Class 12 English - KERALA
Prose: The Interview
The Interview by Christopher Silvester is a thought-provoking chapter for Class 12 Kerala SCERT students that explores the pros and cons of interviews in the modern journalistic world. It features excerpts from an interview with Umberto Eco, a renowned novelist and semiotician, who discusses his academic work and the immense success of his novel The Name of the Rose. The chapter helps students understand the art of interviewing, distinguishing between those who despise it as an intrusion and those who consider it a valuable source of truth, making it a recurring favorite for board exam comprehension and essay questions.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Nature of Interviews
Different perspectives on interviews, ranging from a welcome medium of communication to a harrowing intrusion on personal privacy.
Umberto Eco's Academic Pursuits
Eco identifies primarily as a university professor who writes novels on Sundays, balancing scholarly non-fiction with creative fiction.
The Concept of 'Interstices'
Eco explains that his philosophical work fills the empty spaces or 'interstices' in his schedule to make maximum use of time.
Secret of Success of The Name of the Rose
A complex detective novel that unexpectedly appealed to a massive audience, a mystery even to its author.
Mukund Padmanabhan's Interview
An excerpt from The Hindu that highlights Eco's unique working methods, humility, and views on writing.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Kerala (SCERT) Class 12 English Board Exam, this chapter typically carries around 6 to 8 marks. Questions frequently include short answer questions based on the text, paragraph questions about Umberto Eco's writing style, and critical appreciation or opinion-based questions regarding the ethics and impact of modern journalism.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Umberto Eco consider himself a university professor first and novelist second?
Eco attends academic conferences and writes scholarly essays throughout the week, reserving only Sundays for creative writing.
What are the negative views held by celebrities about interviews?
Many celebrities view interviews as an unwarranted intrusion into their private lives, sometimes feeling that it diminishes a part of their soul.
How did Umberto Eco explain the immense success of his novel 'The Name of the Rose'?
Eco believed it was a mystery, suggesting that if he had written it ten years earlier or later, it might not have achieved the same success.
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