The Interview: Introduction and Summary PDF

The Interview Introduction The Interview by Christopher Silvester is an excerpt taken from his Penguin Book of interviews. In this, he talks about various opinions of the celebrities regarding an interview; its functions, methods and merits. It also consists of an excerpt from an interview with the...

The Interview Introduction The Interview by Christopher Silvester is an excerpt taken from his Penguin Book of interviews. In this, he talks about various opinions of the celebrities regarding an interview; its functions, methods and merits. It also consists of an excerpt from an interview with the infamous writer Umberto Eco. The Interview Summary The lesson begins with the introduction to interview as a commonplace of journalism since its invention, which was a little over 130 years ago. According to the author, it is not very surprising that people have very distinct opinions about the usage of interview. Some think of it in its highest form whereas some people can’t stand being interviewed. An interview leaves a lasting impression and according to an old saying, when perceptions are made about a certain person, the original identity of his soul gets stolen. Famous celebrities, writers and artists have been heard criticising interviews. Rudyard Kipling’s wife wrote in her diary how their day in Boston was ruined by two reporters. Kipling considers interviewing an assault, a crime that should attract punishment. He believes that a respectable man would never ask or give an interview. There is an excerpt from the interview between Mukund (from The Hindu newspaper) and Umberto Eco, a professor at the University of Bologna in Italy who had already acquired a formidable reputation as a scholar for his ideas on semiotics (the study of signs), literary interpretation, and medieval aesthetics before he turned to writing fiction. The interview revolves around the success of his novel, The Name of the Rose whose more than ten million copies were sold in the market. The interviewer begins by asking him how Umberto manages to do so many different things to which he replies by saying that he is doing the same thing. He further justifies and mentions that his books about children talk about peace and non-violence which in the end, reflect his interest in philosophy. Umberto identifies himself as an academic scholar who attends academic conferences during the week and writes novels on Sundays. It doesn’t bother him that he is identified by others as a novelist and not a scholar, because he knows that it is difficult to reach millions of people with scholarly work. He believes there are empty spaces in one’s life, just like there are empty spaces in atoms and the Universe. He calls them interstices and most of his productive work is done during that time. Talking about his novel, he mentions that it is not an easy- read. It has a detective aspect to it along with metaphysics, theology and medieval history. Also, he believes that had the novel been written ten years earlier or later, it would have not seen such a huge success. Thus, the reason for its success still remains a mystery. The Interview Question and Answers 1. How does Eco find the time to write so much? A. Eco is a university professor who attends academic conferences all week. He finds so much time to write in the empty spaces that we all have in our lives, just like the structure of atoms and Universe. He terms these empty spaces as ‘interstices’. If he is waiting for someone coming to his house via the escalator, he would use that time to write an essay rather than sit idle. Therefore, he considers himself a scholar who writes novels on Sundays. 2. What was distinctive about Eco’s academic writing style? A. Generally, academic scholars write false hypothesis, rectify them and then give conclusions. On the other hand, Umberto takes the readers through the journey of his research, quoting all the trials and errors to reach the conclusion. His narrative style of writing made him distinctive. 3. Did Umberto Eco consider himself a novelist first or an academic scholar? A. Umberto Eco identifies himself with the academic community. According to him, he is a university professor who attends academic conferences all week and writes novels on Sundays. 4. What is the reason for the huge success of the novel, The Name of the Rose? A. The novel, The Name of the Rose is a hard-read, differentiating it from other novels. It is a detective narrative that contains metaphysics, theology and medieval history. Thus, it targeted the audience that is not interested in an easy reading experience, probably not all the time. However, the success of the novel still remains a mystery. According to Umberto, had the novel been written ten years earlier or later, it would have not attracted the same proportion of audience. What is an invitation? An invitation is a written or verbal request inviting someone to go somewhere or to do something. An invitation is a request, a solicitation, or an attempt to get another person to join you at a specific event. When you ask people to attend a party, visit your beach house, or witness your marriage, you invite them by giving them an invitation. It can be in the form of an invitation card which is generally considered as formal invitation or it may be in the letter format which is more informal. Advertisement:  Class 12 English Writing skills - invitation and reply writing In the class 12 CBSE English paper invitation and reply writing, choices will be given to attempt any one question out of the given two Short Answer Questions (4 marks each) based on any of the following – i.Notice writing ii. Poster writing iii. Formal and informal invitation and reply writing. iv. Advertisement writing The breakup of 6 marks for class 12 English writing skills - invitation and reply writing as per CBSE guidelines is as follows: Format 01 mark (letter format) NAME OF THE INSTITUTION AND ADDRESS, RECEIVER’S NAME AND ADDRESS, DATE & SALUTATION, SUBJECT, NAME OF EVENT, COMPLIMENTARY CLOSE, SUBSCRIPTION and WRITER’S NAME WITH DESIGNATION Content 02 marks Expression O1 mark Total 04 marks Format of Invitation and reply Writing Format for CBSE Class 12  Format of a formal invitation The format shall include- i.Name of the host ii. Standard expression (E.g., request the pleasure of your company, solicit your gracious presence) iii. Purpose of the invitation iv. Name of the honouree v. Day, date and time of the event- Dates must be written in letters and you should not use abbreviation. vi. Name of the place, location with complete address- Enter the address, the venue of the party or event vii. RSVP (Respond if it pleases you)- Include an RSVP - this elegant abbreviation comes from the French phrase "Répondez, s'il vous plait"; which in English means "Please respond". An RSVP is essential at parties where you need to know exactly who will come, so you can organize things accordingly on the basis of their convenience. viii. Telephone or mobile number or address of the host ix. Any other relevant details Name of the host Standard expression Purpose of the invitation Name of the honouree Day, date and time of the event Name of the place, location with complete address RSVP (Respond if it pleases you) Telephone or mobile number or address of the host Format of an informal invitation SENDER’s ADDRESS- The sender’s address is usually put on the top right-hand corner of the page. DATE (In expanded) - The sender’s address is followed by the date just below it, i.e. on the right side of the page. This is the date on which the invitation is being written. It is to be written in expanded form. RECEIVER’s ADDRESS  SUBJECT- Then we sum up the purpose of writing the invitation in one line. This helps the receiver focus on the subject of the invitation in one glance. It is important to underline the subject. SALUTATIONS- This is where you greet the person you are addressing the invitation to. ---------BODY------- COMPLEMENTARY CLOSURE- Mention the name given in the question paper. Do not mention your personal details. DESIGNATION Features of a Formal invitation are as follows- ▪ The invitation should be written in third person and not in first or second person. ▪ Simple present tense is used. ▪ A polite and courteous tone should be used. ▪ It is a single sentence presentation. ▪ No signatures required. ▪ Dates must be written in letters and you should not use abbreviation. However, date of writing must not be mentioned. ▪ It ought to explain why the party or event is being held, "to celebrate..." or "to honour..." ▪ Length as per CBSE guidelines is limited to 50 words. ▪ It is generally enclosed in a box. ▪ It should answer to the 5Ws: ▪ WHAT- The occasion ▪ WHEN- Date and time ▪ WHERE- Venue ▪ WHO- Name of the host WHOM- Name of the person being invited Features of an informal invitation are as follows- ▪ They are written to friends, relatives and acquaintances. ▪ They follow the pattern of ordinary personal letters. ▪ They are written in first/second person. ▪ The style and tone is relaxed and informal. ▪ Different tenses are used as per the demand. ▪ The letter can be elaborative explaining the details of the event. INVITATION REPLIES The features of a reply are as follows - ▪ A formal reply is usually very short. It is brief and to the point. The quality of a good reply is that it is always pleasant. ▪ Even while declining the invitation or expressing inability to attend, one must be polite and courteous. ▪ Formal replies demand a formal tone and treatment. There is no room for unnecessary details or superfluous matter in them. ▪ An informal reply or private letter may, however, express personal feeling or desires in an intimate style and informal tone. Formal Replies Main characteristics of a formal reply are as follows: Acknowledge the invitation. Express thanks in third person. Mention acceptance/regret. Specify the reason for refusal. Be brief and specific. be formal in tone and treatment. Informal Replies Main characteristics of an informal reply are as follows: Acknowledge the invitation in first person. Use second person for the sender of invitation. Mention acceptance/regret Specify the reason in case of refusal.  Use warm and simple language. * Do not exceed the word limit (usually 50) SUGGESTED VALUE POINTS AS PER CBSE GUIDELINES: Suggested value points – invite the artiste – what - school organising one-act play competition – date, time, venue – details of the event - classes involved, theme, category (interschool / inter- house) – request to confirm – any other relevant details. Invitation and reply writing Examples Invitation and reply - solved questions Below are a few solved questions for you so that you get an idea as to how to attempt class 12 English writing skills -invitation and reply writing question well. Remember, the more you read and practice, the better it is. As per, CBSE guidelines, it should not exceed the prescribed word limit. 1. You are Faiz/Falak Mazumdar living at 39, Udampur Colony, Shimla. You decide to hold a dinner party to congratulate your grandparents on their golden wedding anniversary. Draft a formal invitation in not more than 50 words to all family members to attend a grand dinner at home. 4 (2018) Answer: Faiz/ Falak Mazumdar request the pleasure of your benign presence at the grand dinner on the auspicious occasion of the GOLDEN WEDDING ANNIVERSARY Of His/her Grandparents  At his/her residence 39, Udampur Colony, Shimla At 8:30 pm On 18 MARCH, 20XX R.S.V.P. Faiz/ Falak Mazumdar 98100XXXXX OR 39, Udampur Colony Shimla 01 March, 20XX Dear Uncle/ Aunt/ any other family member On the auspicious occasion of the Golden Wedding Anniversary of my grandparents, I invite you to the grand dinner at my residence. The dinner is scheduled to be on 18 March at 8:30 pm. Kindly confirm your presence by 15 March. Thank you Yours affectionately Faiz/ Falak Mazumdar 2. Write an invitation in not more than 50 words to your friend Rameshwari to spend her winter break with you in Mumbai. You are Puja/Puneet of 25, M.G. Road, Mumbai. (COMPARTMENT 2018) Answer: 25, M.G. Road Mumbai 10 December, 20XX Dear Rameshwari As the winters are approaching, I invite you to spend the winter break with me at my house in Mumbai. At that time, the weather here is pleasant due to sea winds. I will introduce you to my parents and close relatives. Kindly confirm your arrival by mid- December. Yours affectionately Puja/Puneet 3. On 30th November, your school is going to hold its annual sports day. You want Mr. Dhanraj Pillai, a noted hockey player to give away the prizes to the budding sportspersons of the school. Write a formal invitation in about 50 words requesting him to grace the occasion. You are Karuna/ Karan, Sports Secretary, Sunrise Global School, Agra. Answer: Sunrise Global School Agra 01 November, 20XX Sir Our school is organising its Annual Sports Day on 30th November, 20XX. Your gracious presence will act as a catalyst and inspire us all. You are requested to hand over the prizes to the budding sportspersons of the school in our school ground at 2 pm. Kindly confirm your availability by 20, November. Yours faithfully Karuna/ Karan Sports Secretary A Roadside Stand Explanation A roadside stand is a poem written by the highly-acclaimed poet, Robert Frost who is regarded for his realistic depiction of rural life using which he touched several difficult social themes of the time. In this poem, the poet highlights the plight of the deprived villagers who are aching for some money to lead a prosperous life. The poet is also very critical of the way the city folks treat these villagers who are selling their locally produced goods and whizzing past them without a sense of empathy. Lines 1-6 The occupants of the little old house have extended the shed in front, around the edge of the road where traffic passes by. Though it would be unfair to state that the shack-owners wanted a charity of bread, but nevertheless they seemed to implore the passers-by to stop and buy something from the shack. These deprived people long for the feel of the currency, the circulation of which flourishes the city folks. Lines 7-15 But unfortunately, the refined traffic whizzed past, unmindful of the shack. Or, if by chance, any stopped, it would be with a feeling of reproach at this blot on the picturesque landscape. They are very perturbed to see the unimpressive and toppled up signboards. The shack offered for sale wild berries in a wooden quart (quarter of a gallon). The unqualitative local produce is highlighted with the usage of words like "crook-necked", "squash with silver warts". The place also offered a blissful stay in the lap of nature for the ones who had money. Angry at the callous attitude of the so-called ‘polished traffic‘, the poet commands them to move ahead oblivious of the road-side stand. Lines 16-22 The poet’s concern is not about the blemish on the landscape but regarding the unvented sorrow of the shed-owners. Expressing the view point of these people, the poet converts their ardent desire to handle some city money, which may perhaps alleviate their sufferings as sometimes promised in movies. The political party in power actually deprive them of a prosperous life. Lines 23-31 The poet quotes the news which highlights the evacuation and relocation of the poor villagers to the vicinity of the theaters and the shops. Tall promises have been made to take good care of them. Outraged at the negligent attitude of the civic authorities, government and even social service agencies, the poet addresses them as "greedy good-doers" apparently benefactors but actually "beasts of prey" who exploit the innocent village folk by giving them a short term sense of security, the villagers are not being helped but harmed. They pay a heavy price by losing their land. These developers, civic authorities, with a calculative strategy "soothe" (silence) and befool the unalloyed heart and minds of these villagers. By ensuring them a better life and hence good sleep, they actually sleep peacefully themselves and destroy their slumber with anxiety. In the ancient way, people used to work during day and sleep in nights which has been reversed here where they are not able to sleep at night because they haven’t worked in the day. Lines 32-43 The poet is distressed to note the interminable wait on the part of the shed owners for their prospective buyers, he calls it almost a "childish longing in vain". The shop window is blanketed with an ambience of sadness that surrounds expectancy. It seems these people yearn for the sound of the car brakes near the shack. One of the "selfish cars" that pass by the shed has perhaps halted to enquire the "farmer’s price" while the other just wanted to use the backyard to turn. It’s indeed a satire that one of the occupants of the car stops at the shed to get a gallon of gas. It highlights a sense of alienation that exists between the rural and urban life. Unaware of the villagers plights and engrossed with the pleasure of the material world, these people are unable to gauge the glaring difference in city and rural life. Lines 43-52 The poet regrets that the yardstick of gain vested in money, isn’t found in the country-side at all. Money he feels elevates spirits and the lack of it dampens the villagers’ perspective towards life. They tend to express their grievance about a life bereft of money. At this point of time, the poet is overwhelmed with emotions and contemplates their pain at one go by changing their lives. But a later logical thought and a poised state of mind tells him the futility of this rash act. It might compel him to seek purgation of pain from others for his thoughtless decision.