Midnight’s Children

By Salman Rushdie

“Midnight’s Children” by Salman Rushdie is a masterpiece of magical realism, chronicling the lives of Indian children born at the stroke of midnight on August 15, 1947, the day of India’s independence. Rushdie employs various literary devices such as allegory, satire, and symbolism to explore the complexities of identity, history, and politics in postcolonial India. The novel’s evocative prose and inventive narrative structure make it a must-read for lovers of literary fiction.

Themes 📚

1. Identity and Self-Discovery: The novel explores the themes of identity, self-discovery, and personal growth through the experiences of its protagonist, Saleem Sinai, and the other children born at the same time as him. They all possess unique, supernatural abilities that set them apart from the rest of society, leading them to question their place in the world.
2. Postcolonialism and Nationalism: Rushdie explores the effects of colonialism and the struggle for national identity in India following its independence in 1947. The novel portrays the chaos and violence that accompanied the country’s partition, as well as the corrupt and authoritarian nature of its early governments.
3. Memory and History: The novel also deals with the themes of memory and history, as Saleem’s supernatural ability allows him to remember and communicate the stories of his ancestors and their struggles. Through his narrative, Rushdie highlights the importance of remembering and acknowledging the past in order to understand the present.
4. Religion and Mythology: The novel contains a wide range of religious and mythological references, including the Hindu god Krishna and the Islamic prophet Muhammad. Rushdie uses these references to explore the role of religion in shaping personal and national identity, as well as to comment on the often violent conflicts between different religious groups.
5. Language and Communication: Finally, the novel deals with themes of language and communication, as Saleem’s supernatural ability allows him to communicate telepathically with the other children born at midnight. Rushdie uses this device to comment on the importance of language in shaping our understanding of the world and in connecting with others.

Use of Literary Devices ✍🏽

1. Magical Realism: Rushdie employs magical realism, blending fantastical elements with realistic ones, to create a surreal and dreamlike narrative that allows him to explore complex themes and ideas in a unique and imaginative way.
2. Allegory: The novel is rich in allegorical meaning, with many of its characters and events representing larger historical or political ideas. For example, Saleem’s nose, which constantly grows throughout the novel, symbolizes the growth and corruption of Indian bureaucracy.
3. Satire: Rushdie uses satire to criticize and ridicule various aspects of Indian society, including its politics, media, and social norms. This adds a comedic and often absurd element to the narrative, while also highlighting the flaws and contradictions of Indian culture.
4. Symbolism: The novel contains a wealth of symbolism, from the chutney that Saleem’s mother makes to the recurring image of the “widow’s hump.” These symbols add depth and meaning to the narrative, often serving as representations of larger historical or cultural ideas.
5. Irony: The novel is full of irony, particularly in its depiction of the Indian government and political system. For example, Saleem’s father is a successful politician who becomes increasingly corrupt and morally bankrupt as he rises to power.
6. Metaphor: Rushdie uses metaphor to draw comparisons between different aspects of Indian society and culture. For example, the various supernatural abilities possessed by the children born at midnight serve as metaphors for the unique and diverse qualities of Indian identity.
7. Foreshadowing: The novel contains numerous instances of foreshadowing, particularly in Saleem’s prophetic dreams and visions. These glimpses of the future add tension and anticipation to the narrative, while also hinting at the larger historical events to come.
8. Allusion: Rushdie makes frequent use of allusion, referencing historical events, literary works, and cultural icons throughout the novel. These allusions serve to enrich the narrative with deeper meaning and context.
9. Juxtaposition: The novel employs juxtaposition, placing contrasting or contradictory elements side by side to highlight the complexities and contradictions of Indian culture and identity. For example, Saleem’s birth is juxtaposed with India’s independence, linking the personal and the political.
10. Stream of Consciousness: The novel makes use of stream of consciousness narration, particularly in Saleem’s internal monologues and reflections. This device allows Rushdie to delve deeply into the character’s thoughts and emotions, while also providing a sense of immediacy and intimacy to the narrative.

Examples of Literary Devices 📋

Magical Realism

Example	Explanation
1. Saleem’s telepathy	Saleem, the protagonist, is born with telepathic abilities, which allows him to communicate with other children born at the stroke of midnight. This magical element is seamlessly integrated into the otherwise realistic narrative.
2. The midnight children’s powers	The midnight children all possess unique supernatural abilities, such as shape-shifting and time travel. These magical elements coexist with the historical and political realities of post-colonial India.
3. Saleem’s ability to change appearance	Saleem’s ability to physically alter his appearance adds a fantastical element to the story, emphasizing the fluidity of identity and the novel’s blending of magical and realistic elements.

Allegory

Example	Explanation
1. Saleem as India	Saleem’s life, from his birth at the moment of India’s independence, is an allegory for the nation itself, with his experiences reflecting the broader historical and political events shaping the country.
2. The midnight children as a metaphor for India’s diversity	The various abilities and backgrounds of the midnight children serve as an allegory for the diverse cultures, religions, and languages that make up India.
3. The pickle factory	The pickle factory that Saleem works in can be seen as an allegory for the preservation and retelling of history, as pickles are a method of preserving food and Saleem’s narrative preserves his memories and experiences.

Symbolism

Example	Explanation
1. The perforated sheet	The perforated sheet, which initially obscures Saleem’s grandmother’s body, symbolizes the fragmented nature of history and memory, as well as the partial understanding that individuals have of their own stories.
2. Saleem’s nose	Saleem’s enormous, constantly running nose symbolizes his strong connection to the world around him and his ability to perceive things that others cannot. It also serves as a reminder of his vulnerability and his link to India’s tumultuous history.
3. The silver spittoon	The silver spittoon, a family heirloom, represents the complex legacy of colonialism in India and the connections between personal and national history.

Irony

Example	Explanation
1. Saleem’s mistaken identity	Saleem’s belief that he is the biological son of wealthy parents, only to discover later that he was switched at birth, creates situational irony, as the reader’s expectations are subverted by this unexpected revelation.
2. Saleem’s role in his own misfortune	Saleem’s attempts to control his own fate and protect his loved ones often result in unintended consequences and misfortune, creating situational irony.
3. The downfall of Saleem’s father	Saleem’s father, who believes that success and wealth will protect him from the chaos of post-colonial India, experiences a tragic downfall when his family is destroyed by political and personal upheaval, illustrating irony through the contrast between his expectations and his ultimate fate.

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