Comprehension

Umberto Eco: Aah, now that is more difficult to explain. I have some philosophical interests and I pursue them through my academic work and my novels. Even my books for children are about non-violence and peace ... you see, the same bunch of ethical, philosophical interests. And then I have a secret. Did you know what will happen if you eliminate the empty spaces from the universe, eliminate the empty spaces in all the atoms? The universe will become as big as my fist. Similarly, we have a lot of empty spaces in our lives. I call them interstices. Say you are coming over to my place. You are in an elevator and while you are coming up, I am waiting for you. This is an interstice, an empty space. I work in empty spaces.
(The Interview)

Question: 1

What does Umberto's statement on his philosophical interest reveal about him?

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Look for the keywords that describe the individual's approach or mindset, such as "philosophical interests" or "ethics," to understand their character.
Updated On: Jul 6, 2025
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Solution and Explanation

Umberto's statement reveals that he is a deep thinker with a strong interest in ethics and philosophy. His exploration of philosophical concepts is not limited to academic work but also extends to his novels, reflecting a consistent and integrated approach to his intellectual and creative pursuits.
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Question: 2

Select the correct option from those given in brackets to fill in the blank:
His academic work and children's books both reveal ........... interests.

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When looking at someone's body of work, identify common themes or ideas that link different types of work together.
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Solution and Explanation

The correct answer is similar. Both his academic work and children's books reflect his shared interests in ethical and philosophical themes, particularly non-violence and peace, showing a consistent pattern in his intellectual pursuits.
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Question: 3

What example of an interstice does Umberto Eco give?

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Interstices refer to gaps or pauses in time and space, often overlooked, but they can hold significant meaning in a conversation or experience.
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Solution and Explanation

Umberto Eco gives the example of waiting for someone in an elevator while they are coming up to your place as an interstice. This is a metaphor for empty spaces or moments in time that are neither here nor there but still meaningful.
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Question: 4

The phrase 'as big as my fist' most nearly means ............. with reference to the given text.

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Metaphors often use comparisons to create an image in the reader's mind. Here, the phrase helps convey a sense of reduction or smallness.
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Solution and Explanation

The correct answer is (C) very small. In the given context, when Umberto Eco talks about the universe becoming "as big as my fist," he is using a metaphor to suggest how tiny the universe would be if all the empty spaces were eliminated.
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Question: 5

What secret is Umberto referring to?

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When an individual refers to a "secret," pay attention to the way it challenges conventional thought or offers new insights into familiar concepts.
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Solution and Explanation

The secret Umberto is referring to is the idea that eliminating all the empty spaces from the universe would reduce it to the size of his fist. This secret reflects his philosophical musings about the nature of space and existence.
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