16. Gossip (Francine Prose)
1. Gossip & its Importance
Q.No.1: What is gossip? Critically analyze in the light of the essay “Gossip.” OR what is the importance of gossip? OR “The fact is, I love gossip, and beyond that, I believe in it, in its purpose, its human uses.” Explain this statement of Francine Prose in the light of her essay “Gossip.” OR What are advantages of gossip according to the writer?
Answer: In this essay, Francine Prose deals with the subject of gossip in an interesting manner. Unlike most of the moral thinkers, she believes that gossips should be made. It should not be condemned at any level. She declares it a creative activity. She also believes that it has great qualities of good fiction. It also strengthens the strong bond among the people. It tells us the type of people we know and their manners. However, the authoress believes that there should be no element of misinformation in gossip. Its purpose should not be to sling anyone. It should be a source of enjoyment but it should be harmless. It should not be source of backbiting someone. It should also be free of ill-will and hypocrisy because it is a positive exchange of views about others without censuring them. It should also be made not to defame anyone. To conclude, the authoress believes that gossip making is a healthy activity and should be made for the sake of enjoyment not for the sake of damaging someone’s reputation. (Words: 176)
2. Difference between Gossip & Rumour Mongering and Slander
Q.NO.2: What is the difference between gossip and rumour mongering?
Answer: In this essay, the writer deals with the topic of gossip making and shows difference between gossip and rumour mongering. Unlike most of the moral thinkers, she believes that gossips not be condemned at any level. She declares it a creative activity. She also believes that it also strengthens the strong bond among the people. It tells us the type of people we know and their manners. However, it is quite different from rumour which is based on misinformation and travels very fast. The starting place or the starter of a rumour is unknown. With an unlimited range, gossip is quite different from slander which damages someone’s reputation.
That’s why, the writer considers rumour mongering and slandering negative activities. Their purpose is to defame someone. They are made not for the recreation rather they are made to pick hole in others. They are the result of jealousy or enmity. She also believes that no one likes rumour mongering and slandering. They have no moral and social value in any society. On the other hand, gossip making is harmless. It is free of mean motives. (Words: 184)