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EnglishClass 12The Interview From the Introduction to The Penguin Book of Interviews edited by

The Interview From the Introduction to The Penguin Book of Interviews edited by | Class 12 English Notes

By ConceptScroll Team · Published on 17 July 2026 · 3 min read

The Interview From the Introduction to The Penguin Book of Interviews edited by – this guide gives you a concise, exam-ready overview of The Interview From the Introduction to The Penguin Book of Interviews edited by from Class 12 English, written by ConceptScroll editors and reviewed against the latest NCERT textbook.

Part I

Part I of the chapter discusses the origin, evolution, and varied perceptions of the interview as a journalistic form over the past 130 years. It highlights how interviews have become a common feature in journalism, accessible to literate audiences worldwide. The section explores contrasting opinions about interviews: some view it as a high art form and a source of truth, while others, especially celebrities, see it as intrusive or diminishing. The text cites notable historical figures such as V. S. Naipaul, Lewis Carroll, Rudyard Kipling, H. G. Wells, and Saul Bellow to illustrate these differing attitudes. For example, Naipaul believed interviews could wound people, while Carroll avoided interviews due to fear of being lionized. Kipling considered interviews immoral and an assault on personal dignity, yet ironically he had conducted an interview with Mark Twain. H. G. Wells referred to interviews as an ordeal but participated in them, even interviewing Stalin later. Saul Bellow likened interviews to 'thumbprints on his windpipe,' indicating discomfort. Despite these drawbacks, the interview remains a powerful communication medium, with Denis Brian noting that our vivid impressions of contemporaries come largely through interviews, granting the interviewer significant influence.

📊 Diagram: No diagrams are present in this section.

🧪 Activity: Think as you read: Questions prompting reflection on positive views of interviews, celebrity attitudes, cultural beliefs about photography, metaphorical expressions, and sources of information about personalities.

🔗 Connection: Prepares the reader for Part II, which presents a real interview with Umberto Eco, illustrating the interview form in practice.

Frequently asked questions

1. Do you think Umberto Eco likes being interviewed? Give reasons for your opinion. 2. How does Eco find the time to write so much? 3. What was distinctive about Eco's academic writing style? 4. Did Umberto Eco consider himself a novelist first or an academic scholar? 5. What is the reason for the huge success of the novel, The Name of the Rose?

1. Umberto Eco appears to like being interviewed as he engages thoughtfully and humorously with the questions, sharing insights about his work and life. 2. Eco finds time to write by efficiently using small moments, such as writing articles while waiting for elevators, showing his disciplined approach. 3. His academic writing style is distinctive because it is serious, complex, and deals with subjects like semiotics, metaphysics, theology, and medieval history. 4. Eco considered himself primaril

1. Talk about any interview that you have watched on television or read in a newspaper. How did it add to your understanding of the celebrity, the interviewer and the field of the celebrity?

This is a personal response question. Students should describe an interview they have seen or read, explaining how it helped them understand the celebrity's personality, the interviewer's style, and insights into the celebrity's professional field. The answer should reflect thoughtful observation and analysis.

2. The medium you like best for an interview, print, radio, or television.

This is a subjective question. Students should state their preferred medium for interviews (print, radio, or television) and justify their choice based on factors like accessibility, depth of content, visual impact, or convenience.

3. Every famous person has a right to his or her privacy. Interviewers sometimes embarrass celebrities with very personal questions.

Students should discuss the ethical considerations in interviews, balancing the public's interest with the celebrity's right to privacy. They may argue that while some personal questions are necessary, interviewers should avoid intrusive or embarrassing queries that disrespect privacy.

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