Summary
The chapter “The Interview” begins with the author introducing the concept of an interview. We learn that interviews are extremely common in journalism and have existed for more than 130 years. The author points out that people have very different opinions about interviews. Some regard them highly, while others dislike them and cannot tolerate being interviewed.
The chapter highlights that an interview can create a strong and lasting impression about a person. There is an old belief that when we form opinions based on interviews, we somehow steal the true identity of a person’s inner self. Many famous personalities have strongly criticized interviews for this very reason. For example, Rudyard Kipling’s wife wrote in her diary that two reporters in Boston “ruined” her. Kipling considered interviewing a kind of assault and believed that such a crime deserved punishment. He even felt that no respectable person should ask for or give an interview. For example, Rudyard Kipling’s wife wrote in her diary that two reporters in Boston “ruined” her. Kipling considered interviewing a kind of assault and believed that such a crime deserved punishment. He even felt that no respectable person should ask for or give an interview.
The chapter also includes an excerpt from an interview between Mukund (from The Hindu) and Umberto Eco. Eco was a professor at the University of Bologna in Italy and a renowned scholar known for his work on semiotics (the study of signs), literary interpretation, and medieval aesthetics before he became a famous novelist.Eco further explains his idea of “interstices,” the small empty spaces in our daily lives—much like the empty spaces inside atoms. He reveals that he makes the most productive use of these small gaps of time.
Eco’s novel The Name of the Rose was a worldwide success, selling over 10 million copies. Mukund begins by asking Eco how he manages to work in so many different fields. Eco replies that to him, it is all part of the same work. He explains how his writing often deals with themes of peace and non-violence. Eco identifies himself mainly as an academic scholar. He attends academic conferences throughout the week and writes novels only on Sundays. He also mentions that he does not mind being seen as a novelist rather than a scholar, though he admits that academic work rarely influences millions of people.
Talking about The Name of the Rose, he says that the book is not an easy read. It contains a mix of detective elements, metaphysics, theology, and medieval history. Eco believes that if he had written the book ten years earlier or later, it would not have been as successful. Therefore, the true reason behind its massive success still remains a mystery.
Intro of “The Interview”
Umberto Eco is portrayed as a highly intellectual, thoughtful, and multi-talented scholar. Although he is known worldwide for his bestselling novel “The Name of the Rose“, he considers himself mainly an academic and a university professor. Eco is a philosopher, critic, and expert in semiotics, and he approaches life with discipline and curiosity. He believes in making use of the “interstices” or empty spaces of life, which reflects his extraordinary time-management skills. Eco writes scholarly works during the week and reserves Sundays for writing fiction, balancing both roles with ease. In the interview, he appears calm, humble, and practical, answering questions with clarity and depth. His writings combine history, theology, and detective elements, showing his wide knowledge and creative ability. Overall, Umberto Eco comes across as a brilliant yet modest thinker whose intellectual personality shines through everything he does.
Important points to remember
- We learn that interviews are extremely common in journalism and have existed for more than 130 years.
- Interviews became popular in the 19th century. Newspapers used them to share real voices with the public.
- The chapter includes a real interview with Italian writer Umberto Eco. He talks about his ideas, life, and writing process.
- Eco’s novel The Name of the Rose was a worldwide success, selling over 10 million copies.
- Talking about The Name of the Rose, he says that the book is not an easy read. It contains a mix of detective elements, metaphysics, theology, and medieval history.
- Eco believes that if he had written the book ten years earlier or later, it would not have been as successful.