The Interview
Christopher Silvester • From the Introduction to the Penguin Book of Interviews
Journalism: The art of extracting the truth through conversation.
Views on Interviews
What are some of the positive views on interviews?
Interviews are widely considered a useful means of communication. For literate people, reading an interview is a common experience. It is often the chief source of truth about personalities. In practice, it is an art form that varies in its functions, methods, and merits, allowing us to learn about others’ hidden experiences and views.
Why do most celebrity writers despise being interviewed?
Most celebrity writers view interviews as an unwarranted intrusion into their private lives. They feel it somehow diminishes them (steals their soul). They often consider themselves victims, believing that the interview process invades their personal space and privacy.
What is the belief in some primitive cultures about being photographed?
In many primitive cultures, it is believed that if one takes a photographic portrait of somebody, they are stealing that person’s soul, leaving their existence incomplete.
What do you understand by the expression “thumbprints on his windpipe”?
This expression was used by Saul Bellow. It suggests a feeling of being choked or suffocated. He felt that being interviewed was an assault on his personality, creating immense tension and pressure, much like someone physically pressing down on his throat (windpipe).
Understanding The Text (Umberto Eco)
Umberto Eco: The academic who wrote novels on Sundays.
Do you think Umberto Eco likes being interviewed? Give reasons.
Yes, Umberto Eco seems to enjoy being interviewed.
- He answers all questions patiently, fully, and enthusiastically.
- He is modest about his achievements and clearly explains his philosophical interests.
- He openly shares the “secret” of his work efficiency (interstices).
- His tone is lively, playful, and devoid of the arrogance or dislike shown by other writers.
How does Eco find the time to write so much?
Eco utilizes “interstices” or empty spaces in time. He explains that everyone has moments of waiting or idleness in their lives. For example, while waiting for someone to come up in an elevator, he uses that brief time to write an article. By productive use of these “odd moments,” he accomplishes a vast amount of work.
What was distinctive about Eco’s academic writing style?
Eco’s academic writing marked a departure from the standard, dry, and depersonalized style. His work had a playful, narrative, and personal quality. He wrote as if telling the story of his research, including his trials and errors, which made his scholarly work engaging and readable even for non-experts.
Did Umberto Eco consider himself a novelist first or an academic scholar?
He considered himself an academic scholar first. He identified as a university professor who wrote novels only on Sundays. He participated in academic conferences on weekdays and did not associate much with the “Pen Club” or writers’ meetings.
What is the reason for the huge success of the novel, ‘The Name of the Rose’?
Eco himself calls the success of the book a “mystery.” While it is a compelling narrative, it is also a difficult read involving metaphysics, theology, and medieval history. Perhaps it was written at the “right time”—had it been published ten years earlier or later, it might not have seen the same success.
Talking About The Text
Discuss: Every famous person has a right to his or her privacy.
While the public demands information, celebrities indeed have a right to privacy. Interviewers often cross the line, asking intrusive personal questions to create sensational headlines. This can cause immense stress and embarrassment. Just because a person is famous does not mean their entire life is public property. Respecting boundaries is crucial in ethical journalism.
Which medium do you like best for an interview: Print, Radio, or TV?
Television is often preferred because:
- It is audio-visual, capturing expressions, tone, and body language.
- It feels more authentic as the audience hears the words directly from the celebrity, minimizing the risk of misinterpretation by the interviewer.
- It is engaging and often broadcast live or with minimal editing.
Writing
Write a short report of the interview for Mukund Padmanabhan.
Umberto Eco: A Scholarly Novelist
I recently had the fortune of interviewing Umberto Eco, the distinguished professor from the University of Bologna and author of The Name of the Rose.
Eco is a man of delightful contradictions. While the world hails him as a novelist, he insists he is a “university professor who writes novels on Sundays.” His approach to academic writing is unique—narrative, personal, and playful—which explains his widespread appeal.
The secret to his prolific output lies in what he calls “interstices”—the empty spaces of time we usually waste. By utilizing these brief moments, he has penned over 40 scholarly works.
Regarding the phenomenal success of his novel, Eco remains humble, calling it a “mystery” of timing. His demeanor throughout was lively and open, a refreshing change from the reclusive nature of many literary giants.
Things To Do
Interview a person whom you admire.
Interviewer: Hello, Ma’am. I’ve always admired your teaching style.
Mrs. Desai: Thank you, dear. Seeing students improve is my greatest reward.
Interviewer: Why did you choose English?
Mrs. Desai: I fell in love with Treasure Island at 15. My father got me a library card, and that opened up a new world for me.
Interviewer: You never use notes. What is your secret?
Mrs. Desai: When you love a subject, it embeds in your soul. I don’t just memorize; I feel the stories.
Interviewer: Any advice for us?
Mrs. Desai: Read voraciously. And don’t be afraid to speak—we only learn through failures.