Flamingo The Interview Long question answers

 

NCERT Solutions For Class 12 English

Flamingo

The Interview  

(Christopher Silvester)

Long question answers

 

Question 1) 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.

Answer. The term 'interview' originates from the French word "entrevue." It represents a dialogue between a journalist or broadcaster and a figure of public interest. It serves as an oral assessment, commonly used in job applications, involving structured questioning. However, its scope extends beyond mere conversation, encompassing screening, interaction, and self-reflection. In this process, both the interviewer and interviewee engage, with the interviewee often facing the daunting scrutiny of the interviewer.

The term 'interview' was introduced 130 years ago, marking its integration into the fabric of journalism. In contemporary society, interviews have become ubiquitous, a requisite experience for individuals across various domains. Daily, thousands undergo interviews for diverse purposes. The perception of interviews varies: some regard it as a conduit of truth in its highest form, while others view it as an art form in practice. H.G. Wells initially disdained the 'interview,' referring to it as an ordeal in 1894. However, forty years later, he found himself interviewing Joseph Stalin of Russia, showcasing a shift in perspective. It's commonly perceived that much of the information reaching us stems from the interviewer, who wields considerable power and influence in this process.

Question 2)  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.

Answer. Mukund Padmanabhan epitomized a successful and thoughtful reporter known for posing articulate and skillful questions to his interviewees. He meticulously strategized and readied himself before conducting interviews with celebrities, ensuring that his inquiries were never crude or discomforting. Remarkably, the celebrities he interviewed appeared at ease with his line of questioning. Beyond merely extracting information about the celebrities, these interviews offered readers insights into various facets of Mukund's own character.

He approached his interviewees with concise and high-quality questions, demonstrating a meticulous approach. Mukund allowed interviewees the freedom to express themselves authentically, refraining from interruptions or aggressive probing. Consequently, his interview subjects felt at liberty to be candid and open with him.

Mukund consistently exhibited preparedness, meticulously arranging information and profiling the personalities of his interviewees in advance. With thorough groundwork, he commenced his sessions fully equipped and organized. Overall, Mukund Padmanabhan exemplified a disciplined and devoted interviewer.

Question 3)  Several celebrities despise being interviewed. Is this justified? Why? Why not? (CBSE 2010)

Answer. In this chapter, various celebrities such as Rudyard Kipling, VS Naipaul, H.G. Wells, Saul Bellow, and others express strong aversion towards interviews. They consistently declined to participate, viewing interviews as an intrusive invasion into their private lives. Protecting the secrecy of their personal affairs remained a priority for them.

For some, interviews were seen not just as an unwanted intrusion but also as an unethical act or even likened to a crime or assault. These individuals believed that interviewers consumed their valuable time, time that could be better utilized for fostering creativity. Contrarily, the general public perceives interviews positively as they provide insights into the inner workings and concealed aspects of their revered figures. However, interviews are not without their drawbacks.

Celebrities often feel apprehensive and disheartened when approached for interviews, disregarding the fact that their fame and wealth often stem from successful interview engagements. Their admirers and followers expand as the general public gains more insight into their idols' lives. Indeed, some celebrities even attain a revered status. From this perspective, it can be argued that labeling interviews as inherently immoral might not hold true.

Question 4)  Give a character sketch of Umberto Eco on the basis of the chapter ‘The Interview’.
OR
What impression do you form about Umberto Eco as a scholar and writer on the basis of ‘The Interview’? (CBSE 2010)

Answer. Umberto Eco, a renowned professor at the University of Bologna in Italy, boasts a dual identity as both an academic and a celebrated novelist. Across numerous interviews, he divulges the keys to his life's success and maintains a positive rapport with interviewers. His writing prowess spans various genres, encompassing academic texts, fiction, nonfiction, literary essays, children’s literature, and newspaper articles.

Preferring the title of an academician over that of a novelist, Eco actively engaged in academic conferences while consciously avoiding writer gatherings and memberships like the Pen Club. His impressive repertoire comprises forty scholarly works and five novels, a creative endeavor he exclusively reserved for Sundays. He unearthed a remarkable method of productivity within the interstices of time.

Utilizing every fleeting moment, Eco capitalized on even the briefest seconds, employing these gaps for jotting down notes or drafting content. Proficient in Semiotics, the study of signs, he never succumbed to arrogance, openly acknowledging the accidental success of his novel 'The Name of the Rose,' attributing its triumph to favorable timing. Despite its readership surpassing 10 million, Eco never adopted a celebrity demeanor.