NCERT Solutions for Class 12 English Flamingo - The Interview

Think As you Read

• Interviews provide a source of truth about individuals and events.
• They help us understand our contemporaries and their perspectives.
• Interviews can reveal insights that are not available through other forms of media.
• They foster a connection between the interviewer and the interviewee.

Q2: Why do most celebrity writers despise being interviewed?
Ans: Many celebrity writers dislike being interviewed for several reasons:

• They feel that interviews intrude on their private lives.
• Some believe that being interviewed diminishes their identity, similar to ancient beliefs about portraits stealing a person's soul.
• Writers like V.S. Naipaul have expressed that interviews can leave them feeling wounded.
• Others, such as Rudyard Kipling, have described interviews as immoral and akin to an assault.

Q3: What is the belief in some primitive cultures about being photographed?
Ans: In some primitive cultures, there is a strong belief that:

• Taking a person's photograph is akin to stealing their soul.
• This act is seen as making the person incomplete or slighted.

Such views highlight the deep cultural significance placed on personal identity and the essence of individuals.

Q4: What do you understand by the expression “thumbprints on his windpipe”?
Ans: The expression “thumbprints on his windpipe” refers to the feeling of being strangled. It suggests that the pressure of an interview can be so intense that it feels like a form of choking.

• It conveys a sense of stress and discomfort.
• The interview process can be seen as an assault on a person's emotional state.
• This metaphor highlights the tension experienced during such encounters.

Q5: Who, in today’s world, is our chief source of information about personalities?
Ans: In today's world, the primary source of information about personalities is the interviewer. They play a crucial role by:

• Using their influence to gather insights.
• Asking targeted questions to extract significant information.
• Providing a platform for interviewees to share their stories.

Through these interactions, interviewers help us understand the essence of the people they feature.

Understanding the Text

• He appears comfortable with interviewers, responding to questions with ease.
• Eco answers questions thoroughly and patiently, showing no signs of hurry.
• He discusses his achievements in a modest manner, sharing his philosophical views clearly.
• His laughter and openness reveal a willingness to share insights about his craft.
• Eco's unique approach and warmth make the interview engaging.

Q2: How does Eco find the time to write so much?
Ans: Umberto Eco's ability to write extensively can be attributed to two main factors:

• Utilising free time: Eco believed that everyone has empty spaces in their lives—periods without significant tasks. He used these moments to write.
• Focused interests: While some may think he wrote on many subjects, Eco actually explored similar themes, such as peace and non-violence. This common thread allowed him to write efficiently.

These strategies contributed to Eco's remarkable productivity as a writer.

Q3: What was distinctive about Eco’s academic writing style?
Ans: Umberto Eco's academic writing style is distinctive for several reasons:

• It possesses a playful and personal tone.
• Unlike typical academic writing, which is often depersonalised and dry, Eco's style engages readers.
• He narrates his research journey, including trials and errors, making it relatable.

Overall, Eco's approach makes complex ideas more accessible and enjoyable for a wider audience.

Q4: Did Umberto Eco consider himself a novelist first or an academic scholar?
Ans: Umberto Eco identified as an academic scholar first, viewing his novel writing as a secondary pursuit. He stated, "I consider myself a university professor who writes novels on Sundays." This reflects his commitment to academia:

• He actively participates in academic conferences.
• His scholarly work includes over 40 non-fiction publications.
• Despite his fame as a novelist, he prefers to be seen as part of the academic community.

Q5: What is the reason for the huge success of the novel, The Name of the Rose?
Ans: The Name of the Rose is a unique novel that combines various elements, contributing to its success:

• It is a detective story at its core, appealing to mystery lovers.
• The narrative also explores metaphysics, theology, and medieval history, adding depth.
• Despite its serious themes, it attracted a wide audience, which surprised many.
• The timing of its release may have played a crucial role in its popularity.

Ultimately, the reasons behind its immense success remain a mystery.

Talking about the Text

• Celebrity Insight: The interview reveals personal stories and experiences, helping us see the celebrity as a real person rather than just a public figure.
• Interviewer’s Role: The interviewer’s style and approach can influence the depth of the conversation, showcasing their skills in drawing out information.
• Field Understanding: Discussions about the celebrity's work provide insights into their industry, including challenges and trends.

Overall, interviews serve as a valuable medium for connecting audiences with celebrities and their fields.

Q2: The medium you like best for an interview, print, radio, or television.
Ans: The medium I prefer for interviews is television. It combines both audio and visual elements, allowing the audience to see the interviewer and interviewee in their true form. Here are some reasons why I favour television:

• It reduces the chances of misquoting or misreporting, which often occurs in print and radio.
• The audience can observe the body language and facial expressions of the participants, adding depth to the conversation.
• Television captures the nuances of communication, such as gestures and tone, which are often lost in written or audio formats.

In contrast:

• Print media relies on text and static images, which can feel dull.
• Radio attempts to create an atmosphere through sound, but lacks the visual context.

Both print and radio require significant attention from the audience to fully engage with the content.

Q3: Every famous person has a right to his or her privacy. Interviewers sometimes embarrass celebrities with very personal questions.
Ans: Interviewers often seek to reveal exclusive and personal details about the celebrities they interview. Their approaches can vary significantly:

• Some interviewers focus solely on the public life and achievements of the individual, aiming for an objective perspective.
• Others, however, may cross boundaries by asking intrusive questions in an attempt to create more engaging content.

This can lead to uncomfortable situations for the celebrity:

• Personal questions can provoke feelings of irritation or discomfort.
• If a celebrity reacts strongly, they may be seen as rude; if they remain silent, they might be labelled as arrogant.

In my view, the privacy of individuals should always be respected.