different perspectives on prejudice. Similarities and differences between each poems and explorative strategies will be further explored in this essay.

The poetic structures of the two poems
'Still I Rise' employs an empowering and confident tone through the use of "bitter" words filled with "haughtiness". The present proud tone allows Angelou to praise her positivity instead of demeaning her cynics. She believes that belittling her opposition reaps no benefits, so instead she elevates herself to teach the readers of their capability to overcome any obstacles. The reader is forced to read the poem with it's suited assured tone that promotes the fact that all of humankind has the same capacity to achieve greatness. However, Soyinka's 'Still I rise' chooses to apply a sarcastic, almost comedic tone through it's silly lines such as the fact that "sitting down, has turned my bottom raven black". The caller's bottom is irrelevant let alone black yet is still stated to instigate humor. Soyinka uses this comedic tone to make the flaws in racism obvious. This tone forces the reader's to laugh for a second before coming to the realization of its wrong doing and provoking a change in behavior. Not only that, but the sarcastic tone, influences a corrective effect on the reader and points out the flaws in