The Interview by Ruth Prawer Jhabvala

From the very beginning, the reader realizes the power dynamics of the house are different....

• because the narrator enjoys the company of his wife

• since the narrator's wife barely has a voice

• as the narrator is eager not to displease his mother and sister-in-law

• since the narrator believes the idea of living in his own home with his wife and kids is odd

The job of the female adult characters is

In The interview, what is the main theme of the story?

• The complexity of human relationships.

• The anxiety before an interview.

• Disappointment and Failure.

The fact that the narrator's sister-in-law saves all the tidbits for him instead of her own children and husband...

• is just natural, considering that he is completely dependent.

• shows a blatant and a bit odd preference considering what is traditional.

• makes him a little uncomfortable even though he's happy for being spoiled.

• makes his wife glad he is so well-loved.

Women, in general, seem to develop a soft spot for him...

• thus they are always trying to catch his eye.

• and the same goes for all men.

• because he is absolutely pitiful.

• which usually enables him to get away from responsibilities.

How does the narrator see his wife? Minimum 3 adjectives, max 5.

"Now my wife was watching me while I ate. She was squatting on the floor, washing our youngest baby; (...) My wife did not watch me as openly as my sister-in-law did; only from time to time she raised her eyes to me, I could feel it, and they were very worried and troubled. She too was thinking about the job for which I was going to be interviewed, but she was anxious that I should get it."

Why was the wife so anxious and for what reason does he not seem to understand/empathize?

Even though he does not agree with the ill-treatment his wife gets at home, he chooses not to interfere.

• False, he stands up for his wife but with zero results.

• True, he is way too comfortable and content to jeopardize his present situation.

• True, he is too busy thinking about his interview.

• False, he is planning to discuss this with the family.

"There's no pleasure for me in the work". Why was he fired from the insurance office?

• He was always crying.

• There was a downsizing and they had to let go some employees.

• His mind constantly wandered away from his tasks.

• Despite being given a second chance he still did not try his best.

Was he really worried about losing his job and the possibility of not getting a new one?

• Of course he was, he needed to support his family as his expected by society.

• Not really, he could always rely on his diligent brother to provide for him and his family.

• Yes, his brother could always refuse to continue having him in his household.

• No. Working would deprive him of "thinking his own thoughts".