The Interview | Lesson 7 | Prose | English 12th | Flamingo | Summary | Questions | Answers

 

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The Interview | Lesson 7 | Prose | English 12th | Flamingo | Summary | Questions | Answers

 

Short Summary

Christopher Silvester’s essay "The Interview" explores the complex nature of interviews, presenting diverse perspectives on this journalistic tool. It begins by tracing the history of interviews, noting their rise as a powerful means of communication in the modern world. Despite their prevalence, interviews evoke mixed reactions, with some viewing them as invasive and others as essential for insight into personalities and ideas.

Silvester highlights opinions of writers and public figures about interviews. For instance, celebrities like V.S. Naipaul and Lewis Carroll found them intrusive, with Carroll describing them as an unwelcome ordeal. On the other hand, interviews can also serve as a legitimate tool for shaping public opinion and revealing significant truths.

The second part of the essay features an excerpt from an interview with Umberto Eco, the renowned Italian writer, academic, and philosopher. Eco explains his theory of “interstices,” emphasizing the importance of using small, unoccupied moments of time productively. He also discusses his works, including his famous novel The Name of the Rose, describing it as a deliberate blend of mystery and philosophical depth.

Silvester’s essay thus presents interviews as a double-edged sword—both a valuable source of information and a potentially invasive practice—while offering insights into the perspectives of notable individuals.

 

Think as you read

1. What are some of the positive views on interviews?

Answer: Interviews are seen as an essential means of communication that provide valuable insights into the thoughts, personalities, and works of individuals.

They serve as a legitimate tool for eliciting information and shaping public opinion.

Many believe interviews humanize celebrities and intellectuals, making their ideas accessible to the general public.

2. Why do most celebrity writers despise being interviewed?

Answer: Celebrity writers often view interviews as intrusive and an affront to their privacy.

They feel interviews focus too much on their personal lives rather than their work, making them uncomfortable.

Some, like V.S. Naipaul and Lewis Carroll, have described interviews as unwelcome and akin to a violation of their inner selves.

3. What is the belief in some primitive cultures about being photographed?

Answer: In some primitive cultures, it is believed that being photographed is akin to having one’s soul stolen or captured.

This belief reflects the fear of losing a part of one’s essence or identity through the process of image capturing.

4. What do you understand by the expression “thumbprints on his windpipe”?

Answer: The expression “thumbprints on his windpipe” symbolizes a feeling of being stifled or suffocated.

It implies the intrusive and overwhelming pressure one might feel during an interview, as if the interviewer’s questions are constricting the respondent’s freedom to express themselves.

5. Who, in today’s world, is our chief source of information about personalities?

Answer: Journalists and interviewers are our chief sources of information about personalities.

Through interviews and media coverage, they provide insights into the lives, ideas, and opinions of public figures.

 

Understanding the text

1. Do you think Umberto Eco likes being interviewed? Give reasons for your opinion.

Answer: Yes, Umberto Eco seems to be comfortable with being interviewed. He responds thoughtfully and humorously to questions, suggesting that he enjoys discussing his ideas and work. Eco uses interviews as an opportunity to share his philosophy on time management and creativity, reflecting his ease and engagement in the process.

2. How does Eco find the time to write so much?

Answer: Eco credits his productivity to the concept of “interstices,” which he describes as small, unoccupied gaps of time in a day. He believes in utilizing these moments effectively to write and reflect. This disciplined approach to time management allows him to accomplish a great deal without feeling overwhelmed.

3. What was distinctive about Eco’s academic writing style?

Answer: Eco’s academic writing style was unique because he blended scholarly rigor with a playful and creative approach. Unlike traditional academic writing, which is often dry, Eco infused his works with humour and a narrative style that made complex ideas accessible and engaging.

4. Did Umberto Eco consider himself a novelist first or an academic scholar?

Answer: Eco considered himself primarily an academic scholar. He described his novel-writing as a secondary activity that he pursued during his spare time. He emphasized that his scholarly work was his main professional identity, while novels were an extension of his intellectual curiosity.

5. What is the reason for the huge success of the novel, The Name of the Rose?

Answer: The success of The Name of the Rose can be attributed to its unique blend of mystery, philosophy, and historical depth. Eco’s ability to intertwine a compelling detective story with intellectual and theological themes appealed to a diverse audience. The novel’s rich layers and engaging narrative made it both entertaining and thought-provoking, earning it widespread acclaim.

 

Talking about the text

Discuss in pairs or small groups.

1. Talk about any interview that you have watched on television or read in a newspaper. How did it add to your understanding of the celebrity, the interviewer and the field of the celebrity?

Answer: I once watched an interview with A.R. Rahman on television. It gave me insight into his humble personality and his dedication to music. Rahman spoke about how spirituality influences his creative process, something I hadn’t known before. The interviewer displayed great skill in asking thought-provoking yet respectful questions, which brought out Rahman’s unique perspective. The discussion also shed light on the challenges of composing music for diverse audiences, giving me a deeper appreciation of his artistry and the music industry as a whole.

2. The medium you like best for an interview, print, radio, or television.

Answer: Television is my preferred medium for interviews because it allows a more comprehensive experience. Visuals add depth by capturing the body language, expressions, and emotions of both the interviewer and the interviewee. This makes the interaction feel more authentic and engaging. Additionally, the audiovisual format makes it easier to understand complex topics through visuals or demonstrations.

3. Every famous person has a right to his or her privacy. Interviewers sometimes embarrass celebrities with very personal questions.

Answer: Celebrities deserve their privacy, and interviewers should respect boundaries. While public figures are expected to share certain aspects of their lives, overly personal questions can feel intrusive and disrespectful. Such moments not only make the celebrity uncomfortable but also divert the focus from their work or achievements to their private lives. A good interview strikes a balance, allowing the audience to learn about the person without compromising their dignity or personal space. Respectful questioning leads to more meaningful and insightful conversations.

 

Writing

If the interviewer Mukund Padmanabhan had not got the space in the newspaper to reproduce the interview verbatim, he may have been asked to produce a short report of the interview with the salient points. Write this report for him.

Answer: In an engaging interview, Umberto Eco, renowned author, and academic, shared his unique perspectives on writing, time management, and his dual identity as a scholar and novelist. Eco elaborated on his concept of "interstices," explaining how he utilizes small gaps in his day to produce prolific academic and creative work.

When discussing his bestseller, The Name of the Rose, Eco described it as an intentional mix of detective fiction and philosophical discourse, appealing to both casual readers and intellectuals. He credited its success to its ability to layer a gripping story with complex themes.

Eco candidly acknowledged that while many view him as a novelist, he considers himself primarily an academic scholar. He sees his novels as an extension of his intellectual pursuits, written during his leisure time.

The interview also highlighted Eco’s distinct approach to academic writing, blending rigor with humor and accessibility. This playful yet profound style sets him apart from traditional scholars.

Throughout the discussion, Eco’s wit and humility shone, offering a glimpse into the mind of one of the most versatile thinkers of our time. His thoughts on productivity and creativity provide inspiration to aspiring writers and academics alike.

This interview reflects not only Eco’s genius but also his ability to connect with audiences across diverse interests, making him a remarkable figure in literature and academia.

 

Things to do

Interview a person whom you admire either in school or your neighbourhood and record it in writing.

Answer: Interview with Mr. Ravi Kumar: A Community Educator

Interviewer: Thank you for taking the time to talk to me today, Mr. Ravi. You’ve been a great influence in our neighborhood, especially with the education initiatives you’ve introduced. Can you tell me what inspired you to focus on community education?

Mr. Ravi Kumar: Thank you for having me. My inspiration came from my own childhood. I grew up in a small village where access to quality education was limited. My parents struggled to ensure I had opportunities to learn, and I wanted to give back to the community by making education accessible to all.

Interviewer: That’s truly inspiring. What challenges did you face when starting these programs?

Mr. Ravi Kumar: The biggest challenge was convincing people about the importance of education. Many families in our area prioritize daily earnings over schooling. It took a lot of effort to show them that education could improve their lives in the long run. Lack of funds and resources was another hurdle, but we’ve managed with the help of local volunteers and donations.

Interviewer: What has been your most rewarding experience so far?

Mr. Ravi Kumar: Watching students who once struggled with basic literacy now excelling in school and pursuing higher studies is the most rewarding experience. One student, in particular, received a scholarship to study engineering. Seeing their transformation reaffirms my efforts.

Interviewer: What advice would you give to young people in the community?

Mr. Ravi Kumar: Never underestimate the power of learning. Whether it’s formal education or life skills, knowledge will always help you grow and open doors to opportunities. Also, give back to your community whenever you can.

Interviewer: Thank you so much, Mr. Ravi, for sharing your story and your wisdom. Your work is truly an inspiration to all of us.

Mr. Ravi Kumar: Thank you, and I hope this inspires others to take action in their communities too.