“The Interview-Part II” Summary, Explanation, Theme, Question Answers, Extra Questions.

‘An Interview with Umberto Eco’ by Mukund Padmanabhan

Also Read: Class 12– Interview (Part 1)

Vocabulary: 

Summary “Interview-Part II“:

In the excerpt from an interview conducted by Mukund Padmanabhan from The Hindu with Umberto Eco, he talks about his career as a scholar and novelist. Eco reflects on his philosophy and approach to writing, emphasising the narrative aspect he incorporates into his scholarly essays. 

He also shares insights into his transition from academia to fiction writing, noting that he began writing novels later. Despite his extensive scholarly output, Eco acknowledges that he is often primarily recognised as a novelist. 

The conversation also touches upon the unexpected success of his novel “The Name of the Rose” and the reasons behind its popularity, attributing it partly to its exploration of medieval history and mystery.

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Theme “Interview-Part II“:

The excerpt from the interview with Umberto Eco revolves around the multifaceted nature of his identity and work, juxtaposed with the perceptions and expectations of the audience and the industry. As an interview, it is a communication genre that delves into the author’s thoughts, experiences, and reflections.

Key themes explored in the excerpt include:

1. Identity and Versatility: Eco ponders his identity as a renowned university professor and novelist. Though he has made significant contributions to academia, people recognise him mainly as a novelist, which intrigues and bothers him to some extent.

2. The Creative Process: Eco’s writing approach emphasises narrative style, which stems from his early experiences presenting his doctoral dissertation. His belief in storytelling as a powerful tool for communication and expression led him to write scholarly works with a narrative aspect and later venture into novel writing.

3. Audience and Perception: The interview discusses the popularity of Eco’s works, including “The Name of the Rose.” Eco challenges the idea that readers only want accessible experiences and shows that depth can captivate audiences. Despite tackling complex subjects, Eco’s success highlights the diversity of readers’ interests and the unpredictability of literary success.

4. Mystery and Chance: Eco ponders the unexpected success of “The Name of the Rose”, attributing it to its exploration of medieval history and enigmatic narrative appeal. He emphasises the mystery surrounding the book’s popularity, suggesting that timing and circumstance played significant roles in its reception.

(More about the Theme in the video below)

The interview excerpt provides insights into Eco’s intellectual journey, his views on writing and storytelling, and the complexities of engaging with diverse audiences within literature and academia. As a communication genre, the interview is a platform for Eco to share his perspectives and experiences, offering readers a deeper understanding of his multifaceted identity as a scholar and novelist.

Explanation for Auditory Learners:

Duration: 10 minutes

Subtitles and Time stamps are available.

Textbook Question/Answers- “Interview- Part II”:

Understanding The Text: 

Q1: Do you think Umberto Eco likes being interviewed? Give reasons for your opinion.

A1: Umberto Eco likely enjoys being interviewed to some extent, evident from his engagement with philosophical ideas, use of storytelling, humour, and willingness to share personal anecdotes. However, he may also find interviews challenging due to balancing personal and intellectual aspects, managing public perception, and navigating personal boundaries, especially given his preference for academic circles over public appearances. 

While Eco appreciates the dialogue, complexities in his feelings about being interviewed arise from his personality, professional background, and the nature of the conversation.

Q2: How does Eco find the time to write so much?

A2: Umberto Eco finds time to write extensively by utilising what he terms “interstices” or empty spaces in life. He mentions waiting for an elevator and engaging in writing activities. Eco’s ability to seize upon these moments allows him to make productive use of what might otherwise be considered downtime. 

His dedication to writing, particularly on Sundays, demonstrates his commitment to his craft despite his busy schedule as a professor and scholar.

Q3: What was distinctive about Eco’s academic writing style?

A3: Umberto Eco’s academic writing style was distinctive in its narrative approach and personal engagement. Unlike conventional scholarly works that often maintain a depersonalised and dry tone, Eco incorporated storytelling elements and shared his research journey, including trials and errors. 

This narrative aspect made his academic writings more accessible and engaging to readers. Eco’s approach challenged traditional academic norms by infusing his scholarly works with personal reflection and storytelling, fostering a deeper connection with his audience.

Q4: Did Umberto Eco consider himself a novelist first or an academic scholar?

A4: Umberto Eco considered himself an academic scholar first and foremost, identifying primarily with the academic community. He referred to himself as a university professor who writes novels on Sundays, indicating that his primary professional identity lies within academia. 

Despite achieving significant fame and success as a novelist, Eco maintained his affiliation with academic circles and continued participating in academic conferences rather than prioritising events associated with literature or creative writing. 

While he acknowledged his role as a novelist, Eco’s self-perception as an academic scholar remained central to his identity.

Q5: What is the reason for the huge success of the novel, The Name of the Rose?

A5: The huge success of Umberto Eco’s novel, “The Name of the Rose,” stems from its multifaceted themes, intellectual depth, unique setting in a medieval monastery, cultural relevance, positive reception, and the author’s established reputation as a scholar and intellectual figure. The intricate plot, rich characters, and blend of mystery and suspense also contributed to its widespread popularity and enduring legacy.

MSRO Smart Notes: Mastering Class 12 CBSE Literature : Smart Note…

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Extra Questions “Interview- Part II”:

Q1: What specific narrative aspect does Umberto Eco incorporate into his scholarly essays?

A1: Umberto Eco incorporates a narrative aspect into his scholarly essays by “telling the story of the research.” This means that Eco adopts a more narrative approach instead of presenting literary works in a dry, depersonalised manner typical of academic writing. 

He includes the research process, including trials, errors, and the journey of discovery, within his scholarly essays. This narrative aspect adds a personal touch and engages readers by presenting the scholarly content in a more accessible and relatable manner.

Q2: Why does Umberto Eco feel bothered that people recognise him mainly as a novelist despite his extensive scholarly output?

A2: Umberto Eco feels bothered that people recognise him mainly as a novelist despite his extensive scholarly output because he primarily identifies himself as a university professor and an academic. While he acknowledges the popularity and reach of his novels, Eco’s core identity lies within the academic community, where he participates in conferences and scholarly discourse. 

He values his contributions to academia and sees his novels as secondary to his academic pursuits. Therefore, being primarily recognised as a novelist may undermine his self-perception and the importance he places on his literary work.

Q3: What were the factors behind the unexpected success of his novel “The Name of the Rose”?

A3: Umberto Eco attributes the unexpected success of his novel “The Name of the Rose” to a combination of factors. One factor is the mystery surrounding its appeal. Eco acknowledges that the reasons behind its success remain uncertain, describing it as a mystery. 

Additionally, the novel’s exploration of themes related to metaphysics, theology, and medieval history contributed to its appeal to a diverse audience. The novel’s intricate plot, which blends historical fiction with detective fiction elements, also likely captivated readers. 

Furthermore, effective marketing strategies and timing may have played a role in the novel’s success, although Eco suggests that even his American publisher did not anticipate its widespread popularity.  “The Name of the Rose” resonated with readers due to its unique combination of intellectual depth, compelling narrative, and thematic richness.

Q4: How does Umberto Eco describe his approach to his academic and fictional writing?

A4: Umberto Eco describes his approach as fundamentally driven by philosophical and ethical interests. He sees a continuity between his academic work and his novels, as both avenues allow him to explore these interests. He also mentions working within “interstices,” or empty spaces in life, where he finds creative opportunities even in mundane moments like waiting for an elevator.

Q5: What prompted Umberto Eco to adopt a narrative style in his scholarly writing?

A6: Eco recounts a pivotal moment during his doctoral dissertation defence where a professor praised his narrative approach. Instead of the traditional method of presenting conclusions after trial and error, Eco told the story of his research, including his journey of exploration and discovery. This feedback influenced his belief that scholarly books should have a narrative aspect, leading him to infuse his essays with storytelling elements.

Q7: How does Umberto Eco view his identity as a novelist compared to his identity as an academic?

A7: Eco identifies primarily as a university professor who happens to write novels on Sundays. Despite achieving immense fame as a novelist, he aligns himself more closely with the academic community. However, he acknowledges that his novels reach a broader audience than his scholarly works and accepts that many people know him primarily as a novelist.

Q8: What does Umberto Eco attribute the success of “The Name of the Rose” to?

A8: Eco believes that the success of “The Name of the Rose” is somewhat mysterious. While journalists and publishers may be puzzled by its popularity, Eco suggests that readers, especially those who appreciate challenging reading experiences, were drawn to the novel. He also shares an anecdote about his American publisher’s initial scepticism about the book’s appeal in a country unfamiliar with medieval history and Latin, contrasting with its eventual massive success.

Q9: How does Umberto Eco view the relationship between the mass audience and complex literature?

A9: Umberto Eco believes that not all readers seek easy or superficial experiences. He argues that even though mass media often cater to such preferences, a significant audience is interested in more intellectually challenging content. Eco acknowledges the need for leisurely entertainment, like watching television dramas, but suggests readers also crave depth and complexity in their literary experiences.

Q10: What role does Umberto Eco attribute to his novels in reaching a wider audience than his academic writings?

A10: Umberto Eco acknowledges that while his academic works cater to a specific scholarly audience, his novels have the potential to reach a broader spectrum of readers. He recognises that the accessibility and narrative appeal of his novels contribute to their popularity among diverse audiences, transcending the boundaries of academic discourse.

Q11: How does Umberto Eco respond to the suggestion that his success as a novelist may overshadow his contributions as a scholar?

A11: While acknowledging that many people may primarily associate him with his novels, Umberto Eco remains steadfast in his identity as a university professor. He views his literary endeavours as complementary to, rather than overshadowing, his scholarly pursuits. Despite the disparity in recognition, Eco maintains a sense of pride in his academic contributions and continues to engage actively within the academic community.

Q12: What insights does Umberto Eco offer into the unpredictable nature of literary success, particularly concerning “The Name of the Rose”?

A12: Umberto Eco shares anecdotes highlighting the unpredictability of academic success, particularly in the case of “The Name of the Rose.” Despite initial scepticism from publishers and uncertainties about its appeal to mainstream audiences, the novel achieved unprecedented popularity. 

Eco attributes this phenomenon to a combination of factors, including the novel’s thematic depth, historical context, and perhaps fortuitous timing in its release.

Q13: How does Umberto Eco characterise his writing process and the interplay between his academic and fictional endeavours?

A13: Umberto Eco describes his writing process as grounded in philosophical and ethical interests that permeate his academic and fictional works. He emphasises the narrative aspect of his scholarly writing, which he believes enhances its accessibility and engagement.

Additionally, Eco suggests that his novels serve as a natural extension of his academic inquiries, allowing him to explore complex ideas through storytelling.

Q14: In what ways does Umberto Eco challenge conventional notions of genre and audience expectations in his literary career?

A14: Umberto Eco’s academic career defies conventional categorisations and audience expectations. His novels, such as “The Name of the Rose,” transcends traditional genre boundaries by incorporating historical fiction, detective mystery, and philosophical inquiry. Eco’s willingness to tackle complex themes and engage diverse audiences reflects his belief in the universality of storytelling and the power of literature to provoke thought and reflection.

Q15: How does Umberto Eco reflect on the impact of cultural context and timing on the reception of his novels?

A15: Umberto Eco acknowledges the role of cultural context and timing in shaping the reception of his novels, particularly “The Name of the Rose.” He suggests that the novel’s success may have been influenced by its alignment with the zeitgeist of its era. Eco speculates that if he had written the book at a different time, its reception might have been vastly different, highlighting the dynamic interplay between literary works and the cultural milieu in which they emerge.

Q16: How does Umberto Eco reconcile the scholarly rigour of his academic writings with the creative freedom of his fiction?

A16: Umberto Eco sees continuity between the scholarly rigour of his academic writings and the creative freedom of his fiction. He views both endeavours as avenues for intellectual exploration and expression. While his academic works adhere to rigorous research methodologies, his fiction allows him to explore philosophical and ethical themes through narrative storytelling. Eco’s ability to seamlessly integrate scholarly insights into his fiction reflects his multifaceted approach to intellectual inquiry.

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