12th CH 7 The Interview

Q1 Explain the word Interview and how many writers find favor with it.
OR
Why do you think Christopher Silvester describes the viewpoints of other writers and authors
when discussing the concept of an interview? Support your opinion with reference to any
one writer cited. (CBSE QUESTION BANK)
Ans. The word ‘interview’ is derived from the French derivative word “entrevue”. It is a
conversation between a journalist or broadcaster and a person of public interest. It is an oral
examination of an applicant for a job through the process of formal questioning. Since the
word has wider implications, it duly involves screening, interaction and introspection. During
the process, both the interviewer and the interviewee participate and the interviewee has to
face the horror of the interviewer.
The word interview was inserted 130 years ago. Since then it has become a commonplace
in journalism. In this world, all have to undergo the process of the interview. Thousands of
people are interviewed daily for one or the other kind. Depending on the merit of the
interview, people have claimed in its highest form as a source of truth and in its practice, it is
an art. H.G. Wells remained averse to ‘interview’ and in 1894 he referred to it as an ordeal.
But forty years later he himself was found interviewing Joseph Stalin of Russia. People view
that almost everything reaches us through asking the interviewer who holds a position of
unprecedented power and influence.
Q2 Mukund Padmanabhan was a reporter from ‘The Hindu’. In the context of the chapter,
reveal his traits as an interviewer.
OR
How would you evaluate Mukund Padmanabhan as an interviewer? Mention at least two
qualities he displays in his interview, supported by textual evidence. (CBSE QUESTION
BANK)
Ans. 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 conduct an interview of a celebrity. He never asked ugly or
embarrassing questions and on the other hand, the celebrity whom he interviewed always
seemed to be comfortable with his questions. Through the interviews, readers not only got
the information 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 speak 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 information 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.
Q3 Several celebrities despise being interviewed. Is this justified? Why? Why not? (CBSE
2010)
Ans. There are several celebrities mentioned in this chapter like Rudyard Kipling, VS
Naipaul, H.G. Wells, Saul Bellow, etc. who dislike interviews very strongly. They never
became ready to be interviewed. Most of them considered interviews as an unwarranted
intrusion into their lives. They did not want to reveal the secrets of their personal lives.
Even an interview is considered as an immoral activity, as a crime or sometimes as an
assault. They feel that the interviewers waste their precious time which can be used by them
for more creativity. On the other hand, the common mass takes interviews very positively as
they come to know about the inner and hidden things of their ideals. But interviews have
their drawbacks also.
Celebrities feel shy and disappointed when they are asked for interviews but they forget that
they become famous and wealthy through the successful interviews General mass become
their fan and devotee by knowing more and more about their ideals. Celebrities are even
worshipped. In this regard, it can be said that an interview cannot be termed as an immoral
activity.
Q4 Give a character sketch of Umberto Eco on the basis of the chapter ‘The Interview’.
OR
What do you think about Umberto Eco? Does he like being interviewed? Give reasons in
support of your answer. (CBSE 2008)
OR
What impression do you form about Umberto Eco as a scholar and writer on the basis of
‘The Interview’? (CBSE 2010)
Ans. Umberto Eco, a university professor at the University of Bologna in Italy, is an
academician and a famous novelist. He, through various interviews, discloses his secret of
success in life and never hates the interviewers. He has his taste in various fields of writings
as academic texts. fiction and nonfiction, literary fiction essays, children’s books, newspaper
articles etc.
He always wanted to be called an academician not a novelist. He used to participate in

academic conferences, on the other hand, he avoided the meetings of writers and Pen Club
Members. He has written forty scholarly works and five novels. He used to denote time for
writing novels on only Sundays. He discovered a magical trick of working in interstices.
He used to use even the seconds of his time. He captured the empty spaces for writing
notes or any content. He had an expertise in Semiotics, the study of signs. He never became
a slave of pride as he openly admitted that his novel ‘The Name of the Rose’ got success
accidently and the time was in his favour. He didn’t have any celebrity attitude though his
novel was bought by more than 10 million of the readers.

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Q1 Explain the word Interview and how many writers find favor with it.

He always wanted to be called an academician not a novelist. He used to participate in

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