Class 12 English Flamingo The Interview (Summary)

 

NCERT Solutions For Class 12 English

Flamingo

The Interview  

(Christopher Silvester)

Summary

 

The lesson commences by discussing the historical origins of interviews in journalism, dating back over 130 years. The author notes the wide spectrum of opinions on interviews—some view it as the pinnacle of communication, while others despise being subjected to them. Interviews hold significant impact, often altering perceptions to the extent that the essence of one's true self seems to be stolen, as per an old adage. Notably, renowned figures such as celebrities, writers, and artists have openly criticized the interview process. For instance, Rudyard Kipling expressed his disdain, considering interviews an assault and a transgression deserving of punishment. He firmly believed that a person of dignity would never engage in or grant an interview.

An excerpt from an interview between Mukund of The Hindu newspaper and Umberto Eco, a distinguished professor at the University of Bologna, focuses on his acclaimed novel, "The Name of the Rose," which sold over ten million copies. Eco, renowned for his contributions to semiotics, literary interpretation, and medieval aesthetics, elaborates on his diverse pursuits. When asked about managing multiple endeavors, Eco suggests that he's essentially engaged in the same pursuit, illustrating how his works about children inherently advocate peace and non-violence, reflecting his philosophical interests. Identifying himself primarily as an academic scholar participating in conferences during the week and indulging in novel writing on Sundays, Eco remains unperturbed by being primarily recognized as a novelist instead of a scholar. He acknowledges the challenge in reaching a vast audience with scholarly work, likening life's gaps to the interstices found in atoms and the cosmos—spaces where he accomplishes much of his productive work.

Regarding his novel, Eco notes its complexity, combining detective elements with metaphysics, theology, and medieval history. Additionally, he suggests that the novel's timing played a pivotal role in its massive success, positing that had it been published a decade earlier or later, its acclaim might not have been as significant. Hence, the enigma behind its success persists.