Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie | Thinking Activity

Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie | Thinking Activity |

Hello Everyone,😊

This blog is part of thinking activity assigned by Dr. Dilip Barad Sir. In this blog I'm going to deal with the topics like justification of the title, Postcolonial Voices, the Role of 'English' in the Novel, portrayal of the Emergency, metaphor of Bulldozer.

About Salman Rushdie:

Salman Rushdie, born on June 19, 1947, in Mumbai, India, is a British-American author famous for writing novels that mix real history and philosophy with imaginative characters and humor. One of his most well-known books, "The Satanic Verses" (1988), caused a lot of controversies and led to debates about free speech because it touched on sensitive religious and political topics.


He won the Booker Prize in 1981 for his book "Midnight’s Children". This book was also chosen as the "best of the best" Booker Prize winners in 1993 and 2008. In 2007, Rushdie was knighted by the British government, which some countries, like Iran and Pakistan, criticized.


Rushdie has been married five times. He was married to Padma Lakshmi, a TV personality and author, from 2004 to 2007. In 2021, he married Rachel Eliza Griffiths, a poet and novelist. He became a U.S. citizen in 2016 but kept his British citizenship.

About Midnight's Children :

"Midnight’s Children" is a novel by Salman Rushdie, published in 1981. The story is about two boys born at the exact moment of India's independence on August 15, 1947. These boys, Saleem Sinai and Shiva, are accidentally switched at birth in a hospital in Bombay (Mumbai).

Saleem, who is supposed to be the son of a poor Hindu woman and a British man, is raised by a wealthy Muslim family. Meanwhile, Shiva, the actual son of this Muslim family, is brought up by a poor Hindu street performer. Saleem becomes a symbol of modern India and writes his life story, "Midnight’s Children," showing how he is connected to important events in India’s history for the next 30 years. Shiva, on the other hand, becomes a celebrated war hero but is also destined to be Saleem's enemy. The novel won the Booker Prize in 1981 and was later named the best Booker Prize novel in 25 years in 1993.

    

Justification of the Title: Analyze why Salman Rushdie chose the title "Midnight's Children" over "Children of Midnight".

In Salman Rushdie's novel Midnight's Children, the choice of title is highly significant and goes beyond just naming the book. Although "Children of Midnight" appears more frequently in the text—18 times compared to "Midnight's Children" which appears 11 times—the title Midnight's Children is more meaningful for several reasons.

Significance of the Title:

The title Midnight's Children has a deeper meaning than Children of Midnight. By using the possessive form "Midnight's," Rushdie indicates that these children belong to the moment of midnight on August 15, 1947. This time is very important because it marks India’s independence from British rule.

The title Midnight's Children shows that these children are not just born at midnight; they are closely connected to this historic moment. This connection makes the title more impactful because it highlights how the children symbolize the hopes, dreams, and challenges of the newly independent nation. Their lives are shaped by this significant event, and the title reflects their deep link to the birth of modern India.

Connection to Themes and Narrative:

The title Midnight's Children enriches the novel’s exploration of themes like identity, nationhood, and transformation. The children born at midnight on August 15, 1947, represent the new hopes and challenges of independent India. Their lives are not just shaped by their birth time but also reflect the broader historical and cultural changes occurring in the country. 

 The title emphasizes how the characters' stories are intertwined with India’s political and social shifts. It reinforces the novel's narrative by linking personal experiences to national events, making the midnight moment a crucial part of their lives. Also we can find that, Midnight's Children highlights themes of identity and destiny. It suggests that the children’s lives are defined by the historic moment of midnight, which adds depth to their experiences. The title also explores themes of complexity and change, showing how the children and the new nation are influenced by various factors and contradictions.

Impact on Thematic Exploration:

The title Midnight's Children has a lasting impact on the themes of the novel. It shows that the children's lives are deeply tied to the historical moment of their birth, adding a sense of importance and destiny to their experiences. This connection makes it seem like their lives are shaped by the forces of history.

The title also helps explore themes of complexity and mixture. Just as India is a diverse and changing nation, the children are complex characters influenced by different historical and cultural factors. Midnight's Children highlights how their identities are shaped by both their historical context and their magical abilities.

Reflection of Historical and Mythical Elements:

The title Midnight's Children reflects both the historical and mythical dimensions of the novel. Saleem Sinai, the protagonist, and the other children born at midnight are not just historical figures; they are also part of a mythical narrative. Midnight represents a moment of magical transformation, blending reality with fantasy.

In the novel, midnight is more than just a time; it embodies a significant transition from colonial rule to independence. The title suggests that these children are not merely born at midnight; they are born into a world of myth and magic. Their special abilities and their connection to historical events highlight how Rushdie combines historical facts with mythical elements. The title Midnight's Children reinforces this blend, showing how the children’s destinies are shaped by both historical events and magical realism.


So we can say that Midnight's Children is a better title than Children of Midnight because it captures both the historical significance and the magical elements of the story. August 15, 1947, at midnight, marks India’s independence. Midnight's Children highlights how the children born at this time are connected to the country’s transformation and new beginning.

This title is more suitable than Children of Midnight because it enriches the novel’s exploration of themes such as history, identity, and magical realism. It highlights how the characters' lives are shaped by their historical context and their unique magical traits. By choosing Midnight's Children, Rushdie adds depth to the story, making it a powerful reflection of the interplay between historical events and personal destinies.

Postcolonial Voices: Theoretical Lenses:

Write an essay applying postcolonial theory to , referencing the provided article.

Different ideas help us understand how colonialism affects people and their cultures. One important idea is Subaltern Studies, which looks at the experiences of people who were pushed aside or ignored by colonial powers. This idea focuses on the experiences of people who were ignored or marginalized by colonial powers. In Midnight's Children, the main character, Saleem, represents people who were affected by colonialism. The novel shows how these people’s stories and voices are often left out of traditional history books. Saleem’s mixed background and the way he speaks reflect a mix of Indian and Western influences, highlighting the complex identities that arise from colonial encounters.



Homi Bhabha’s concept of the "Third Space" and Hybridity:

Homi Bhabha introduced the concept of the "Third Space," where cultures mix and create new, unique identities. In Midnight's Children, Saleem’s identity isn’t just Indian or Western but a blend of both. His mixed heritage and the way he combines different cultural elements show how colonialism creates new cultural spaces that don’t fit neatly into old categories. This blending is called hybridity and is a central theme in the novel.


Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak’s Perspective:

Spivak argues that Midnight's Children gives a voice to groups often left out of mainstream history, such as women, minorities, and the poor. Instead of sticking to the official historical accounts, the novel tells history through Saleem’s personal and collective memory. The novel’s non-linear and fragmented style reflects the complex experiences of these marginalized groups. Their stories are often messy and hard to tell in a straightforward way, which the novel captures effectively.

Edward Said’s concept of Orientalism:

Edward Said’s concept of Orientalism refers to how the West has often depicted the East as exotic, backward, and inferior. In Midnight's Children, Salman Rushdie challenges this Western view by presenting Indian history from an Indian perspective. The novel pushes back against Western narratives by using magical realism and blending history with myth and fantasy.

For example, Saleem Sinai’s telepathic powers in the novel defy Western ideas of strict rationalism. Instead of viewing Indian experiences through a Western lens, Rushdie creates a narrative that reflects the complexity and richness of Indian culture. The Partition of India, a significant historical event, is not simply portrayed as a factual occurrence but as a deeply personal and surreal experience. This approach highlights the trauma and complexity of the event, which Western historians often overlook or simplify.

By rejecting the simplistic and often negative portrayals of the East found in Orientalism, Midnight's Children offers a richer, more nuanced view of Indian history and culture.

Frantz Fanon’s Ideas on Postcolonial Identity:

Fanon discusses how postcolonial countries like India struggled to build a national identity after gaining independence. In Midnight's Children, the challenges of creating a unified national identity after colonial rule are depicted through Saleem’s fragmented sense of self. The novel portrays the difficulties of forming a cohesive national identity when the past is filled with conflict and confusion, such as the Emergency and the partition of India.


Dipesh Chakrabarty’s View on Provincializing Europe:

Chakrabarty’s idea is that Midnight's Children shifts the focus away from European views and highlights Indian history and identity instead. The novel uses magical realism and Indian myths to tell the story from an Indian perspective. This approach challenges the Eurocentric view that often dominates historical narratives and reclaims Indian history by presenting it through the experiences of people who lived it.


Aime Césaire’s Negritude:

Although Césaire’s concept of negritude is specific to Africa, it shares similarities with Midnight's Children. Negritude is about reclaiming African cultural identity and resisting colonial influence. Similarly, Midnight's Children works to restore and affirm Indian identity against the effects of colonialism. Saleem’s struggle to understand his identity and the novel’s focus on India’s cultural heritage reflect a broader effort to fight against cultural alienation and reclaim a sense of self.

Reading these ideas helps us to see how Midnight's Children deals with the effects of colonialism on identity and culture. The novel uses various perspectives to show how complicated postcolonial identity can be and the difficulties of reclaiming cultural history. By blending different views and styles, it illustrates the rich and complex nature of Indian culture and the challenges faced in moving beyond colonial influences.

The Role of 'English' in the Novel:

    The English language plays a big role in postcolonial literature, especially in countries like India that were once colonized by the British.  In India, English became important during British rule, and many Indians started to learn it to impress their colonial rulers. Over time, English has remained significant, but Indian writers have adapted it to reflect their own culture and experiences.

   Salman Rushdie’s Midnight's Children is a remarkable novel known for its intricate story and creative use of English. In this book, Rushdie adapts English to fit the unique context of India after British colonial rule. He does this by blending English with various Indian languages, creating a version of the language that reflects the diverse and complex nature of Indian identity. Rushdie’s use of English in the novel serves several important purposes. First, it challenges the old colonial standards of English, which were imposed during British rule. By mixing English with local Indian languages, he makes the language more relevant to Indian experiences and culture. This approach allows English to act as a bridge between different languages and cultures in India.

For example, the main character, Saleem Sinai, often switches between formal British English and a more casual form known as Hinglish. This mix shows his dual role as both part of and apart from the postcolonial Indian society. Through this blending of languages, Rushdie explores the tension between traditional Indian culture and the influence of British colonialism, as well as the clash between old and new ways of life.

We can say that Rushdie’s creative use of English in Midnight's Children helps to capture the complexity of Indian identity and highlights the novel's themes of cultural diversity and change.

In Midnight’s Children, Salman Rushdie uses a special style of English that combines Indian languages with English, a technique called "chutnification" and "dedoxification."


Chutnification:

Chutnification means mixing English with words from Indian languages like Hindi and Urdu, similar to how chutney mixes different ingredients. For example, characters might say "Eat, na, food is spoiling," where "na" is a Hindi word used for emphasis. This mix of languages makes the English sound more natural and true to Indian life.

Dedoxification:

Dedoxification involves changing the strict, formal English that was used during colonial times. Instead of sticking to old rules, Rushdie uses a more relaxed style of English, bending grammar and including Indian terms without explaining them. This makes the language feel more authentic and inclusive of Indian culture.

Rushdie’s style breaks away from traditional grammar rules and reflects oral storytelling traditions. This approach helps to show the diverse and complex identity of postcolonial India. By blending English with regional languages and informal speech, Rushdie transforms English from a colonial tool into a language that tells stories about Indian experiences and identities.

Portrayal of the Emergency (1975-77):

 The Emergency in India was a period from June 25, 1975, to March 21, 1977, when Prime Minister Indira Gandhi declared that normal rules didn’t apply. This meant that elections were canceled, and people’s freedoms were taken away. Gandhi declared the Emergency after a court found her guilty of cheating in elections and banned her from holding office. She said it was to protect the country, but it led to many problems. People were arrested for their political views, the press was censored, and there were forced sterilizations, which caused a lot of pain and suffering.

Salman Rushdie’s View:

In his book Midnight's Children, Salman Rushdie tells the story of the Emergency using a mix of real events and fantasy. He shows the forced sterilizations and the main character, Saleem Sinai’s, troubles as symbols of the oppression during that time. Gandhi is depicted as a strong but flawed leader, and her actions are shown as being driven by desperation and personal issues. Rushdie represents her as a controlling figure, like a strict mother, to show how this kind of control can hurt both people and the country.

Katherine Frank’s Insights:

  Katherine Frank explains that Rushdie’s portrayal of Gandhi is complex and detailed. She says Rushdie combines real historical facts with imaginative storytelling to show Gandhi’s character. He presents her as both a powerful leader and a person with weaknesses. According to Frank, Gandhi is symbolized as a controlling mother figure in the novel, which reflects how excessive power can lead to suffering and loss of freedom. Rushdie’s book offers a critical view of authoritarian rule through a blend of reality and fantasy.

The representation of the Emergency in Kangana Ranaut’s film:

Here you can find trailer of upcoming film "Emergency":

Metaphor of Bulldozer:

The metaphor of the bulldozer in Salman Rushdie's Midnight's Children is a powerful symbol of the harsh and destructive actions of the state, especially during the Emergency period under Indira Gandhi’s rule.

In the novel, the bulldozer represents the government’s forceful and oppressive power used to control and silence people. This mirrors how bulldozers were actually used during Sanjay Gandhi’s "beautification" projects, which demolished slums under the guise of improving the city. The bulldozer’s role in tearing down the slum where the magicians lived shows the government’s cold and impersonal way of oppressing people, valuing urban appearance over the well-being of those who live in these areas.

The bulldozer’s destruction is not just physical but also affects people’s personal and cultural histories. For example, when Saleem Sinai’s treasured silver spittoon is crushed by the bulldozer, it symbolizes the loss of his connection to his past. This loss goes beyond just breaking things; it means erasing memories and identities under the authoritarian regime. The bulldozer’s actions show how the government disregards the lives and histories of those it harms, turning them into mere objects or shadows of their former selves.

Rushdie uses the bulldozer to highlight how political power can dehumanize people. Characters who experience the bulldozer’s destruction are shown as being covered in dust and looking like abandoned furniture, which emphasizes how the state can strip people of their humanity while trying to create a controlled and sanitized version of progress.

This metaphor is still relevant today, reflecting ongoing issues of state violence and oppression. The bulldozer in Midnight's Children serves as a strong critique of how authoritarian governments can destroy both physical spaces and the personal and cultural identities of the people they affect.

Thank you for visiting and taking the time to read my blog😊

References:

Barad, Dilip. “Erasure and Oppression: The Bulldozer as a Toolof Authoritarianism in Midnight's Children.” ResearchGate, ResearchGate, August 2024, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/383410297_Erasure_and_Oppression_The_Bulldozer_as_a_Toolof_Authoritarianism_in_Midnight%27s_Children. Accessed 09 September 2024.

Barad, Dilip. “Postcolonial Voices: Analyzing Midnight's Children Through Theoretical Lenses.” ResearchGate, ResearchGate, August 2024, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/383399335_Postcolonial_Voices_Analyzing_Midnight%27s_Children_Through_Theoretical_Lenses. Accessed 09 September 2024.

Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "Salman Rushdie". Encyclopedia Britannica, 5 Sep. 2024, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Salman-Rushdie. Accessed 9 September 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

Rushdie, Salman. “Midnight's Children | Magical Realism, India, Partition.” Britannica, 16 August 2024, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Midnights-Children. Accessed 9 September 2024.