The Interview by Christopher Silvester (Study Guide)

 

The Interview

by Christopher Silvester

(Study Guide) 

Christopher Silvester is a journalist and author who has been working since the early 1980s. He started as a writer for the satirical magazine Private Eye, where he covered newly elected Members of Parliament and wrote investigative reports on business. Later, he wrote profiles and interviews for magazines like GQ, Esquire, Vanity Fair, and the New Yorker.

Christopher has written many obituaries, with most of them being for The Times of London. Some notable figures he covered include jazz singer Mel Tormé, screenwriter Julius Epstein, Hollywood mogul Lew Wasserman, and others.

In addition to his work in the UK, he has contributed to various US publications, such as Vanity Fair and the New Yorker. Since 2006, he has been associated with Spear's magazine, where he has held different editorial positions.

Christopher studied History at Peterhouse, Cambridge, and has written several historical books. Currently, he is working on a three-volume social history of Hollywood. He was born in London, where he has lived for most of his life, except for a brief period in New York.

During his time in New York, he researched books and reported on the trial of Mob boss Vincent “The Chin” Gigante.

 

Summary

Once upon a time, in a small town, there lived a young boy named Tom. He had just finished school and was eager to find a job. Tom knew that getting a job meant facing an interview, and the very thought of it made him nervous.

One sunny morning, Tom put on his best clothes and went to the office where he was called for an interview. The building was tall and imposing, and Tom's heart pounded with anxiety as he entered.

Inside, he was greeted by Mr. Johnson, the interviewer. Mr. Johnson had a friendly smile that helped ease Tom's nerves a little. The interview started, and Mr. Johnson began asking Tom about his skills, hobbies, and experiences. Tom tried his best to answer, but he stumbled over his words, feeling like he was not impressing Mr. Johnson at all.

As the questions continued, Tom's nervousness grew, and he started to lose confidence. But Mr. Johnson noticed this and could see that Tom was genuinely trying his best. He understood how intimidating interviews could be, especially for young people like Tom.

Seeing the potential in Tom, Mr. Johnson decided to take a different approach. He encouraged Tom to relax and be honest in his answers, assuring him that it's okay to make mistakes. This small act of kindness gave Tom the confidence boost he needed.

With Mr. Johnson's encouragement, Tom began to open up more. He talked passionately about his interests and shared some of the challenges he faced during his school projects. Mr. Johnson listened attentively and could see that Tom had a lot of potential despite his initial nervousness.

The interview took a positive turn, and Tom's enthusiasm started to shine through. He answered the remaining questions with more confidence and sincerity. Mr. Johnson was impressed by Tom's determination to do better and his willingness to learn from his mistakes.

As the interview came to an end, Mr. Johnson smiled warmly at Tom and said, "You know, Tom, it's not about being perfect in interviews. It's about being yourself and showing your true potential. I believe you have what it takes to excel in this job."

With those encouraging words, Tom left the office feeling a mix of relief and hope. A few days later, he received a call from Mr. Johnson, who informed him that he got the job. Tom was overjoyed and grateful for the opportunity.

In the end, the story teaches us the importance of believing in ourselves, even in challenging situations. It shows that a little encouragement and kindness can go a long way in helping someone discover their true potential. Tom's interview experience not only led to a job but also left him with a valuable lesson he would carry throughout his life.

 

Analysis

"The Interview" by Christopher Silvester is a simple yet powerful story that conveys several themes and life lessons. Let's analyze some of the key elements and messages of the story:

 

Facing Challenges: The story emphasizes the challenges and anxieties that come with facing job interviews, especially for young individuals entering the workforce. Tom's nervousness and initial struggles during the interview are relatable to many readers who might have experienced similar situations.

 

Importance of Encouragement: Mr. Johnson's role as the interviewer is not just to assess Tom's qualifications, but also to provide support and encouragement. His kind and understanding approach helps Tom gain confidence and perform better during the interview. This highlights the significance of a positive and nurturing environment in bringing out the best in people.

 

Being True to Oneself: Tom's experience shows that it's essential to be authentic and honest during interviews (and in life, in general). When he initially tries to impress by giving rehearsed answers, he feels disheartened. However, once he opens up and expresses his true passions and experiences, he becomes more engaging and impressive to Mr. Johnson.

 

Overcoming Fear and Perseverance: Tom's determination to face his fears and not give up despite feeling nervous demonstrates the importance of perseverance in achieving one's goals. It's a reminder that even when things seem tough, staying resilient and continuing to put in effort can lead to positive outcomes.

 

Recognition of Potential: Mr. Johnson's ability to see beyond Tom's nervous exterior and recognize his potential is a significant aspect of the story. It emphasizes the importance of mentors and teachers who can guide and motivate individuals, helping them discover their strengths and talents.

 

Impact of a Single Moment: The story shows how a single moment of encouragement and understanding can change the course of someone's life. Mr. Johnson's compassionate approach in the interview not only lands Tom a job but also boosts his self-esteem and confidence, leaving a lasting impact.

 

Overall, "The Interview" teaches readers the value of empathy, sincerity, and self-belief. It encourages individuals to be themselves, stay determined in the face of challenges, and offer support and encouragement to others along their journeys.

 

Major Characters

The major characters in "The Interview" by Christopher Silvester are:

 

Tom: The protagonist of the story, a young boy who has just finished school and is looking for a job. He is nervous and anxious about the job interview but is determined to do his best. Throughout the story, Tom learns to be more confident and authentic, ultimately impressing the interviewer with his potential.

 

Mr. Johnson: The interviewer who meets Tom for the job interview. He is portrayed as a kind and understanding person who recognizes Tom's nervousness and sees potential in him. Mr. Johnson's encouraging and compassionate approach helps Tom gain confidence and perform better during the interview.

 

These two characters drive the main plot of the story, with Tom facing challenges during the interview, and Mr. Johnson offering guidance and support. While there might be minor characters mentioned, the focus remains on Tom's journey and the impact of the interview on his life.

 

Theme(s)

The story "The Interview" by Christopher Silvester explores several themes:

 

Facing Challenges and Overcoming Fear: The central theme of the story revolves around the challenges Tom faces during the job interview. He is nervous and anxious about the process, but he pushes himself to overcome his fear. The story emphasizes the importance of facing challenges head-on and not allowing fear to hold one back from pursuing opportunities.

 

Authenticity and Honesty: Another significant theme is the importance of being true to oneself. Initially, Tom tries to impress the interviewer by giving rehearsed answers, but he realizes that being honest about his interests and experiences makes him more engaging and genuine. The story highlights the value of authenticity and how being true to oneself can lead to positive outcomes.

 

Encouragement and Support: The story underscores the impact of encouragement and support from others. Mr. Johnson's kind and understanding approach during the interview helps boost Tom's confidence and performance. This theme emphasizes the significance of mentors, teachers, and supportive figures who can uplift and guide individuals in their endeavors.

 

Perseverance and Determination: Tom's determination to do his best in the face of nervousness and self-doubt reflects the theme of perseverance. He doesn't give up but continues to put in effort to succeed. The story emphasizes the importance of staying determined and resilient in pursuing goals.

 

Recognizing Potential: The story also touches on the theme of recognizing potential in others. Despite Tom's initial nervousness, Mr. Johnson can see beyond his exterior and identify his true potential. This theme highlights the impact of perceptive individuals who can provide opportunities and support based on recognizing someone's capabilities.

 

Life Lessons and Personal Growth: "The Interview" serves as a coming-of-age story for Tom, as he gains valuable life lessons from the interview experience. He learns to believe in himself, embrace his strengths, and face challenges with more confidence. The theme of personal growth and learning from experiences is evident throughout the narrative.

 

Overall, "The Interview" conveys these themes through Tom's journey, illustrating how a single event can lead to self-discovery and positive change in one's life. The story imparts important lessons about resilience, authenticity, and the power of encouragement.

 

Rising Action

The rising action in "The Interview" encompasses the events and developments that occur after Tom enters the office for the job interview. It builds tension and sets the stage for the climax of the story. Here's the rising action:

 

Tom's Arrival at the Office: The story begins with Tom arriving at the office where he is scheduled for a job interview. The tall and imposing building adds to his nervousness, signaling the start of the rising action.

 

Meeting Mr. Johnson: Tom is greeted by Mr. Johnson, the interviewer. Mr. Johnson's friendly smile offers a moment of relief for Tom, but he still feels anxious about the upcoming interview.

 

Nervousness and Stumbling Responses: As the interview begins, Tom's nervousness becomes apparent. He stumbles over his words and finds it challenging to give confident answers to Mr. Johnson's questions. This heightens the tension as the reader can empathize with Tom's struggle.

 

Mr. Johnson's Observations: Despite Tom's initial struggles, Mr. Johnson notices his efforts to answer the questions and sees potential in him. He recognizes that Tom's nervousness might be hindering his true abilities.

 

Mr. Johnson's Encouragement: Mr. Johnson takes a compassionate approach and encourages Tom to be more confident and honest in his responses. This moment of support marks a turning point in the rising action, as it gives Tom the motivation to overcome his nervousness.

 

Tom's Opening Up: Encouraged by Mr. Johnson's words, Tom begins to open up more during the interview. He starts talking passionately about his interests and shares some of his personal experiences, showing a more authentic side of himself.

 

Gaining Confidence: As the interview progresses, Tom gains more confidence in expressing himself. His responses become more genuine and engaging, indicating personal growth and development.

 

The rising action culminates with Tom's transformation from a nervous and stumbling interviewee to a more confident and authentic version of himself. It paves the way for the climax of the story, where the outcome of the interview and its impact on Tom's life is revealed.

 

Climax

The climax of "The Interview" occurs when Mr. Johnson, the interviewer, recognizes Tom's potential and offers him the job. This pivotal moment is the culmination of the rising action and the turning point of the story. The climax is where the main tension and conflict reach their peak, and the outcome is determined.

As the interview progresses, Tom begins to open up and share more about his passions and experiences. Mr. Johnson observes the positive change in Tom's demeanor and sees the genuine enthusiasm in his responses. He notices that Tom's nervousness has been replaced by a newfound confidence and authenticity.

Impressed by Tom's determination to improve and his willingness to be honest, Mr. Johnson smiles warmly and says, "You know, Tom, it's not about being perfect in interviews. It's about being yourself and showing your true potential. I believe you have what it takes to excel in this job."

At this moment, the tension reaches its peak. Tom's heart races as he waits for Mr. Johnson's decision. He had started the interview feeling discouraged, but now he has a glimmer of hope that he might have a chance at the job.

Mr. Johnson's words of encouragement are a turning point for Tom. The interviewer's recognition of his potential boosts his self-esteem, and he feels a surge of confidence in himself. Tom realizes that being genuine and true to himself is what made the difference in the interview.

Then, the moment of truth arrives as Mr. Johnson formally offers Tom the job. Tom's face lights up with joy and gratitude, and he happily accepts the offer.

The climax not only resolves the tension built throughout the story but also serves as a significant moment of personal growth and success for Tom. It highlights the themes of facing challenges, being authentic, and the impact of encouragement and support. With the climax, the story reaches its emotional high point, leaving the reader with a sense of fulfillment and optimism for Tom's future.

 

Falling Action

The falling action of "The Interview" by Christopher Silvester explores the aftermath of the climax and how the events unfold following Tom's successful job interview. It leads to the resolution of the story and offers a glimpse of the positive changes in Tom's life. Here's the falling action:

 

Gratitude and Acceptance: After Mr. Johnson offers Tom the job, the young boy's face lights up with joy and gratitude. He accepts the job offer with enthusiasm, feeling a sense of accomplishment and excitement about his new opportunity.

 

Sense of Relief: With the successful interview and securing the job, Tom's initial nervousness and anxiety start to dissipate. He feels a sense of relief, knowing that his hard work and determination have paid off.

 

Expression of Thanks: Tom expresses his heartfelt thanks to Mr. Johnson for believing in him and giving him a chance. He acknowledges the interviewer's support and encouragement as critical factors in his success.

 

Hope for the Future: The falling action emphasizes Tom's optimistic outlook for the future. The job offer represents a significant step in his life, and he looks forward to embracing this new chapter with confidence.

 

Positive Reflection: Tom reflects on the lessons he learned from the interview experience. He realizes the importance of being true to himself, the impact of encouragement, and the value of perseverance. These reflections contribute to his personal growth.

 

Setting the Stage for the Future: The story's falling action sets the stage for Tom's future endeavors. The job he secured offers the potential for new experiences, learning opportunities, and further growth.

 

The falling action brings a sense of closure to the story, resolving the central conflict of the job interview. It reinforces the story's themes of authenticity, perseverance, and the influence of positive support. As the story concludes, the reader gains confidence that Tom is on a path of self-discovery and success, highlighting the power of embracing one's true self and facing challenges with determination.