Chapter – 7 | Flamingo
Interview
Important
Words
Chapter – 7 | Interview
Extravagant- excessive or
elaborate
Despise- hate, dislike
Unwarranted- not justified or
authorised
Intrusion- the action of
intruding; intervention
Primitive- ancient, olden
Lionized- give a lot of public
attention and approval
Repel- drive or force back
Persistent – continuous
Petitioners- a person who asks
for something
Amusement- the provision or
enjoyment of entertainment
Condemnatory- expressing strong
disapproval
Wrecked- destroyed or severely
damaged
Assault- make a physical attack
on
Vile- extremely unpleasant
Perpetrated- commited;
performed
Topics Covered
THE INTERVIEW
01 Author
02 Plot
03 Theme
04 Characters
05 Setting And Title
06 Summary
Christopher Silvester
Christopher Silvester was born in 1959 in London.
He, apart from being a noted author, was also a
freelance journalist and consultant. He wrote for
U.K magazines and newspapers.
He also wrote for numerous American
publications like Vanity Fair, Spy, The New
Yorker and many more.
He was the editor of The Penguin Book of
Interviews: An Anthology from 1859 to the
Present Day.
Presently, he is occupied writing obituaries for
the Times magazine and also engaged in book
reviews.
The Interview by Christopher
Christopher Silvester is an excerpt taken
Silvester from his Penguin Book of
interviews.
In this, he talks about various
opinions of the celebrities
regarding an interview; its
functions, methods and merits.
It also consists of an excerpt
from an interview with the
infamous writer Umberto Eco.
Complete Chapter’s Summary
The lesson begins with the introduction to
interview as a commonplace of journalism
since its invention, which was a little over
130 years ago.
According to the author, it is not very
surprising that people have very distinct
opinions about the usage of interview.
Some think of it in its highest form whereas
some people can’t stand being interviewed.
An interview leaves a lasting impression and
according to an old saying, when
perceptions are made about a certain
person, the original identity of his soul gets
stolen.
Famous celebrities, writers and
artists have been heard criticising
interviews.
Rudyard Kipling’s wife wrote in
her diary how their day in Boston
was ruined by two reporters.
Kipling considers interviewing an
assault, a crime that should
attract punishment.
He believes that a respectable
man would never ask or give an
interview.
There is an excerpt from the
interview between Mukund (from The
Hindu newspaper) and Umberto Eco,
a professor at the University of
Bologna in Italy who had already
acquired a formidable reputation as a
scholar for his ideas on semiotics
(the study of signs), literary
interpretation, and medieval
aesthetics before he turned to writing
fiction.
The interview revolves around the
success of his novel, The Name of the
Rose whose more than ten million
copies were sold in the market.
The interviewer begins by asking him how
Umberto manages to do so many different
things to which he replies by saying that
he is doing the same thing.
He further justifies and mentions that his
books about children talk about peace
and non-violence which in the end, reflect
his interest in philosophy.
Umberto identifies himself as an academic
scholar who attends academic
conferences during the week and writes
novels on Sundays. It doesn’t bother him
that he is identified by others as a novelist
and not a scholar, because he knows that
it is difficult to reach millions of people
with scholarly work.
He believes there are empty spaces in
one’s life, just like there are empty
spaces in atoms and the Universe. He
calls them interstices and most of his
productive work is done during that
time.
Talking about his novel, he mentions
that it is not an easy-read. It has a
detective aspect to it along with
metaphysics, theology and medieval
history.
Also, he believes that had the novel
been written ten years earlier or later, it
would have not seen such a huge
success. Thus, the reason for its success
still remains a mystery.
Plot
The interview has become a common element in the field of journalism.
The interview receives different opinions. Some consider it the only source of live
information, while others consider it an intrusion into their personal spaces.
S. Naipaul believed that interviews hurt the sentiments of people, and they might fall weak
after facing it.
Lewis Carroll, on the other hand, thought that facing an interviewer is quite horrorsome.
Rudyard Kipling found it a sin and an attempt that rewards the punishment.
Although different writers have different opinions, still the interview is regarded as a
resourceful medium of communication.
Plot
Mukund Padmanabhan interviewed Umberto Eco for his famous novel
'The Name of the Rose'.
Umberto, in his interview, mentioned Interstices. Interstices,
according to him, refers to the empty spaces in one's life, similar to
the vacant spaces found in atoms.
Umberto made use of these empty spaces in his writings.
He was not satisfied with being called a novelist. He associated
himself with a university professor.
His novel, 'The Name of the Rose' was a serious novel and a highly
acclaimed one.
He thought that, had the novel been published ten years later or
earlier, it would not have received the desired appreciation.
Theme
In this lesson, the author discusses the techniques used for an
interview in the field of journalism.
It is an innovative way of interrogating people.
With the help of interviews, various opinions, agreements, and
disagreements come into focus.
Many people feel comfortable while interviewing, while many find it
demeaning and insulting to one's self-respect.
Character: Umberto Eco
Umberto Eco
Padmanabhan,
was a genuine
through his interview, Umberto Eco
and honest
gave us an insight considered himself an
writer. He got
into Umberto's academician more than
interviewed by
writings, style and a novelist.
Mukund
headstrong ideas.
Padmanabhan.
Through his According to him, the
writings, His famous novel, extensive appreciation
He was a professor and
Umberto pursued 'The Name of the of the novel wouldn't
scholar at the University
his philosophical Rose', sold more than have been possible had
of Bologna, Italy.
interests and ten million copies. it been published ten
ideas. years later or earlier.
Setting And Title
The lesson, 'The Interview' is an extract from the interview taken of Umberto Eco.
The language used is simple, but it does not have any particular setting.
The title, 'The Interview', is relatively appropriate and justifiable.
The writer here discusses the pros and cons of an interview.
The interview nowadays has become a valuable and sourceable medium of
communication.
Through interviews, we get the most pictorial description of our contemporaries.
Summary
• Christopher Silvester, through this lesson, focuses on the functioning
and different advantages of interviews.
• Some people find it the only medium through which truth is brought
into the limelight, whereas many consider it as an unwanted intrusion
into their personal lives.
• Few writers like S. Naipaul felt that interviews tend to hurt the
sentiments of the people.
• Different writers held different opinions regarding the interviews.
• It could be a big deal for the interviewer to face the camera and ask
questions.
• He may find it challenging and knowledgeable, but many find facing the
interview demeaning.
Summary
• In the lesson, we get to see Mukund Padmanabhan taking the
interview of Umberto Eco.
• Umberto Eco had written the famous novel, 'the Name of the Rose'.
• Mukund asks Eco regarding the versatility in his writing.
• Eco replied that he does not create a different literary piece for every
writing but uses the same philosophy repeatedly in his writings.
• He believed that his novel might receive positive and negative reviews
depending on the era and different time brackets.
• He believed that his novel would not have received much appreciation
had it been published ten years later or earlier.
The 2-min Test
Question 1 : What was the opinion of V.S
Naipaul regarding interviews?
Question 2: Was Umberto Eco comfortable
while giving the interview?
The 2-min
Question 1: What was the opinion of V.S Naipaul regarding interviews?
Answer: V.S Naipaul critically condemned the entire process of the interview.
According to him, it is a very demeaning thing for a person. Through an
interview, one tends to lose self-integrity. It is a horrifying experience. People,
therefore, refuse to appear for interviews.
Question 2: Was Umberto Eco comfortable while giving the interview?
Answer: According to the interview taken by Mukund Padmanabhan, Umberto
Eco was quite relaxed and at ease while giving the interview. He answered all
the questions thrown at him patiently. He was reluctant to answer any question.
There was no irritation on his face while facing the interview. Thus, we can say
that Umberto was comfortable while giving the interview.
CBSE Sample Paper Questions
Important Questions
Q. What are some of the positive views on
interviews?
Ans:
Interviews are useful means of communication.
Almost everybody who is literate reads an
interview once in their life. It is a source of
truth. In practice, it is an art and varies in its
function, methods and merits.
Q. Do you think Umberto Eco likes being interviewed? Give
reasons for your opinion.
Ans: Yes, Umberto Eco likes being interviewed. The
reasons for my answer are:
1. He answered all the questions fully and patiently
without showing any hurry or nervousness.
2. He considers his achievement very modest. He
expresses his philosophical interest clearly.
3. He tells the secret about his work.
4. He elaborated his approach which was unique.
5. He does not show any sort of dislike for being
interviewed.
Expected Questions
Q. What is the reason for the huge success of
the novel, The Name of the Rose?
Ans:
'The Name of the Rose' is a very unique novel
with a mystery plot but it also dips its toe
into metaphysics, theology, as well as
medieval history. It is popular among a large
group of readers. Though the actual reason
behind its success is still not revealed.
Practice Question
Q. Did Umberto Eco consider himself a
novelist first or an academic scholar?
Ans:
Umberto Eco saw himself as an academic
first and a novelist second. He said he
considers himself a university professor who
writes novels on Sundays. On weekdays he
attends academic conferences and does not
meet writers or Pen club.
Long Answer Questions
5 Marks
Q1. ‘Mukund Padmanabhan’ was a
reporter from ‘The Hindu’. In the
context of the chapter, re-veal his
traits as an interviewer.
Answer: Mukund Padmanabhan was surely a successful and well thought-
out reporter who always used to ask answerable and dexterous questions
to his interviewees. He used to plan and prepare to con-duct an interview
of a celebrity. He never asked ugly or embarrasing questions and on the
other hand, the celebrity whom he interviewed always seemed to be
comfortable with his questions. Through the inteviews, readers not only
got the informations
about the celebrities but many other important aspects of Mukund’s
personality also came in their knowledge. He asked brief and quality
questions to his interviewees scrupulously. He let the interviewees spoke
in their own manner and never tried to interrupt or cross-questioned
them.
His interviewees used to be free and frank with him. He was always a
prepared interviewer. Mukund, in advance arranged the informations and
personality traits of his interviewees and then with full preparations,
started his sessions. In all we can say that Mukund Padmanabhan was a
disciplined and dedicated interviewer.
MCQs
Q1- Who is the author of the lesson ‘The
Interview’?
A) Christopher Priest
B) Christopher Silvester (1959)
C) J.B. Priestley
D) Alfred John Churchley
Q2- What does V.S. Naipaul feel about
interviews?
A) horror
B) happy
C) wounded
D) none
Q3- What does Naipaul present in his travel
books?
A) his feelings
B) his feelings about interviews
C) impression of the country of his ancestors
that is India
D) none
Q4- The excerpt -The Interview has been taken
from which book?
A) Christopher’s introduction to The Penguin Book
of Interviews
B) Features for Vanity Fair
C) The name of the Rose
D) none
Q5- What did he present in this book?
A) varied opinions of politicians
B) varied opinions of civilians
C) varied opinions of armymen
D) varied opinions of celebrities regarding an
interview
Q6- According to an old saying what happens when
perceptions are made about a person?
A) Person feels happy
B) person becomes popular
C) Person feels irritated
D) The original identity of his soul is lost
Q7- How does Umberto Eco find so much time to write so
much?
A) using early morning time
B) using his office time
C) using his family time
D) using using empty spaces (free times) like waiting for
someone, break time
Q8- What was distinctive (special) about Eco’s
academic writing style?
A) His realistic narrative style with trial and errors
B) his interrogative style
C) his monotonous unrealistic style
D) fictitious imaginative style
Q9- What is the reason for huge success of the
novel The Name of The Rose?
A) mystic
B) metaphysics and medieval history period used
C) detective style and theology
D) All these
Q10- What are some of the positive traits of of
interviews?
A) brings out the truth and gives vivid impression of
contemporaries
B) helps finding hidden talents
C) useful medium of communication
D) All these
Question Bank
Q11- Why do most celebrity writers despise being
interviewed?
A) they don’t like journalists
B) unwarranted intrusion in their life
C) their privacy is hurt
D) none
Q12- At what age was Eco’s book
published?
A) at the age of 20
B) at the age of 25
C) at the age of 22
D) at the age of 26
Q13- At what age did he start writing
novels?
A) at the age of 55
B) at the age of 52
C) at the age of 57
D) at the age of 50
Q14- What days did he used to write
novels?
A) Saturday night
B) Friday night
C) every evening
D) Sundays
Q15- Why do the celebrities feel embarrassed most
often?
A) because of question attacks during interviews
B) because of interviewer’s gestures
C) because of interviewer’s appearance
D) none
Q16- What is the primitive view about being
photographed?
A) person’s soul is stolen
B) part of personality is lost
C) person can be commanded
D) All these
Q17- What do you understand by the
expression ‘Thumbprints on his windpipes"?
A) creating excessive pressure on throat
B) creating excessive pressure on vocal
chords
C) creating excessive pressure and tension
for someone
D) none
Q18- What in today’s world our main source of
information?
A) social media
B) newspapers
C) short screens
D) Interviews and interactions
Q19- What satisfied Umberto’s taste for
narration?
A) stories
B) children’s works
C) interviews
D) Novels
Q20- What does writing novels on
Sundays signify?
A) writing novels- his passion
B) writing novels- his need
C) writing novels- his casual job
D) writing novels- his interest