The interview notes

THE INTERVIEW
- Christopher Sylvester
THEME
“The Interview” by Christopher Sylvester, , focuses on the art and
significance of interviews as a modern journalistic tool. The chapter
reflects on how interviews have become a major source of
communication in the contemporary world. It presents two contrasting
perspectives. First, Interviews are considered as a Source of Truth. Some
people view interviews as an essential method to gain insights into a
person’s thoughts, achievements, and experiences. Interviews have the
power to reveal deeper truths about famous personalities, making them
accessible to the public. Second, Interviews are considered as an
Intrusion. Few people consider interviews as an intrusion into one’s
personal life, a violation of privacy. This viewpoint suggests that the
process of interviewing can sometimes misrepresent or oversimplify a
person’s true self.
In the chapter, various examples of notable personalities and their
attitudes toward interviews are discussed. Writers like V.S. Naipaul and
Lewis Carroll detested being interviewed, considering it invasive. On the
other hand, Umberto Eco, a writer and academic, viewed interviews as a
means of communication and accepted them as part of his public life.
Thus, the theme of “The Interview” is the complex nature of interviews,
both as a powerful journalistic tool and a potential intrusion into
personal privacy. The chapter encourages readers to think critically
about the ethical aspects of journalism and personal space.
Answer the following questions:

1.What are some of the positive views on interviews?
Answer
Interview, in the 130 years of its existence, has become an inherent part of
journalism. It is a useful means of communication that is, at times, considered
to be an art, serving as a source of truth. Denis Brian has stated that in today's
world we get to know "our contemporaries" through their interviews.
2. Why do most celebrity writers despise being interviewed?

Answer
Celebrity writers believe that interviews unduly interfere in their private lives.
They regard themselves as victims of interviews. They claim that the interview
in some way 'diminishes' them, just like some ancient cultures believed that a
portrait of a person takes away his soul.
Certain celebrities like V.S Naipaul have claimed that interviews leave them
wounded, while others like Rudyard Kipling have referred to it a crime and an
immoral act.
3. What is the belief in some primitive cultures about being photographed?

Answer
Some primitive cultures believed that photographing a person is no less than
stealing his/her soul out of the body and rendering him incomplete and
slighted.
Understanding the text
1. Do you think Umberto Eco likes being interviewed? Give reasons for your
opinion.
Answer
Yes, Umberto Eco, in all possibilities, likes being interviewed. He felt just at
ease with the interviewer and answered all the questions fully and patiently
without showing any hurry. He stated his achievement in a very modest
manner and explained his philosophical views and interest clearly. He let the
interviewer enter the secret about his craft with a loud laugh.
Also, he elaborated his approach which was unique. He was mannerly, warm
and properly responsive as well.
2. How does Eco find the time to write so much?

Answer
Umberto Eco explains how he managed to write so much by emphasizing his
effective use of time. He didn’t believe in wasting time and made use of what
he called “interstices”—the small gaps or breaks in time between daily
activities.Eco said that while some people may think they are doing nothing
during these short intervals, he used them productively. By maximizing these
moments, Eco was able to juggle multiple roles—writing novels, academic
work, and teaching. He explained that he did not organize his time in a strict
way but, instead, made the best use of free moments throughout the day.This
concept of making the most of small opportunities allowed him to produce an
impressive amount of work, both in fiction and non-fiction, without feeling
overburdened.
Second, he explains that people wondered that he (Eco) had written so much
on various subjects. But the fact is that he was writing on the same lines and
same interests-peace, non-violence, etc. All his works were linked with the
thread of common interests. It saves his time and he could write a lot in a short
period of time. That was the secret behind Eco's prolific pen.
4. Did Umberto Eco consider himself a novelist first or an academic scholar?

Answer
Umberto Eco considered himself an academic scholar first and a novelist later.
He makes his preference clear by saying, "I consider myself a university
professor who writes novels on Sundays". On week days he attended
academic conferences and did other scholarly, nonfictional work.
5. What is the reason for the huge success of the novel, The Name of the
Rose?
Umberto Eco attributes the huge success of his novel The Name of the Rose to
several factors, but he is also somewhat modest about it. According to Eco, the
success was partly unexpected because he wrote the novel as an intellectual
exercise, combining elements of historical fiction, philosophy, theology, and
semiotics, which are not typically ingredients for mainstream bestsellers.
He suggested that readers enjoy being challenged, contrary to the popular

belief that they prefer simpler stories. The Name of the Rose is a complex
novel with deep themes, yet it resonated with a wide audience, perhaps
because it offered readers something intellectually stimulating while also being
entertaining. Eco admits that he couldn’t predict such a level of success, but
the combination of it being a detective yarn with intellectual depth likely
contributed to its wide appeal.

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THE INTERVIEW

Answer the following questions:

2. Why do most celebrity writers despise being interviewed?

3. What is the belief in some primitive cultures about being photographed?

Understanding the text

2. How does Eco find the time to write so much?

4. Did Umberto Eco consider himself a novelist first or an academic scholar?

He suggested that readers enjoy being challenged, contrary to the popular

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