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 95
COMPANION LTERATURE
-12(CORE) ENGLISH
clear verygraphic; vivid his however
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 (CORE)-
12 ENGLISH 96 COMPANION UTERATURE
extract
to is chiefpurpose
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 (CORE) ENGLISH
17 - 98
COMPANION ATURE
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 innermost thought of the celebrityvery truthfullythe celebrity being interviewed. He holds the
andsincerely. It also leaves a vivid impression on
one's mind. However, some celebrities detest it as
it is an ordeal for them and it encroaches upon Q17. Umberto Eco's staggeringly large and wide.
their privacy.
Q12. What grudge did Lewis Carroll have against
interview?
Having a morbid horror of interviews and the
interviewers, Lewis Carroll never consented t9
grant one. He hated to be treated as a celebrityand
he felt a great satisfaction and amusement on
succeeding in evading interviewers and autograph
seekers,
Q13. What was odd about Rudyard Kipling interviewing Q18. What does Umberto Eco mean by 'interstices'?
Mark Twain?
Rudyard Kipling had a very condemnatory
atitude towards interviews and interviewers. He
considered it to be 'immoral', 'a crime', 'an assault'
on the interviewee, yet, ironically, he himself had
interviewed Mark Twain afewyears back.
Q14. What are the drawbacks of an interview?
Interview is an encroachment upon an individual's
privacy. Most of the times it is an ordeal forthe
celebrity. At times it is condemned for_its
'diminishing effect'attimes it is dreaded because
it lionizes' the subject.
Sometimes it 'wounds'
and at other times it 'robs' one ofapart of
oneself.
Q15. Why is interviewa supremely
of communicationdespite its
serviceable medium
drawbacks?
Despite all its drawbacks,
interview is a
medium of communication as it givesserviceable
us a
into the mind of acelebrity.The peep
through this medium are truthful, revelations
sincere
made
andvivid
and they help us to understand the working of a
creative mind.
Q16. What are Denis
Brlan's views about interviews
and the interviewers?
Denis Brian defines
interview as a
leaves behind the most vivid medium that
impression about
LTERATURE COMPANION
interviewer in high esteem as he sees shim holding
influence'
a positionofgreat'power and
ranging work puzzles everybody. What does the
scholarhave to sayabout it?
Very modestly, Umberto Eco says that it is a
fallacious impression that he does many things
Infact he has a few philosophical ideas and he
keeps on pursuing the same ones in different works
However, he shares the secret of accomplishing
so much of work by revealing that he utilizes
time-gaps between different pieces ofwork.
The dictionary meaning of interstice is a 'crevice',
a 'crack' or a 'gap'. By 'interstices', Umberto Eco
means removing all empty spaces to make the
universe and our lives very compact. It can be
done by utilizing every moment, including the
ones that we waste in between two different pieces
ofwork, to lend intensity to our lives.
Q19. How does Umberto Eco utilize his 'interstices'?
Umberto Eco uses his interstices to plan and sketch
out whatever workhe is to take up next. This helps
him to do a lot of work within the same time
givingtheimpression ofbeing a prolificperson.
Q20. Bring out Umberto Eco's humility and modesty
as evident in "The
Interview".
In spite of the unparalleled intellectual stardom
that Umberto Eco acquired, he talks abouthis
achievements in all modesty. He attributes the
spectacular fame of "The Name of the Rose" to
Pegple's capability.of appreciating difficult
reading experiençes,With regards to his ability to
do so many things, he feels that it is a fallacious
impression, In fact, he clarifies that he is always
pursuing the same philosophic and ethical ideas
but in different works and forms that gives the
impression of variance.
100 ENGLISH (CORE)-12
Q21. How did Umberto Eco get to adopt an
informal
approach and a playful personal style in writing
scholarlywork?
While presenting his first Doctoral dissertation,
Eco also gave along the entire story of his research
incuding all his trials and errors. One of his
professors not only approved of this style but
also published the dissertation as a book. This
encouraged the then 22 years old young Umberto
Eco, and thus he stuck to this style ever after.
Umberto
022. Why did Roland Barthes, a dear friend of
Eco die a frustrated man? Why did Umberto never
feel that frustration?
Roland Barthes was an essayist. His scholarly
essays did not satisfy him fully. He yearned to do
some creative writing. Unfortunately, he died
before tasting_ success asa çreative.writerof
fiction. Umberto Eco, on the other hand, had no
such problem as his scholarly work also hasa
narratiye aspect. This never lets him experience
any frustration about creativity even when not
writing fiction.
Q23. Explain:"I started writingnovels by accident. "
Ümberto Eco, basically an academic schola,
produced 'staggeringly large and wide-ranging'
scholarly works and till the age of 50, he did not
have even a single novel to his credit. One day,
having nothing to do, he started writing a novel.
Thus he took to novel-writing accidentally.
24. How did Umberto Eco become spectacularly
famous?
Umberto Eco had earned a good reputation for
himself in the field of semiotics_ (the study of
SIgns). The scholarly works that he produced were
Staggeringly large and wide-ranging. However, his
Spectacular fame came to him with his novel "The
Name of the Rose" which stormed the world and
sold more th¡n 10 millioncopies.
Q25. Why did the spectacular success of "The Name
LTERATURE COMPANON
of the Rose" puzzle the journalists and the
publishers?
"The Name of the Rose' in spite ofbeing adetective
story, delved into metaphysics, theology and
medieval history. The journalists and publishers
did not have much faith in people's capacity for
appreciating such a difficult reading experience.
Hence, they didn't expect a very encouraging
response to the book.
Q26. How do Umberto Eco's idea about people's taste
forreading differ from that ofthejournalists?
Journalists believe that people like trash and they
shirk difficult reading experiences. Umberto
Eco's views about readers differ as he believes
that though one might be drawn towards trash
now and then, one doesn't always look for easy
reading experiences. At times, books with serious
themes are also enjoyed by the readers.
Umberto
Q27. What sort of television programmes does
Eco watch after dinner and why?
After dinner, Umberto Eco watches light television
to
programmes that donot tax his mind.Wishing
either
relax after a hard day's work, he watches
'Miami Vice' or 'Emergency Room'. However such
the time
programmes don't catch his interest all
work.
as he devotes hisday hours to serious
Silvester describes
Q28. Why do you think Christopher
and authors
the viewpoints of other writers
interview?
when discussing the concept of an
to any one
Support your opinion with reference
(CBSE Question Bank}
writer cited.
of
Christopher Silvester describes the viewpoints
discussing the
other writers and authors when
wants to convey
concept ofan interview because he
nmethods, andmerits
that opinions about functions,
example Rudyard
of interiew varyeonsiderably. For
he himself
Kipling despised being interviewed yetinterview.
putMarkTwainthrough the ordeal ofan
would you evaluate Mukund Padmanabhan
Q29. How qualities
Mention at least two
as an interviewer?
ENGLISH (CORE)- 12
101
 there is no justification
of these drawbacks,
he displays in his interview, supported by textual condemninginterviewsoutright;after allinterviewS
evidence. Or (CBSE Question Bank}
us an insight into the personalities of the
give
celebrities. They bring out truth. and theyinspire
Is Mukund Padmanabhan a good interviewer?
fan-following of the celebriti
Support your observation with evidence. the masses. The satisfactionin)
ahaving aglimpse
Mukund Padmanabhan is objective as an gets a pleasure and
from such close quarters
interviewer. He does not ask anyembarrassing or oftheirbheroes' inner selves and vivid
controversialquestions.from his-guest. In his Interviews leave behind indelible
'supremely
interview with Umberto Eco he seeks responses
impressions and they are undoubtedly aHence
Eco.Na. serviceable medium of communication'.
related solely to the creative abilities of condemnedaltogether
personal questions are asked. theydonot deservetobe
Umberto Eco on the basis
Christopher Silvester shares authors'
reservations Q2. Give a pen portrait of
Q30. ofthe chapter"The Interview".
mind, would
about interviewing. Bearing that in University of
your choice? If so, Umberto Eco is a professor at the
you interview a writer of
what would youpay particular
attention to in Bologna in Italy, who apart from being an authority
reputed
interviewing the said writer? (CBSE Question Bank} on semiotics (the study of signs) is a
Or novelist. His.scholarly works comprise academic
newspaper
According to you, what is the right way of texts, essays, children's.booksand
written
interviewing an author? articles, The range and volumne of his
outputis mind boggling.
Having read the reservations that authors have
stece.6

about being interviewed, I willstill interview the
writer of my choice. I will pay particular attention
to exploring the skill of the writer, his/her creative
journey and his/her_vision about writing as a
craft. I shall not broach up any controversial or.
embarrassing issue.
LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS
(to be answered in about 150 words each)
intellectual
In spite of having achieved such
stardom, Eco is a very humble and modest scholar.
Far from boasting and bragging about his
achievements, he brushes aside compliment and
makeshimselflookvery ordinary.
He shares his experiences with others readily and
talks about the utilization of the 'interstices' as
the secret ofhis success. Eco's arguments are very
logical anda subtle wit and playfulness is evident
na professor
in his conversation all through. 'I am

TEXTUAL QUESTIONS who writes novels on Sundays' and 'I give impression
ofhis
of doing many things' are good examples
O1. Are the different celebrities in "The Interview" spirited style.
justified in condemníng interviews? academic
Q3. Though Eco identified himself with
Celebrities like V.S. Naipaul, Lewis Carroll, Rudyard community, his taste for narration was itself
Kipling, Saul Bellow and H. G. Wells have expressed right from the beginning and it sustained
strong dislike for interviews. They go to the extent throughout. Comment. novelist,
ofcalling them immoral- 'a crime', 'an assault' and
the like. There is no denying the fact-that the Despite getting spectacular fame as aacademic
Eco always associated himself with occupied
interviews, in some way, encroach upon their privacy work
and at times project them to be shatie than their community. His non--fictional However
him for the first fifty years of his life. narrative
stature and at other times lignie them. In spite his tastefor
the
right from the beginning,
 Based on adetective plot, it delves into metaphysics,
was evident even in his scholarly writings. When
he submitted his first Doctoral dissertation, his theology and medieval history which obviously
makes it a difficult reading experience. Hence,
professor was impressed with his playful and
personal style which was far removed from
dul. when Eco took the book to the publisher, she
liked it but she didn't expect it to find much
drab and depersonalised traditional manner of favour with the readers. So, initially, Eco was given
writing research. The narrative aspect of his
an advance for 3000 copies only. But once the
dissertation was complimented and it was published
book was out, it stormed the literary world and
too. Ever since that time, Eco sustained this style
research in surprised everyone. Though, somewhat a heavy
and told the details of the story of his
first time reading experience, the book attracted mass
his essays too. He used this style for the audience and Eco came to be knoWn talt over the
novel
in anovel that he wrote at the age of 50, This world) as a novelist, rather than an academic
and to
"The Name of theRose", stormed the world scholar. Although Eco is more comfortable with
the utter surprise of the publishers and jounalists, the identity as a scholar but it was this
book that
thus
drew mass audience. His engrossing narration connected him to amuch larger audience.
made
grew from his initial scholarly pursuits and Silvester. You
Q6. Imagine that you are Christopher
wayto his fictional works, too. have been invited to a seminar
series titled
impress
Q4. How far does Mukund Padmanabhan 'Ethics and Techniques of Interviewing'.
considerhis interview
you as an interviewer. Do you the
with Umberto Eco a success? The organisers would like youto speakabout
skills
challenges of conducting interviews, and
Padmanabhan's interview with Umberto Eco interviewers must have in order to conduct good
successful
gives evidence of his capabilities as a and ethical interviews.
interviewer. Neither does he encroach upon Eco's Based on your reading of The
Interview', Part I
questions,
privacyand embarrass him with personal Include relevant
the and I, draft your speech.
nor does he stand between the celebrity and details from the text in support ofyour
answer.
readers. He poses brief, well-worded andsuggestive (CBSE Question Bank}
questions which draw out responses that all fans Good morning everyone!
had wanted to kaow. With every question,
the
Iam delighted to be a part of
this seminar series
interviewer withdraws to the background leaving Interviewing'.
the interviewee in the limelight. The questions on 'Ethics and Techniques of
me that however
posed by him cover all those aspects
of Eco's My experience has taught interview is an
works and personality that interest his readers. controversial it may be, the
opinions about
Every question draws out an elaborate
answer integral part of journalism. The interviews
merits of
which, apart from being informative, isalso very the functions, methods and
While the journalists
inspirational. Nowhere does the interview appear may vary considerably. truth and an art in
to be an ordeal forthe interviewee. It is short, crisp consider it to be a source of
it an attempt
and sounds very informal - qualities that
make practice, many celebrities consider
Conducting an interview is
Mukund an impressive interviewer. to steal the soul. interviewed
05. What idea do you form about "The Name of the challenging because the people who areasked while
personal is
Rose" from the chapter "The Interview"? get offended if anything
generally drawn by the
the readers are
Umberto Eco's taste for the narrative that
It was has to balance
interviewer
controversy itself. The interesting
made this academic scholar produce a fictional the interview
his words and make
WorK"The Name of the Rose" when he was over 50.
ENGLISH (CORE) - 12

TERATURE COMPANION 103

 without the element of debate. The questionnaire Itook dueprecaution while interviewing Umben,
should be based on proper research and nothing Eco. Ikeptmyquestions around Feo'sphilosophical
hearsay should be part of an interview. Focus interests, non-fictional works, creative
should be on the creative abilities of the person journey
and unprecedented success of his fictional work
being interviewed in place of any embarrassing The Nameofthe Rose.
episode in his/her lives. An interviewee should be Iwish that whenever journalists interview any
treated like a guest and his/her dignity must be celebrity, they voluntarily abide by the ethics of
protected by the interviewer. their profession. Presenting sensible and thought
Iam sure that in interviews, ethical journalism provoking information to the readers shal benefit
will befavoured more and the readers will get the the entire society.
opportunity to understand the journey ofgrowth. Q8. Part Iof "The Interview' is an excerpt from the
Thank you and best wishes! Penguin Book of Interviews'. Do you thirk that
Q7. Mukund Padmanabhan was gifted the 'Penguin the extract fails to present a balanced perspective
aboutinterviews?
Book of Interviews - An Anthology from 1859 to
the Present Day' edited by Christopher Silvester, Substantiate your answer with relevant textual
after interviewing Eco. details.
He shared his thoughts on his personal blog If this were the entire introduction, what would
exploring hisown concerns about interviewing a your expectation from the book be?
distinguished writer like Eco, followed by an /CBSE Question Bank
evaluation ofthe interview in light ofhis reading.
As Mukund Padmanabhan, write the PartIofthechapterpresents alimited aspect about
blogpost. interviews, It delivers mostly the discomfort and
(CBSE Question Bank)
anger of authors who are interviewed. It does
INTERVIEWING UMBERTO ECO - mention that an interview is a supremely serviceable
A FEW
PERSONAL INSIGHTS
Last week The Hindu published the medium of communication but does notexplore
which I tried to explore the craft of interview a
in the reasons why it is nmisused by
Umberto Eco, journalists.
Ifthis were the entire
scholar on semiotics and a
celebratedwriterof introduction, Iwould expect
the book to put forth the
fiction. My eforts were acknowledged by the perspective on the
publishers and they gifted me the 'PenguinPenguin Book
position of unprecedented power and influence
of Interviews - An held by the interviewer.
Anthology from 1859 to the
Present Day' edited by Christopher Subsequently,
delineation of the responsibilities
the
of the interviewer
book is an excellent analysis of the Silvester. This would also be expected. Analysis of some good
It may be a art of interview. and bad interviews would also be
the interviewiscommonplace part of journalism but part of the book. expected as
certainlynot everybody'scup of tea.
Authors and other celebrities, Iwould not want the
book to remain a mere
being interviewed. The reason in general, dislike compilation of interviews but to be read as a
interviewer poses uncomfortableperhaps is that the
document on the craft of interview - a researcu
attempt to splce up hls work. Thisquestions in an
is definitely project that would teach the ethics and
unethical and brings accountability
useful tool disrepute
Is such a to interview which of the interviewer. This book
be wouiu
for expected to remain a
storles, understanding success distinctive
Interviewas an effectiverechannel
project on
of communication
foreveryone.
TERATURE COMPANION
104
ENGLISH(CORE)-12