Question

Umberto Eco: “I consider myself a University professor who writes novels on Sundays”.
Umberto Eco in The Interview and William Douglas in Deep Water are multifaceted personalities. Elaborate with reference to the texts.

Hint:

Highlight how each figure exhibits personal and professional depth. Use examples from the texts to showcase versatility and resilience.

Answer 1

Umberto Eco and William Douglas are portrayed as individuals of remarkable depth and versatility. In The Interview, Eco reveals his identity as a university professor with a structured academic life who also engages in creative pursuits like writing novels. His ability to balance rigorous scholarship with fiction writing illustrates his intellectual agility and time management. He believes in using "interstices"—the gaps in his schedule—for productive work, highlighting his discipline and passion for learning. In contrast, William Douglas in Deep Water exemplifies a different kind of multifaceted personality. He is a man of strong resolve and inner strength. After a traumatic experience with water, he undertakes the challenging journey of overcoming his fear through persistent effort. His transformation from a fearful child to a confident swimmer reflects his courage, patience, and determination. Beyond the swimming pool, Douglas became a renowned judge who stood for civil liberties and justice—again showing complexity in character. Both Eco and Douglas represent individuals who do not let themselves be defined by a single role. They reflect a blend of intellect, creativity, emotional depth, and moral strength. Their lives encourage readers to embrace multiple dimensions of identity and to keep growing intellectually and personally.