The Interview

This article may help you with the assignment to interview and introduce your class partner. Don't limit your questions to the Proust list, but use it as inspiration. Your goal should be to find out about your partner so your introduction will go beyond labels.

21 Questions that can sum up life

by Joe Murray

Angelina County, Texas - Have you ever heard of the "Proust Questionnaire?" Neither had I. It's enough to make me wonder what else I don't know. But according to what I read in the current issue of Vanity Fair magazine, the 21 simple questions that make up the Proust Questionnaire supposedly can sum up an entire life. It's named for the French novelist, Marcel Proust, who took it twice, the magazine says. I do know who Marcel Proust is, author of "Remembrance of Things Past," a 16-volume novel, 1913-27, whose influence on later novelists is incalculable. (I copied that last part from the encyclopedia.) It's not something I go around talking about. I wouldn't know what to say about Proust, and not just because I never read his stuff. I wouldn't know how to say "Proust." Some people pronounce it with a long "o" like roost. Others keep the "o" short, the same as oust. I couldn't say for sure either way. It may have something to do with whether you're east or west of the Mississippi. In any case, what Vanity Fair did was put the Proust Questionnaire to Connie Chung, who reads the news for CBS. Reading her answers was dull at best. Examples:

*Connie Chung's idea of perfect happiness: "Being with my husband."

*Connie Chung's greatest achievement: "Being able to spend my entire professional life doing something I really enjoy."

*When and where Connie Chung was happiest: "Right now, answering these questions."

What I'd like to know is how Proust answered the questionnaire. If you happen to know where I can find the Proust answers to the Proust Questionnaire, please write me: Route 10, The Settlement, Oak Valley Box 108, Angelina County, Texas 75904. Meanwhile, if you'd like to sum up your entire life, here are the 21 questions.
  • 1. What is your idea of perfect happiness?
  • 2. What is your greatest fear?
  • 3. Which living person do you most admire?
  • 4. What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
  • 5. What is your greatest regret?
  • 6. What or who is the greatest love in your life?
  • 7. On what occasion do you lie?
  • 8. When and where were you happiest?
  • 9. What is the trait you most deplore in others?
  • 10. Which living person do you most despise?
  • 11. What is your favorite journey?
  • 12. What is your most treasured possession?
  • 13. If you could change one thing about your family, what would it be?
  • 14. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
  • 15. Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
  • 16. What do you most dislike about your appearance?
  • 17. What do you consider you greatest achievement?
  • 18. If you were to die and come back as a person or thing, what do you think it would be?
  • 19. If you could choose what to come back as, what would it be?
  • 20. Which talent would you most like to have?
  • 21. What is your current state of mind?

    Cox News Service - column in N.P. Telegraph, Sept. 1993

    Make up some questions of your own. Remember to focus on what your partner is ABOUT, not just on labels.
    When you introduce your partner, avoid "He/she is a ........" kinds of constructions. Say your partner's name often, and use ACTION words to describe.

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