Class 12 English - CBSE
Prose: The Interview
The Interview by Christopher Silvester is a thought-provoking chapter from the Class 12 CBSE Flamingo textbook that explores the nature, merits, and demerits of interviews. The chapter is split into two parts: an excerpt from Christopher Silvester's book about the invention and skepticism surrounding interviews, and an insightful interview between journalist Mukund Padmanabhan and the legendary author Umberto Eco. Eco shares his unique working methods, his academic approach to writing novels, and how he manages to write so much. For board exams, this chapter matters because it tests your comprehension of modern journalism, literary techniques, and the philosophy of creative expression.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Universal Acceptance of Interviews
Despite being a relatively modern invention, interviews have become an integral part of journalism, with thousands of celebrities experiencing their influence daily.
Criticism of Interviews
Many celebrities view interviews as an unwarranted intrusion into their private lives, often comparing them to a thumbprint on their windpipe or a form of assault.
Umberto Eco's Academic Persona
Umberto Eco is primarily an academic and semiotician who views novel writing only as an empty-time occupation pursued on Sundays.
The Concept of 'Interstices'
Eco explains that his immense literary output is made possible by utilizing empty spaces or 'interstices' in time, such as waiting for someone or riding an elevator.
The Success of 'The Name of the Rose'
Eco's academic novel achieved massive, unexpected success, which he attributes to a mystery element that made it appeal to a much wider audience than just scholars.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the CBSE Class 12 English Core board examination, this chapter typically carries around 4 to 6 marks. Questions usually include short answer questions (SAQs) testing details from the Eco interview and long answer questions (LAQs) requiring students to evaluate the pros and cons of interviews or analyze Eco's writing philosophy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do some celebrities despise being interviewed?
Celebrities often view interviews as an intrusion into their private lives that diminishes them, with some comparing the experience to being wounded or having their soul stolen.
How does Umberto Eco find time to write so many books?
Eco utilizes the empty spaces or 'interstices' in his schedule—such as waiting for someone or riding an elevator—to do his creative writing, proving that even small fragments of time add up.
What is the secret behind the massive success of Umberto Eco's novel 'The Name of the Rose'?
Eco believes the novel succeeded because of a mysterious element and proper timing, making a philosophical and medieval subject accessible and engaging to a broad audience.
Learn Prose: The Interview with Your AI Tutor
10 different ways to study this chapter. Free for 3 chapters per day.
Lecture
Key Points
Interactive
Quiz
Flashcards