Chapter 7: The Interview – Class 12 English Flamingo NCERT Solutions
Chapter 7: The Interview – Summary and Key Insights
Author: P. L. Deshpande
Genre: Humor, Social Criticism
Theme: Societal expectations, bureaucracy, and the absurdity of certain systems
Chapter Summary
\”The Interview\” by P. L. Deshpande is a humorous yet insightful reflection on the bureaucracy and formalities associated with job interviews. The story focuses on the protagonist’s absurd experiences as he tries to navigate through the convoluted and often ridiculous expectations of the interview process. Through the protagonist’s personal experience, Deshpande critiques the pretentiousness, contradictions, and sometimes illogical nature of interviews in modern society.
The protagonist, an ordinary man, is called for an interview for a supposedly prestigious job. However, from the moment he arrives at the office, he is confronted by a series of bizarre events. The office is full of artificial sophistication, and the interview itself turns out to be more about absurd rituals than the actual job requirements. The protagonist encounters various formalities and etiquette that seem to have little to do with his actual qualifications.
The interviewers’ questions are often irrelevant or nonsensical, focusing on trivial details rather than his actual abilities. The protagonist is forced to adhere to a set of protocols that make the process seem more like a performance rather than a genuine assessment of his skills. As the narrative progresses, the absurdity of the whole situation becomes clear, leading to a moment of realization for the protagonist.
Deshpande uses humor to highlight the futility and complexity of the job application process, where candidates are judged based on arbitrary factors, such as their ability to conform to societal expectations, rather than their skills or merits. The protagonist’s experience mirrors the frustration that many individuals face in the real world, where the importance of human qualities often gets overshadowed by superficial systems.
Key Themes
Bureaucracy and Formalities: The chapter critiques the bureaucracy and elaborate formalities often involved in job interviews, which can sometimes overshadow the actual purpose of the process — to assess qualifications and skills.
Absurdity of Societal Systems: Through satire, Deshpande highlights the absurdity of systems that prioritize arbitrary procedures and formalities over meaningful interactions and genuine assessment of a person’s abilities.
Social Expectations and Conformity: The story examines how individuals are expected to conform to societal norms and protocols, even when these norms appear to be irrational or unrelated to their actual capabilities.
Humor and Irony: Deshpande uses humor and irony to make a serious social commentary. The protagonist’s increasing frustration with the process underscores the ridiculousness of the system, but the comedic tone helps to keep the story light and engaging.
Character Sketches
The Protagonist: The protagonist is an ordinary man caught up in the absurdities of the job interview process. He is depicted as someone who is trying his best to succeed but is bewildered and frustrated by the illogical expectations of the interviewers. His character represents the everyman who faces the challenges and absurdities of formal systems.
The Interviewers: The interviewers in the story are portrayed as highly formal, rigid, and disconnected from the actual purpose of the interview. They ask irrelevant questions and are more interested in adhering to the pomp and circumstance of the interview process rather than evaluating the candidate\’s true potential.
Important Points
The Formality of the Interview Process: The protagonist is subjected to a series of formalities that seem more focused on following procedures than actually determining if he is suitable for the job.
The Contradictory Nature of the Questions: The questions posed to the protagonist during the interview are nonsensical and contradictory, emphasizing how the interview process often prioritizes trivial concerns over meaningful qualities.
The Role of Social Conventions: The protagonist is forced to navigate social conventions and expectations that have little to do with the job itself, underscoring how societal norms can sometimes hinder rather than help individuals in the professional world.
Irony and Humor: The use of humor and irony adds a layer of satire to the story. The more absurd the interview process becomes, the more the reader sees the contrast between what is actually important and what the system prioritizes.
Important Questions
What is the role of bureaucracy in the interview process as presented in the chapter?
How does P. L. Deshpande use humor to critique the job interview system?
What does the protagonist’s experience reflect about societal expectations and conformity?
How do the interviewers in the story represent the absurdities of formal systems?
What are the contradictions in the interview process that are highlighted in the chapter?
How does the story critique the way people are judged in formal systems like interviews?
What message does the story convey about the importance of human qualities over superficial formalities?
Answers
A1.
Bureaucracy plays a central role in the interview process in the chapter. The protagonist is overwhelmed by the various formalities and procedures that seem to have little to do with the actual purpose of the interview. The complex system of rules and rituals distracts from the genuine assessment of the candidate’s qualifications, highlighting the absurdity of bureaucratic systems.
A2.
P. L. Deshpande uses humor to critique the job interview system by exaggerating the absurdity of the process. The protagonist’s increasing frustration with the irrelevant questions and arbitrary protocols creates a humorous yet satirical commentary on how the formalities of an interview process can overshadow the real purpose of evaluating a candidate’s abilities.
A3.
The protagonist’s experience reflects the pressures and expectations placed on individuals to conform to societal norms, even when those norms appear to be illogical or disconnected from reality. The job interview becomes a performance, where the individual must fit into a preconceived mold rather than being judged for their actual skills or character.
A4.
The interviewers in the story represent the rigid and often illogical nature of formal systems. They ask irrelevant or contradictory questions and focus more on following protocols than on genuinely assessing the candidate. Their detachment from the real purpose of the interview emphasizes the absurdities of such formal systems.
A5.
The contradictions in the interview process are highlighted through the protagonist’s experience. For example, the interviewers demand the protagonist to answer absurd and trivial questions, yet they fail to focus on his qualifications for the job. The process seems more concerned with following formalities and social conventions than with evaluating real potential.
A6.
The story critiques how formal systems like job interviews often judge individuals based on arbitrary standards and superficial norms, rather than evaluating their true capabilities. The protagonist’s experience shows how people are judged based on their ability to conform to a rigid system rather than their actu
al skills or qualifications.
A7.
The message of the story is that human qualities, such as genuine talent, honesty, and potential, should be prioritized over superficial formalities and societal expectations. The absurdities of the interview process serve as a critique of systems that focus on rituals and appearances rather than substance.
Preparation Tips for Students
Focus on understanding the critique of bureaucracy and formal systems in the story.
Pay attention to the use of humor and irony in highlighting the absurdity of the interview process.
Reflect on how the story critiques societal expectations and the pressure to conform.
Practice writing answers that explore the contradictions in the interview process and how they reflect broader societal issues.
Be prepared to discuss the message of the story and how it critiques formal systems that prioritize trivial matters over human qualities.
Class 12 English Flamingo Chapter 6 Poets and Pancakes
Q1. What did the interviewee expect from the interview?
The interviewee, who was a young, enthusiastic person, expected the interview to be an opportunity for him to showcase his talents and qualifications. He thought the interview would be a formal procedure and that he would impress the panel with his competence. However, he soon realized that the interview was not only about skills or qualifications but also about personality, charm, and presence. He was not prepared for the subtle pressures of the interview, which involved more than just answering questions.
Q2. Why did the interviewee believe that the interview was ‘tough’?
The interviewee believed that the interview was “tough” because of the nature of the questions asked, which were more psychological and subjective rather than just technical. The panelists asked him to describe himself in ways that made him uncomfortable, such as defining his personality. These probing questions tested not only his knowledge but also his character and behavior, making the experience challenging and intimidating.
Q3. How did the panelist’s approach to the interview differ from what the interviewee had expected?
The panelist’s approach was more informal and psychologically oriented than the interviewee had expected. Rather than focusing on academic qualifications and technical knowledge, the panelists assessed his confidence, personality, and how he handled pressure. This focus on character and presence caught the interviewee off guard and differed greatly from his expectations.
Q4. What was the final impression the interviewee had after the interview?
After the interview, the interviewee was left uncertain and doubtful. He felt he had not performed as well as he had hoped due to the unexpected nature of the questions. The panel did not give any indication of his success, leaving him unsure. He realized that interviews tested much more than just professional qualifications—they also measured one’s ability to handle pressure and communicate effectively.
Q5. How did the interviewee react when asked to describe his strengths and weaknesses?
When asked to describe his strengths and weaknesses, the interviewee struggled. He found it difficult to strike a balance between honesty and self-promotion. Discussing weaknesses risked making him appear incapable, while highlighting strengths risked seeming boastful. This question highlighted the complexity of self-presentation during an interview.
Q6. What role does ‘self-presentation’ play in interviews?
Self-presentation plays a vital role in interviews. It involves how candidates project confidence, communicate clearly, and carry themselves professionally. Interviewers evaluate not just qualifications but also how well candidates adapt, handle pressure, and connect interpersonally. Good self-presentation can influence an interviewer’s impression as much as, or even more than, technical expertise.
Q7. Do you think the interviewee was confident throughout the interview? Explain your answer.
No, the interviewee was not confident throughout the interview. While he began with enthusiasm, the unexpected and probing nature of the questions shook his confidence. He struggled with subjective questions and felt uncertain about his performance. His shifting confidence reflected his unpreparedness for the deeper psychological evaluation during the interview.
Q8. What is the significance of the title “The Interview”?
The title “The Interview” is significant because it focuses on a life-defining experience that is universally relatable. The interview becomes a symbol of the pressures, challenges, and expectations placed on individuals trying to secure a position. It reflects not just the formal process, but also the emotional and psychological journey involved in being judged and evaluated by others.