The Telephone Call - Fleur Adcock

Question 1

What is the tone of the poem’s opening?

Answer 1

The tone is abrupt and mysterious, reflecting the unexpectedness of the phone call.

Question 2

How does the opening stanza set the mood for the rest of the poem?

Answer 2

The speaker’s surprise and the mysterious introduction of ‘Universal Lotteries’ create a sense of uncertainty and anticipation.

Question 3

What does the use of ‘Universal Lotteries’ symbolize?

Answer 3

It symbolizes a deceptive, ambiguous company that doesn’t seem to be legitimate.

Question 4

Why does the caller ask, ‘Are you sitting down?’

Answer 4

To build anticipation and prepare the speaker for shocking news, suggesting the gravity of what’s to come.

Question 5

What effect does the phrase ‘Ultra-super Global Special’ have on the reader?

Answer 5

It sounds exaggerated and ridiculous, signaling that the prize is not genuine.

Question 6

How does the caller manipulate the speaker’s emotions?

Answer 6

By continuously emphasizing how the speaker should feel, pushing them to express more emotion and surprise.

Question 7

How does the speaker react in the second stanza?

Answer 7

The speaker expresses disbelief and confusion, saying they can’t believe what’s happening.

Question 8

What does the phrase ‘the top of my head has floated off’ symbolize?

Answer 8

It symbolizes the speaker’s loss of rational thinking due to shock, indicating their emotional disorientation.

Question 9

What literary device is used in ‘revolving like a flying saucer’?

Answer 9

It’s a simile, adding a whimsical and surreal quality to the speaker’s emotions.

Question 10

What does the line ‘I think I’m going to sneeze – or cry’ suggest?

Answer 10

It highlights the speaker’s emotional confusion, unsure whether to express joy or sadness.

Question 11

How does the caller respond to the speaker’s emotional turmoil in stanza 3?

Answer 11

The caller encourages the speaker to embrace their emotions, reinforcing the theme of experience over material gain.

Question 12

What does the caller mean by ‘don’t be ashamed of giving way to your emotions’?

Answer 12

The caller is downplaying the situation, focusing on the emotional experience rather than addressing the reality of the situation.

Question 13

Why is the speaker’s emotional state in stanza 3 significant?

Answer 13

It shows how the speaker is overwhelmed and unable to process the deception, clouding their judgment.

Question 14

What does the speaker’s question about not buying a lottery ticket indicate?

Answer 14

It suggests the first hint of skepticism, showing that the speaker is beginning to question the legitimacy of the call.

Question 15

How does the caller react to the speaker’s skepticism?

Answer 15

The caller laughs, dismissing the speaker’s doubts and continues with the deceitful explanation.

Question 16

What does the phrase ‘retrospective Chances Module’ reveal about the caller?

Answer 16

It suggests an overly complicated, nonsensical explanation meant to confuse and make the scam sound legitimate.

Question 17

How does the phrase ‘universal’ function in stanza 4?

Answer 17

It implies that the company is all-encompassing and legitimate, though it remains vague and unsubstantiated.

Question 18

How does the description of the ‘retrospective Chances Module’ in stanza 5 contribute to the poem?

Answer 18

It highlights the absurdity of the lottery system being described, making it seem like a scam or a ridiculous idea.

Question 19

What does the speaker mean by ‘I’ll believe it when I see the cheque’?

Answer 19

The speaker is still in disbelief, seeking concrete proof of the prize, showing their reluctance to accept the situation.

Question 20

What does the revelation that ‘there’s no cheque’ signify?

Answer 20

It confirms that the entire lottery is a scam, and the prize is not monetary, only an ‘experience.’

Question 21

What does the phrase ‘We don’t deal in money. Experiences are what we deal in’ suggest?

Answer 21

It emphasizes the scam’s focus on manipulating emotions and memories rather than offering tangible rewards.

Question 22

How does the final line, ‘the line went dead,’ function metaphorically?

Answer 22

It symbolizes the abrupt end of the speaker’s hopes and the disillusionment they feel after realizing they were deceived.

Question 23

What is the core theme of the poem?

Answer 23

The core theme is the value of experiences versus material wealth, and the deception that sometimes accompanies promises of wealth.

Question 24

What role does irony play in the poem?

Answer 24

The irony is seen in the contrast between the speaker’s belief in winning a prize and the realization that the prize is a fabricated experience.

Question 25

How does the structure of the poem contribute to its meaning?

Answer 25

The structure, with its dialogue and increasing tension, mirrors the speaker's growing realization of the deception.

Question 26

How does the poem comment on human emotions and manipulation?

Answer 26

It explores how emotions can be manipulated by external forces (like scammers) and how they can cloud judgment.

Question 27

How does the speaker’s disbelief contribute to the poem’s themes?

Answer 27

The speaker’s disbelief highlights the absurdity of the situation and mirrors the overall theme of deception versus reality.

Question 28

What does the caller’s consistent questioning about the speaker’s emotions reveal?

Answer 28

It shows the caller’s focus on manipulating the speaker’s emotional response rather than actually addressing the content of the prize.

Question 29

What is the significance of the caller’s insistence on the speaker's emotional experience rather than the prize itself?

Answer 29

It emphasizes the poem’s central idea: experiences are more important than material wealth, though it is ultimately a false and empty experience.

Question 30

How does the poem criticize the commercialization of emotions?

Answer 30

By portraying the caller’s manipulation, the poem critiques how emotions can be commodified and exploited for personal gain.