VIDYAPEETH

12th Class
ENGLISH

One Shot By- Ruchi Ma’am

Christopher
Silvester
 Christopher Silvester
❑ Christopher Silvester, born in 1959, is a historian and former Private Eye
journalist acclaimed for his contributions to Vanity Fair. A Cambridge graduate,
Silvester's ten-year stint in investigative journalism reflects his expertise. His
literary finesse is evident in the introduction to "The Penguin Book of
Interviews," skillfully guiding readers through the evolution of interview
narratives from 1859 to the present. Silvester's rich background positions him
as an esteemed guide, offering readers insight into the captivating world of
interviews.
Introduction
to Interviews
in Journalism
 Introduction to Interviews in Journalism
❑ Begin with a brief history of interviews in journalism (over 130 years ago).

❑ Mention the varied opinions people hold about interviews, ranging from its
highest form to strong aversion
 Impact of Interviews on Individuals
❑ Highlight the lasting impression interviews leave on individuals.

❑ Reference an old saying about perceptions and the potential theft of one's
original identity.

❑ Note criticisms from famous figures like celebrities, writers, and artists
Rudyard
Kipling's
Perspective
 Rudyard Kipling's Perspective
❑ Discuss Rudyard Kipling's strong stance against interviews.

❑ Share the incident in Boston with reporters and Kipling's view of interviewing as
an assault deserving punishment.

❑ Emphasize Kipling's belief that a respectable person would never ask or give an
interview
Umberto
Eco’s
 Umberto Eco's Interview Excerpt
❑ Introduce Umberto Eco, a renowned scholar and author.

❑ Mention his formidable reputation in semiotics, literary interpretation, and

medieval aesthetics.

❑ Briefly discuss the success of his novel, "The Name of the Rose," with over ten
million copies sold
 The
Name of
the Rose
 Mukund's Interview with Umberto Eco
❑ Provide an overview of Mukund's interview with Umberto Eco.

❑ Mention Eco's response to the question about managing various activities.

❑ Highlight Eco's self-identification as an academic scholar who writes novels on

Sundays.

❑ Discuss Eco's view on being identified as a novelist rather than a scholar.

 Umberto Eco's Productivity Insights
❑ Introduce Eco's concept of "interstices" in life.

❑ Discuss Eco's belief that productive work occurs in the empty spaces of life.

❑ Emphasize Eco's ability to balance academic work with writing novels during
his productive time
 Characteristics of "The Name of the Rose"
❑ Describe the complexity of Eco's novel, "The Name of the Rose.“

❑ Highlight its detective aspect, along with elements of metaphysics, theology, and
medieval history.

❑ Discuss Eco's belief that the novel's success is still a mystery, influenced by the
timing of its release.
 Conclusion
❑ Summarize key points from the presentation.

❑ Conclude by emphasizing the diverse perspectives on interviews and the

intriguing nature of Umberto Eco's success with "The Name of the Rose."
 Question & Answers
#Q. Does Umberto Eco enjoy being interviewed? Provide proof to back up your
claims?

Yes, in fact. Like most celebrities, Mr. Eco took pleasure in being interviewed. He
was so at ease that Mukund felt comfortable posing sensitive queries. He was
really kind and courteous, talked modestly about his achievements, and gave
details when needed. He encouraged Mukund to ask any questions because he was
receptive and understanding.
 Question & Answers
#Q. How does Eco manage to write for so long?

Yes, Umberto Eco manages to write a great deal. According to Eco's description in
his interview with Mukund, he is a professor who writes novels on Sundays. When
Mukund inquires about Eco's management style, he merely responds by saying
that he always uses the same method. Additionally, Eco discloses that he integrates
his philosophical pursuits into his scholarly endeavors and literary works. In
addition, Eco describes how he makes use of the "empty spaces" in his life to be
productive. He points out, for example, that he can write an article during the time
he spends waiting for an elevator because it is an unoccupied slot in his schedule.
 Question & Answers
#Q. What made Eco's scholarly writing style unique?

Eco used a casual style and a personal touch in her nonfiction writing. He did not
speak in an insipid or dry tone. In his narrative-style essays and dissertations (लंबा
नबंध), he related the tale of his failures and mistakes. Having penned more than
forty non-fiction books, he saw himself more as an academic researcher than a
novelist.
 Question & Answers
#Q. What is the cause of "The Name of the Rose" novel's enormous success?

Indeed. It was unclear why the novel was so successful. Eco's book addressed
weighty topics like medieval history, metaphysics, and (अध्यात्म वज्ञान). It thus
catered to readers who preferred longer reads. The enormous success of the novel
may have been attributed to the growing public interest in medieval history during
the time of its publication.
 Question & Answers
#Q. What is Lewis Carroll's opinion on interviews?

Lewis Carroll disliked being treated like a celebrity, so he never gave his
permission to be interviewed. When he managed to avoid interviewers and
autograph seekers, he was very happy and satisfied.
 Question & Answers
#Q. Give two instances of Umberto Eco's candor and humility?

Yes, Umberto Eco became a literary superstar after his book "The Name of the
Rose" was published, but he was open and modest about his accomplishments. He
attributed the success of his well-known book to the ability of those who still value
challenging literature.
 Question & Answers
#Q. What traits of Umberto Eco's character did "The Interview" portray?

A vast body of work including essays, children's books, academic texts, and literary
fiction reveals Umberto Eco to be a versatile genius. He continues to be modest and
honest in spite of his achievements, surprising publishers with his prolific output.
Eco is a person who patiently responds to inquiries and simplifies difficult
subjects. She is a figure of inspiration and encouragement. He is a committed
workaholic who views himself as primarily an academic scholar. He has a wide
range of interests, including cathedrals, Latin, and even popular culture like
"Miami Vice."