“The Interview” from the 12th grade NCERT English textbook, “Flamingo,” presents a nuanced exploration of the interview as a modern phenomenon. It begins by acknowledging the interview’s ubiquity, highlighting its role as a primary source of information and a tool for shaping public perception. However, it also confronts the inherent tension surrounding interviews, acknowledging the deep-seated resentment some individuals harbor towards them, viewing them as invasive and damaging. The chapter then transitions into an excerpt from an interview with Umberto Eco, conducted by Mukund Padmanabhan, offering a practical demonstration of the interview process. This section delves into Eco’s intellectual approach, his writing style, and the unexpected success of “The Name of the Rose,” revealing his method of using spare time productively. Ultimately, the chapter serves to examine the ethical considerations of journalism, the impact of interviews on individuals, and the complexities of communication, leaving the reader to contemplate the power and implications of this prevalent form of interaction.
Think as you read
1. What are some of the positive views on interviews?
Ans:
- Source of Truth and Information: One positive view is that interviews are seen as a valuable source of truth and information. They provide insights into people’s lives, opinions, and experiences that might not be accessible otherwise. This is especially important in journalism, where interviews are used to gather facts and perspectives for news stories.
- Art Form: Some consider interviews to be an art form. A skilled interviewer can elicit thoughtful and revealing responses from the interviewee, creating a compelling and engaging narrative. The interviewer’s ability to ask insightful questions and create a comfortable atmosphere is crucial in this regard.
- Tool for Communication: Interviews are an effective tool for communication. They facilitate the exchange of ideas and perspectives, allowing for a deeper understanding of complex issues. In a world where information is constantly being disseminated, interviews provide a platform for meaningful dialogue.
- Shaping Public Perception: While this can have negative connotations, it can also be positive. Interviews can be used to promote understanding, challenge stereotypes, and raise awareness about important issues. The interviewer has the power to shape the narrative and influence how the interviewee is perceived by the public.
2. Why do most celebrity writers despite being interviewed?
Ans:
- Invasion of Privacy:A primary reason is the perceived intrusion into their private lives. Writers, like any individuals, value their privacy, and interviews often delve into personal matters they prefer to keep confidential.
- Feeling Diminished:Some writers feel that interviews diminish them, as if their essence is being captured and reduced to a sound bite or a printed quote. They may feel their complex thoughts and personalities are oversimplified.
- Distortion and Misrepresentation:There’s a fear of being misquoted or having their words taken out of context. Writers are meticulous with language, and they may worry that their nuanced expressions will be distorted by the interviewer or the final published piece.
- Feeling “Wounded” or “Assaulted”:Some writers express strong negative emotions towards interviews, describing them as emotionally draining or even painful experiences. They may feel vulnerable and exposed during the process.
- Loss of Control:Writers are people who are used to controlling their narrative through their written works. During an interview, they lose that control, and are subject to the interviewer’s narrative.
3. What is the belief in some primitive cultures about being photographed?
Ans:
Some primitive cultures held a deep-seated belief that being photographed could have profound spiritual consequences. At the heart of this fear was the notion that a photograph wasn’t just an image, but a capture of the soul or spirit itself. The act of taking a picture was seen as a form of spiritual theft, leaving the individual vulnerable to harm or loss of their essential being. This apprehension stemmed from the perception of the photograph as a tangible piece of the person, a mystical artifact rather than a simple representation. Consequently, the technology of photography was often viewed with suspicion and fear, as it threatened the integrity of the individual’s spiritual essence.
4. What do you understand by the expression “thumbprints on his windpipe”?
Ans:
The phrase “thumbprints on his windpipe” paints a grim and unmistakable picture of violent strangulation. It’s a forensic detail that strongly suggests a fatal assault, indicating that the victim was choked with such force that the perpetrator’s thumbprints were left imprinted on their trachea. This image emphasizes the brutality of the act, specifying that the strangulation was carried out by human hands, rather than any other method of constriction. The presence of these marks is a stark and chilling indicator of homicide, highlighting the violent nature of the victim’s demise.
5. Who, in today’s world, is our chief source of information about personalities?
Ans:
In the contemporary landscape, our primary sources of information regarding personalities are diverse and interconnected, heavily reliant on the pervasive influence of media and digital platforms. Traditional media outlets, such as television, newspapers, and magazines, continue to play a role, but they are increasingly supplemented, and often overshadowed, by the vast reach of social media, online news sources, and podcasts. Social media, in particular, has revolutionized the way we perceive and understand individuals, providing a space for self-presentation and offering unprecedented access to personal information. Furthermore, interviews, across various formats, remain a vital tool for gaining deeper insights into the thoughts and experiences of public figures. The internet, as a whole, acts as a massive repository of information, compiling articles, videos, and various other forms of media. Thus, the confluence of traditional and digital media has created an environment where information about personalities is abundant and widely accessible.
Understanding the text
1. Do you think Umberto Eco likes being interviewed? Give reasons for your opinion.
Ans:
- He is Patient and Accommodating:He answers questions thoughtfully and thoroughly, even when they seem repetitive or superficial. This suggests a willingness to engage with the interviewer.
- He is Somewhat Weary:He expresses a sense of having answered the same questions many times before. This indicates a potential weariness with the repetitive nature of interviews.
- He is Intellectually Engaged:He uses interviews as an opportunity to expound on his ideas and engage in intellectual discourse. This suggests he values the platform for sharing his thoughts.
- He is slightly sarcastic:Sometimes he responds with a slight edge of sarcasm, implying that he thinks some questions are not very well thought out.
2. How does Eco find the time to write so much?
Ans:
Umberto Eco, in the interview excerpt, reveals that his extraordinary productivity stems from his meticulous management of time, particularly his ability to utilize what he calls “interstices.” These are the seemingly unproductive gaps in one’s day, such as waiting for appointments or traveling, which most people allow to pass idly. Eco, however, transforms these moments into opportunities for work, asserting that he writes articles even while waiting for an elevator. This constant, efficient use of otherwise wasted time allows him to accumulate a significant amount of work, explaining how he manages to be so prolific.
3. What was distinctive about Eco’s academic writing style?
Ans:
Based on the chapter, Eco’s academic writing style, while scholarly, was distinctive for its playful and personal tone.
Despite dealing with serious and complex topics, he maintained an accessible approach, avoiding overly academic jargon. This made his work engaging for a broader audience, bridging the gap between scholarly rigor and popular appeal.
4. Did Umberto Eco consider himself a novelist first or an academic scholar?
Ans:
Umberto Eco, during the interview, firmly established his primary identity as an academic scholar, not a novelist. He emphasized that his foray into fiction was a relatively late and somewhat accidental development, occurring around the age of fifty. His core identity and lifelong dedication resided in his scholarly pursuits and academic work, making his novels a secondary, albeit remarkably successful, aspect of his intellectual life.
5. What is the reason for the huge success of the novel, The Name of the Rose?
Ans:
According to Umberto Eco in the interview, the huge success of “The Name of the Rose” remains somewhat of a mystery to him. He suggests a few possible reasons, but ultimately acknowledges that he doesn’t fully understand it.
Not Easy Fiction: He asserts that the novel wasn’t written as “easy fiction.” It was a serious work with complex themes and historical context.
Timing: He speculates that perhaps the timing was right, and people were ready for a more intellectually challenging novel.
Unpredictability of Success: Eco ultimately concludes that the success of a book is often unpredictable and beyond the author’s control.
In essence, while he offers some potential explanations, Eco ultimately attributes the novel’s immense popularity to a confluence of factors, including perhaps, good timing, and the inherent unpredictability of literary success.
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?
Ans:
An interview, whether viewed on television or read in print, serves as a powerful conduit for understanding, offering a multi-layered perspective that enriches our perception of the celebrity, the interviewer, and the celebrity’s professional domain. It allows us to peer beyond the carefully constructed public image of the celebrity, revealing their human side, their thought processes, and often, their vulnerabilities. We gain insights into their creative methodologies, the driving forces behind their work, and the obstacles they navigate, fostering a deeper appreciation for their accomplishments. Simultaneously, the interviewer’s approach, whether probing, empathetic, or confrontational, illuminates their journalistic style and their capacity to establish rapport. Their questions, demonstrating their familiarity with the celebrity’s field, elicit thoughtful responses, further enhancing our comprehension. Moreover, the interview provides valuable context and background information about the celebrity’s profession, demystifying complex aspects and making them more accessible to a broader audience. Therefore, a well-executed interview acts as a bridge, connecting us to the individuals and the worlds they inhabit in a more profound and meaningful way.
2. The medium you like best for an interview, print, radio, or television.
Ans:
The optimal medium for an interview—print, radio, or television—is contingent upon the specific objectives and desired outcomes of the exchange. Each format presents a unique set of advantages and disadvantages. Print interviews, for instance, excel in facilitating in-depth explorations of intricate subjects, affording opportunities for meticulous editing and fact-checking, and providing a permanent, nuanced record. However, they lack the immediacy and emotional resonance of audio or visual mediums. Radio interviews, conversely, effectively convey emotion and tone through the interviewee’s voice, fostering spontaneous and conversational interactions while reaching a broad audience. Yet, they are devoid of visual elements, potentially hindering comprehension and relying heavily on the listener’s attentiveness. Television interviews, combining visual and auditory components, offer a rich and engaging experience, allowing viewers to observe body language and capture the interview’s atmosphere. Nevertheless, they are susceptible to manipulation and may prioritize visual appeal over substantive content. Consequently, the choice of medium depends on the interview’s purpose: print for depth and permanence, radio for emotional conveyance, and television for maximum impact and engagement.
3. Every famous person has a right to his or her privacy. Interviewers sometimes embarrass celebrities with very personal questions.
Ans:
The issue of celebrity privacy versus the public’s right to know is a complex ethical dilemma. While it’s true that every individual, including famous people, has a right to privacy, the nature of fame often blurs the lines between public and private life. Interviewers, in their pursuit of compelling stories, sometimes cross boundaries, posing deeply personal questions that can embarrass or humiliate their subjects. This can be seen as an invasion of privacy, especially when the questions are not directly related to the individual’s professional work or public persona.However, some argue that celebrities, by virtue of their public visibility, relinquish a certain degree of privacy. They are often seen as role models, and their actions and words can have a significant impact on society. Additionally, the public often feels a sense of entitlement to know about the lives of those they admire.The ethical responsibility lies with the interviewer to strike a balance between providing informative and engaging content and respecting the individual’s dignity. Sensationalism and intrusive questioning, solely for the sake of grabbing attention, are generally considered unethical. A responsible interviewer should prioritize questions that are relevant, respectful, and contribute to a meaningful understanding of the subject.
Things to do Interview
a person whom you admire either in school or your neighbourhood and record it in writing.
Ans:
Interviewer: Good evening, Mrs. Sharma. I truly appreciate you speaking with me today. I’ve always been impressed by your ability to remain so vibrant and involved in numerous pursuits. I was hoping you could share some of the activities that contribute to your sense of fulfillment.
Mrs. Sharma: (With a kind smile) Hello! It’s my pleasure to chat. I think the key is to stay active by engaging in things I find enjoyable and meaningful.
Interviewer: That sounds like a wonderful approach. Could you share a few specific examples?
Mrs. Sharma: Certainly. A significant part of my daily life involves tending my garden. I find it incredibly peaceful to care for the plants, observe their growth, and even share some of what I grow with neighbours. It’s a way to connect with the natural world and provides gentle physical activity.
Interviewer: I often see your beautiful garden; it always looks so full of life! What other activities do you enjoy?
Mrs. Sharma: Another important aspect for me is reading. I participate in a small book discussion group, where we meet monthly to talk about our current reads. It’s a fantastic way to learn, broaden my horizons, and connect with friends. Even outside of the group, I always have a book I’m reading.
Interviewer: That’s lovely. I’m aware that you also dedicate time to the local community.
Mrs. Sharma: Yes, I believe in contributing where I can. I volunteer a couple of afternoons each week at the local elderly care centre. We help organize events, read aloud to those with visual impairments, and simply offer companionship. It’s very rewarding to see their happiness.
Interviewer: That’s truly commendable, Mrs. Sharma. You manage to find a balance between personal interests and giving back to the community. Is there anything else you would consider a vital activity for you?
Mrs. Sharma: Well, I also prioritize maintaining connections with my family and friends. We have regular conversations, and I enjoy hosting small get-togethers. Nurturing these relationships is so crucial for overall well-being. And of course, I enjoy my morning strolls – a bit of fresh air and sunlight is always beneficial!
Interviewer: These are all such valuable pursuits. It’s inspiring to see how you prioritize activities that bring you satisfaction, contribute to the community, and strengthen your relationships. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences with me, Mrs. Sharma.
Mrs. Sharma: You’re very welcome, dear. It’s all about discovering what makes you feel vibrant and connected to the world around you.
Why I admire Mrs. Sharma:
My admiration for Mrs. Sharma stems from her energetic and purposeful way of living. She demonstrates that staying involved doesn’t require grand actions, but rather a consistent commitment to activities that enrich her mind, body, and social connections. Her dedication to her hobbies, community service, and relationships is truly motivating and provides an excellent example of how to lead a fulfilling life.
