The Interview - Flamingo - Class 12 - CBSE English

The chapter "Interview" by Christopher Silvester discusses the history and varying opinions of interviews in journalism. Silvester notes that interviews have become commonplace in journalism and that opinions about them range from being a source of truth and an art form to being an unwarranted intrusion into people's lives. He cites examples of famous authors, such as Lewis Carroll and Rudyard Kipling, who despised interviews, while others, like H.G. Wells and Saul Bellow, were more open to them despite finding them challenging.

The chapter then includes an excerpt from an interview with Umberto Eco, a renowned scholar and author. Eco discusses his varied interests, which he pursues through his academic work, novels, and even children's books. He also reveals a secret to his productivity - he works in the "empty spaces" of his life, such as waiting for an elevator, to write articles. Eco's non-fiction writing has a playful and personal quality to it, which he attributes to his approach of telling a story rather than just presenting facts.

The interview delves into Eco's experience of becoming famous for his novel "The Name of the Rose," which is a detective story that also delves into metaphysics, theology, and medieval history. Eco notes that he considers himself a university professor who writes novels on Sundays, but he acknowledges that his novels have a larger audience than his academic work. He also discusses the success of "The Name of the Rose" and how journalists and publishers often underestimate readers' desire for challenging reading experiences.

Overall, the chapter and interview highlight the varied opinions and experiences of interviews in journalism, as well as Eco's unique approach to his work and writing.

Christopher Silvester is a British journalist and author who has written for various newspapers and magazines, including The Times, The Guardian, and the Sunday Telegraph. He has also authored several books, including "Fatherhood: Men Writing About Fathering" and "The World's Greatest Idea: The Fifty Greatest Ideas that Have Changed Humanity".

Silvester's chapter "Interview" is a part of the book "Writers' and Artists' Yearbook 2019," which provides advice and guidance for aspiring writers. In this chapter, Silvester provides tips and insights on how to prepare for and conduct successful interviews as a writer.

He begins by discussing the importance of research and preparation before conducting an interview, such as reading up on the subject and their work, as well as preparing a list of questions. Silvester then offers advice on how to conduct the interview, including how to build rapport with the subject, the importance of listening, and the use of follow-up questions.

Throughout the chapter, Silvester uses examples from his own experiences as a journalist to illustrate his points and provide practical advice. He also emphasizes the importance of ethics and respecting the subject's privacy, while still asking probing questions.

Overall, Silvester's chapter provides a useful guide for writers who are looking to conduct interviews as part of their research process.

"Today, almost everybody who is literate will have read an interview at some point in their lives, while from the other point of view, several thousand celebrities have been interviewed over the years, some of them repeatedly."

This line emphasizes the ubiquity and significance of interviews in modern society, highlighting their role in shaping public perception and understanding of various personalities and subjects. It also illustrates the wide reach and influence that interviews have on readers, making them an important medium of communication.

“These days, more than at any other time, our most vivid impressions of our contemporaries are through interviews,” Denis Brian has written. “Almost everything of moment reaches us through one man asking questions of another. Because of this, the interviewer holds a position of unprecedented power and influence.”

This quote underscores.........................................................

The power of interviews: 

The chapter emphasizes the impact of interviews on shaping public opinion and understanding of various personalities and subjects. Interviews serve as a crucial channel of communication, allowing readers to gain insight into the thoughts and experiences of prominent figures.

The role of the interviewer: 

The chapter discusses the significant....................................