ThAct: Midnight's Children

 

"Rushdie’s Midnight Discourse: Language, Symbolism, and Meaning"

Hello readers,

In this blog, Let's dive into Salman Rushdie's Midnight's Children. I'll discuss the book's title, its creative language, its portrayal of Indira Gandhi, and the symbolism of the bulldozer. Before we start, let's learn a little about the novel and its author.

Midnight's Children 

Midnight's Children is a novel by Salman Rushdie that explores the history of modern India. The story follows two boys born at the exact moment of India's independence, who are accidentally switched at birth. One boy, Saleem, grows up privileged, while the other, Shiva, faces a life of hardship. The novel intertwines their lives with the major events of India's past 30 years, highlighting the country's struggles and triumphs.

Salman Rushdie 

Salman Rushdie is a renowned author known for his imaginative and provocative novels. Born in India in 1947, he later became a British citizen. His work often explores complex historical themes and challenges religious and political norms. The Satanic Verses, published in 1988, sparked significant controversy and led to death threats against Rushdie due to its controversial content. This event made him a prominent figure in discussions about freedom of expression and censorship.

Postcolonialism

Postcolonialism is a way of examining the lasting impact of Western colonialism on societies. It focuses on understanding the experiences of those who were oppressed by colonial powers and exploring how colonialism shaped their history, culture, and identity. While colonialism may have ended, its effects continue to be felt today. Postcolonial thinkers study the power dynamics and cultural exchanges between colonizers and the colonized, as well as the ways in which colonial powers imposed their own values and perspectives on others. 

1. Justification of the title 

• Thematic and Narrative Connection in Midnight's Children

The title "Midnight's Children" is a deliberate choice that adds significant meaning to Salman Rushdie's novel. While "Children of Midnight" is mentioned more frequently, the former is more symbolic. It suggests that the children are not only born at midnight but are also deeply influenced by that moment, representing the hopes and struggles of post-colonial India. The possessive form emphasizes the connection between their lives and the nation's fate.

The title directly links to the novel's main theme: the birth of a new nation at midnight, coinciding with the birth of the protagonist and a thousand other children. They are not just born at midnight; they are "Midnight's Children," symbolizing the nation's dreams and potential. The possessive form highlights their shared identity as products of this historic moment, representing the challenges and aspirations of India.

In contrast, "Children of Midnight" could be interpreted more generally, weakening its connection to the specific historic moment and lacking the symbolic depth associated with midnight as a time of transformation.

•  Historical and Mythical Connections in Midnight's Children

Salman Rushdie's novel Midnight's Children intertwines history and myth. The main character, Saleem Sinai, is one of the "children of midnight," whose lives are connected to the fate of post-colonial India. The title suggests that these children belong to midnight, marking both the literal moment of independence and a symbolic shift.

The novel also includes magical elements, with the children possessing special powers. "Midnight" itself becomes a character, connecting their fates to the country's story. By choosing this title, Rushdie emphasizes the link between personal stories and mythical elements, linking individual lives to the broader historical context.

• Impact on Thematic Exploration in Midnight's Children

The title "Children of Midnight" underscores the novel's exploration of identity, nationhood, and the passage of time. It suggests that these children are defined by the moment of their birth, making their lives feel inevitable. Their experiences are shaped by the historical context of their birth, and they carry the burden and hope of the new nation.

The title also allows Rushdie to explore themes of fragmentation and mixing different influences. Like the country, the children are a blend of various elements, reflecting the nation's future challenges and possibilities.

An essay applying postcolonial theory to , referencing the provided article.

Salman Rushdie's Midnight's Children examines the themes of identity, history, and nation-building in post-colonial India. The novel challenges Western views of Eastern societies as "other," as explored by Edward Said. Rushdie critiques Western writers like E.M. Forster and Rudyard Kipling and offers a native perspective through a narrator with a mixed identity.

Rushdie uses magic realism to present Eastern magic in a positive light, countering Western portrayals of it as primitive. He also incorporates Indian vernacular with English, creating a unique language style. This is seen in expressions like "Listen. Listen, nakkoo..." and "Smile, smile, it is your history I am keeping in my head."

Homi K. Bhabha's concept of "hybridity and the third space" is crucial to understanding Midnight's Children. The novel explores the idea of a space that is neither entirely Indian nor Western. Saleem, born in India to a Pakistani family, embodies this hybridity, representing a blend of Indian and European influences.

Midnight's Children connects with Gayatri Spivak's question about the ability of marginalized characters to be heard. The novel provides a voice to characters like Saleem Sinai, whose fragmented story reflects the complexities of those he represents. The narrative's digressions allow other marginalized characters, such as Parvati, Amina, Shiva, Nadir Khan, and Wee Willie Winky, to come forward and share their experiences.

Midnight's Children builds upon Frantz Fanon's work by highlighting the importance of national awareness and the challenges to India's identity during significant events like the Partition and the Emergency. Saleem's fragmented identity and psychological trauma reflect the broader struggles of the nation.

Midnight's Children shifts the focus from European experiences to Indian history and identity. Rushdie challenges colonial language by blending English with Indian cultural elements. While Ngugi wa Thiong'o advocated for decolonizing the mind by embracing English, Rushdie takes a different approach. Instead of rejecting English, he incorporates Indian elements into it.

While Aime Césaire's Negritude movement focused on reclaiming African identity, Rushdie's novel highlights overlooked Indian identities. He demonstrates resistance through the integration of diverse cultures within India.

3. The Role of 'English' in 'Midnight's Children': 

Salman Rushdie's Midnight's Children is renowned for its innovative use of English. Rushdie adapts the language to fit the Indian context, creating a version that reflects the country's cultural diversity. He frees English from its colonial roots, making it more connected to Indian life and linking local experiences to the global world.

In the novel, English serves as a unifying language for all of India. Rushdie's use of English goes beyond any specific region, aiming to represent the country's linguistic diversity. Unlike earlier Indian writers, Rushdie blends different styles of English to show India's diverse linguistic identity. This reflects his idea of a united yet varied India, where English bridges different cultures and languages.

The main character, Saleem Sinai, switches between proper British English and casual Hinglish, showcasing his position as both an insider and outsider in postcolonial India. This mix of language highlights the novel's key theme of balancing tradition with modernity and local culture with the colonial past.

• Chutnified and De-Doxified Forms: A Linguistic Analysis

Salman Rushdie's Midnight's Children uses a unique form of English. He combines English with Indian languages, creating a "chutnified" English that reflects India's cultural diversity. This makes the story feel more authentic to Indian life.

Rushdie also challenges traditional English rules, called "de-doxification." He makes the language more flexible and reflective of different perspectives, similar to post-structuralist ideas. This allows him to express new meanings and ideas.

Example from the Text:

Salman Rushdie's Midnight's Children uses English in a unique way. He humorously and irreverently portrays historical figures, like Jesus Christ, challenging traditional images and making readers question established beliefs.

Rushdie also plays with punctuation, using ellipses and dashes to disrupt traditional English. This introduces non-Western rhythms and voices into the text, breaking away from the colonial style.

By combining local elements with English, Rushdie reflects India's diverse languages and challenges colonial influences. This creates a novel that shows India's mixed identity and critiques the power dynamics in language.

Rushdie's "linguistic experimentation" also includes his creative use of punctuation, sentence structure, and storytelling. This playful handling of language mirrors the complicated and fragmented nature of postcolonial identity, adding richness to the novel's narrative.

4. Portrayal of the Emergency Period (1975-77)

Katherine Frank’s view of Salman Rushdie's portrayal of the Emergency period (1975-77) and Prime Minister Indira Gandhi gives us a clearer understanding of how Rushdie combines real historical events with creativity in Midnight’s Children. Based on Prof. Dr. Dilip Barad's video lecture "Midnight's Children: Mr. Rushdie and Mrs. Gandhi," here's a simplified breakdown:

Historical Context & Rushdie’s Style:

The Emergency, declared by Indira Gandhi, was a 21-month period of strict government control, where people’s rights were taken away, the press was censored, and political opponents were jailed. This was a big shift from India's usual democracy, leading to fear and repression. In Midnight’s Children, Rushdie uses magical realism to represent this time, mixing real history with fantasy. The Emergency is shown through events like the sterilization campaign and the hardships of the main character, Saleem Sinai, who represents the Indian nation. Saleem’s memory loss during the Emergency reflects how people lost their rights and freedoms.

Themes & Literary Representation:

Rushdie shows the Emergency as a time of oppression and loss of identity, both personally and nationally. The forced sterilizations, a major part of the Emergency, are shown as horrible abuses of power, reflecting the wider violations of human rights. Through Saleem’s story, Rushdie criticizes the unfair use of government power and how it dehumanizes people. Indira Gandhi is depicted critically, as a strong but flawed leader whose decisions during the Emergency are driven by political pressure and personal motives. She represents not just a political figure but also the nation’s crisis, showing both the strength and danger of having too much power.

Katherine Frank’s Analysis:

Frank believes Rushdie’s portrayal of Indira Gandhi is complex. While based on real events, Rushdie adds his own creative take. According to Frank, Rushdie’s view of Mrs. Gandhi is shaped by his mixed feelings about people in authority, especially those who use power without limits. This is seen in how Rushdie both humanizes Gandhi, showing her weaknesses, and criticizes her for her authoritarian behavior.

Symbolism:

Rushdie uses Mrs. Gandhi as a symbol of a mother figure, which represents the nation. Her actions during the Emergency, like the forced sterilizations, are shown as efforts to control, much like a mother controls her children. However, this control is harmful, leading to the breakdown of both family and national unity.

Katherine Frank’s insights, along with Rushdie’s creative storytelling, highlight the complexity of the Emergency and Indira Gandhi’s character. In Midnight’s Children, Rushdie not only criticizes authoritarianism but also explores the emotional and psychological side of leadership during a crisis. Gandhi is shown as a leader who symbolizes the complicated relationship between power and the people, making Rushdie’s work both a historical and literary reflection on one of India’s most challenging periods.

The Emergency (1975-1977) is an important event in Indian history, which has been explored in books and films. A new movie called Emergency, releasing on September 6, 2024, will explore this time, showing the political chaos, social unrest, and how it affected people’s lives. The trailer gives a glimpse of the movie’s powerful take on this critical period in India's history.

5. Metaphor of the Bulldozer in 'Midnight’s Children'

The bulldozer in Salman Rushdie's Midnight's Children is a potent symbol of government tyranny, destruction, and the erosion of identity, particularly during the Emergency under Indira Gandhi. It represents the authoritarian government's use of force to control people and crush any resistance. The bulldozer's destruction of the magicians' slum and Saleem Sinai's prized silver spittoon symbolize the erasure of personal and cultural history. Moreover, the bulldozer highlights the dehumanizing effects of political power, reducing people to mere shadows and causing emotional and psychological damage. Through this symbol, Rushdie critiques the government's harsh actions during the Emergency, and the bulldozer remains a powerful symbol of state violence and oppression, even in today's world.

References :  

Barad, Dilip. “Erasure and Oppression: The Bulldozer as a Tool of Authoritarianism in Midnight’s Children.” ResearchGate, Aug. 2024, https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.18505.15209.  ---.   

Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "Midnight’s Children". Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 Aug. 2024, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Midnights-Children. Accessed 30 August 2024.  

Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "Salman Rushdie". Encyclopedia Britannica, 15 Jun. 2024, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Salman-Rushdie. Accessed 30 August 2024.  

DoE-MKBU. “Midnight’s Children | Mr. Rushdie and Mrs. Gandhi | Sem 3 Online Classes | 2021 07 14.” YouTube, 14 July 2021, www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mobzaun3ftI  Frank, Katherine. 

“Mr. Rushdie and Mrs. Gandhi.” Biography, vol. 19, no. 3, 1996, pp. 245–58. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/23539764. Accessed 30 Aug. 2024.  

“