The chapter “The Interview” by Christopher Silvester is included in the CBSE Class 12 NCERT English Flamingo book. It explores the concept of interviews as a form of communication and their impact on both interviewers and interviewees.
The essay presents different perspectives on interviews. Some consider interviews an intrusion into personal lives, while others see them as a valuable source of authentic information. The chapter also highlights the views of famous writers like V.S. Naipaul, Lewis Carroll, and Umberto Eco, who express mixed feelings about the process.
Through detailed accounts, Silvester shows how interviews can reveal the truth behind public personalities but may also distort reality. The chapter emphasizes that while interviews are powerful tools in journalism, they also raise questions about ethics, privacy, and representation.
For Class 12 board exams, this lesson is vital for summary, theme, character sketches, and value-based questions. Students should focus on the advantages and disadvantages of interviews, and how they shape modern media.
