Doris Lessing wasn’t aware that she had won the Nobel Prize for Literature as she was out shopping when the announcement was made. The media were all gathered outside her residence when she returned, and here is her reaction on video.
I think that “underwhelmed” is the word I’d use to characterise what she thought of the whole business.
Jeezus… she thinks highly of herself.
…and there’s a Nobel Prize for Literature every year.
What makes this clip unique is that most people find out that they’ve won on being awoken by the call from Sweden/Norway, and are thus not filmed. Ms. Lessing was out when the call came and not reachable, so the photographers were there, lying in wait for her return. I recall hearing on the Today program, even, that it was clear that she wasn’t aware of it and the media knew that.
If that were to happen to me I think my response would be a bit more tart than hers…they might have to bleep it.