Kavita Chauhan's blog: September 2024

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I am Kavita Chauhan, a student of sem 3 M.A. department of English m.k.b.u

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This blog is a part of thinking about of the post independence study of the Novel Midnight children by Salman Rushdie.

- Assigned by Dilip barad sir.

• About The Novel Midnight children:-

Salman Rushdie’s 'Midnight’s Children' (1981) is a landmark novel blending magical realism with Indian history. It follows Saleem Sinai, born at midnight on August 15, 1947, who, along with other children born at the same moment, possesses supernatural powers. The novel explores major events like India’s independence and the Emergency period through Saleem's experiences, critiquing political repression and cultural upheaval. Its non-linear narrative and first-person perspective offer a unique blend of personal and national history. Celebrated for its inventive style and critical insight, it won the Booker Prize and the Booker of Bookers, and has been adapted into film and stage productions.

• About Salman Rushdie :-

Salman Rushdie is a British-Indian author known for his magical realism and historical fiction. Born in 1947 in Bombay (now Mumbai), Rushdie gained international fame with his 1981 novel 'Midnight's Children', which won the Booker Prize and is considered one of his finest works. His writing often explores themes of identity, religion, politics, and postcolonialism. Rushdie became the center of global controversy with his 1988 novel 'The Satanic Verses',which led to death threats and a fatwa issued against him by Iran’s Ayatollah Khomeini. Despite the threats, Rushdie has continued to write and advocate for free expression.

1.• Justification of the Title: "Midnight’s Children"

Salman Rushdie’s choice of the title 'Midnight's Children' over 'Children of Midnight' is both deliberate and symbolically rich, revealing layers of meaning that resonate deeply with the novel’s thematic and narrative structure. Though 'Children of Midnight' appears more frequently in the text, Rushdie's preference for 'Midnight's Children' as the title offers critical insights into the novel's exploration of identity, history, and destiny.

• The Significance of the Title "Midnight’s Children"

The title 'Midnight’s Children' directly links the birth of the protagonists to a defining historical moment — India’s independence at the stroke of midnight on August 15, 1947. These children are born at the very second of India's liberation from colonial rule, making them literal embodiments of the nation's hopes, struggles, and future. The term 'Midnight’s Children' captures the mystical connection between these individuals and the destiny of the new India. They are more than just children born at midnight; they are tethered to a collective history, embodying the identity of a newly independent nation.

By using 'Midnight’s Children' instead of 'Children of Midnight', Rushdie emphasizes this intrinsic relationship between time and identity. The children belong to midnight in a possessive sense, symbolizing that they are products of that singular historical moment, not just individuals who happen to be born then. The possessive form highlights their role as a reflection of the nation’s fragmentation, its dreams, and its challenges.

• Connection to Historical and Mythical Elements

The novel interweaves historical events with mythical storytelling, and the title 'Midnight’s Children' reflects this blend. Saleem Sinai, the protagonist, functions as both a historical narrator and a mythic figure. His personal story is intertwined with the fate of India itself, as his telepathic powers allow him to connect with other children born in that same hour, suggesting a collective consciousness that mirrors the diverse and complex fabric of the Indian nation.

The term 'Midnight’s Children' also evokes mythic undertones, echoing themes of prophecy and destiny. Midnight, in this context, is not just a time but a liminal space between old and new, between colonialism and independence. The children born in this moment are not only linked to the historical reality of India's independence but also to the mythic narrative of a new beginning, with all the uncertainty and potential that comes with it.

• Thematic Exploration and the Impact of the Title Choice

Choosing 'Midnight’s Children' over 'Children of Midnight' adds thematic depth to the novel's exploration of identity and fragmentation. The possessive form implies that these children are claimed by history; they do not merely exist in a historical moment but are actively shaped by it. This is crucial in a novel where personal identity is constantly in flux, shaped by political, social, and cultural forces.

The title also reflects the central tension in the novel: the struggle between individual agency and collective destiny. Saleem and his fellow "Midnight's Children" are endowed with special abilities, but they are also burdened by the weight of history and the expectations placed upon them. The title reinforces this duality — they are both extraordinary and powerless, products of a moment they had no control over, yet deeply intertwined with the nation's fate.

Moreover, the title 'Midnight’s Children' shifts the focus from a passive description (Children of Midnight) to an active engagement with the concept of time. It suggests that these children, like the nation itself, are living embodiments of a moment that continues to shape their lives. This is crucial for a novel that constantly interrogates the relationship between the past and the present, showing how history is not something that happens to people but something that people carry within them.

Salman Rushdie’s decision to title his novel 'Midnight’s Children' rather than 'Children of Midnight' is a powerful choice that underscores the thematic and narrative concerns of the novel. The possessive form emphasizes the children’s connection to the moment of India’s independence and the historical forces that shape their identities. It reflects the novel’s intricate blend of history and myth, and it deepens the exploration of the tension between individual agency and collective destiny. Through this title, Rushdie captures the essence of his characters as not just individuals but as products of a historical moment that defines an entire nation, making 'Midnight’s Children' a profound meditation on the nature of identity, history, and memory.

2• Essay: Postcolonial Voices in Midnight's Children"

Salman Rushdie’s 'Midnight's Children' serves as a profound exploration of postcolonial identity, history, and hybridity. Using postcolonial theories from thinkers such as Edward Said, Homi Bhabha, Gayatri Spivak, and Frantz Fanon, the novel reflects the complexities of decolonization and cultural transformation in India.

Through the lens of "Edward Said's Orientalism", Rushdie critiques Western depictions of the East, offering a counter-narrative that resists colonial stereotypes. Saleem Sinai’s storytelling reclaims Indian history from Eurocentric views, challenging Orientalist tropes by centering indigenous perspectives. The use of magical realism, with its emphasis on non-Western mythologies, subverts Western rationalism, positioning Indian narratives as central, rather than peripheral, to the global discourse.

"Homi Bhabha's concepts of hybridity and the "Third Space"are embodied in the novel's characters, especially Saleem, who symbolizes the cultural fusion between Indian and Western identities. His "chutnified" English, a blend of vernaculars, disrupts binary distinctions between colonizer and colonized, reflecting the fluid nature of postcolonial identities. The novel's very structure inhabits Bhabha’s "Third Space," where cultural exchanges generate new forms of meaning, beyond the limits imposed by colonial rule.

The application of " Gayatri Spivak's Subaltern Studies" further deepens the novel’s postcolonial critique. "Midnight's Children" amplifies marginalized voices, particularly those silenced in dominant historical narratives. By centering personal memory and collective experience, the novel presents alternative histories that challenge official versions of India's post-independence struggles. The fragmented narrative structure mirrors the disjointed experiences of subaltern groups, whose stories often resist linear, coherent representation.

"Frantz Fanon’s theories of decolonization" resonate in Rushdie’s depiction of India’s postcolonial reality. The novel’s exploration of India’s partition and the political turmoil during the Emergency period reflect Fanon’s notion of the fractured national consciousness emerging from colonial rule. Saleem’s fragmented identity, tied to both India’s colonial past and its turbulent independence, exemplifies the psychological trauma that Fanon describes as part of the decolonization process.

"Dipesh Chakrabarty’s Provincializing Europe" also finds expression in Rushdie’s narrative. By focusing on Indian history and mythology, 'Midnight’s Children' decouples its narrative from European historiographical frameworks. The novel’s magical realist elements emphasize the local, destabilizing the Western conception of history as linear and rational. Rushdie provincializes Europe by decentering its historical authority, shifting focus to India’s own stories.

Lastly, "Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o’s concept of Decolonizing the Mind" is evident in Rushdie’s linguistic innovation. While Rushdie writes in English, his incorporation of Indian idioms, phrases, and a "chutnified" language dismantles the dominance of the colonizer's language. This act of linguistic rebellion aligns with Ngũgĩ’s argument that decolonization must begin with the reclamation of indigenous languages and narrative forms.

In sum up, 'Midnight's Children' is a multi-layered, postcolonial masterpiece that engages with and critiques colonial legacies, identity, and historical representation. Rushdie’s novel, through its engagement with postcolonial theorists, acts as a critical site for exploring the intersections of history, memory, and cultural identity in the aftermath of colonialism. It challenges traditional narratives, embodying the complexities of postcolonial discourse and contributing to the ongoing conversations within postcolonial studies.

3 • The Role of 'English' in 'Midnight's Children'

Salman Rushdie’s use of English in 'Midnight's Children' is transformative, blending the colonizer's language with indigenous expressions to create what he calls "chutnified" or "de-doxified" English. This linguistic fusion reflects India's postcolonial identity, where languages and cultures mix fluidly. By incorporating Hindi, Urdu, and regional dialects, Rushdie challenges the authority of standard English, subverting its colonial power. His use of humor, wordplay, and local idioms reshapes English into a uniquely Indian form, breaking the language's rigid structures and reflecting the hybridity of postcolonial experience.

Rushdie’s inventive language is a form of resistance, turning English into a medium that embodies the complexities of Indian identity rather than merely a colonial tool. The "chutnification" of English also reflects the fragmented narrative, mirroring the chaos and multiplicity of postcolonial India, where the blending of different voices and histories creates a rich, layered storytelling experience.

In essence, Rushdie’s use of English is central to the novel’s thematic exploration of identity, history, and cultural hybridity. Through this linguistic experimentation, 'Midnight's Children' stands as a powerful statement on the postcolonial reclamation of language.

4 • Comparative Analysis of the Emergency (1975-77) in Salman Rushdie’s 'Midnight's Children', Films, and Katherine Frank’s Biography

The Emergency period (1975-77) in India remains a subject of intense scrutiny and debate, notably in Salman Rushdie’s 'Midnight's Children', Kangana Ranaut’s film 'Emergency', Deepa Mehta’s 'Midnight’s Children' adaptation, and Katherine Frank’s biography of Indira Gandhi. This blog delves into how these portrayals intersect and diverge, providing a comprehensive analysis of the Emergency and its representation of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

• Salman Rushdie’s 'Midnight’s Children'

In 'Midnight’s Children', Salman Rushdie portrays the Emergency as a period of intense political repression and societal upheaval. The metaphor of the bulldozer represents the state's brute force used to suppress dissent and erase marginalized communities. The bulldozer symbolizes not just physical destruction but also the erasure of cultural and historical identities. Rushdie’s depiction is allegorical and symbolic, using fantastical elements to critique the authoritarian tactics employed during this time. The Emergency is shown as a forceful attempt to impose a sanitized vision of progress at the expense of individual rights and historical continuity.

• Kangana Ranaut’s 'Emergency'

Kangana Ranaut’s film 'Emergency' offers a dramatized portrayal of the Emergency, focusing on the personal and political conflicts faced by Indira Gandhi. The film depicts Gandhi as a figure who, driven by political necessity, resorts to draconian measures to consolidate power. The narrative highlights the impact of these measures on ordinary citizens, emphasizing themes of fear, censorship, and loss of freedom. Ranaut’s portrayal is more direct and personal, aiming to humanize and criticize Gandhi’s decisions through a dramatic lens.

•Deepa Mehta’s Adaptation of 'Midnight’s Children'

Deepa Mehta’s film adaptation of 'Midnight’s Children' translates Rushdie’s complex narrative into a visual medium, capturing the essence of the Emergency through a blend of magical realism and historical drama. The film incorporates the metaphor of the bulldozer to illustrate the destructive impact of the Emergency on communities and individual lives. Mehta’s adaptation remains faithful to the novel’s symbolic representation, while also making the political realities of the Emergency more accessible to a broader audience through cinematic techniques.

• Katherine Frank’s Biography of Indira Gandhi:

In her biography, Katherine Frank provides a detailed and nuanced account of Indira Gandhi’s role during the Emergency. Frank portrays Gandhi as a complex and often controversial figure, driven by a mix of political ambition and genuine concern for the country’s stability. The biography presents the Emergency as a response to political challenges and threats to Gandhi’s authority, with a focus on the controversial decisions made to maintain control. Frank’s account provides context and depth to Gandhi’s motivations, revealing the personal and political struggles behind the public facade.

•Comparative Insights :-

1. "Narrative Focus":

"Rushdie’s Novel": Uses allegory and magical realism to critique the Emergency’s impact on society and culture.

"Ranaut’s Film": Focuses on personal and political drama, portraying Gandhi’s actions as driven by a need for control and survival.

"Mehta’s Film": Adapts the novel’s allegorical elements into a visual narrative, emphasizing the symbolic and historical significance of the Emergency.

"Frank’s Biography": Provides a historical and biographical perspective, offering insights into Gandhi’s motivations and the political context of the Emergency.

2. "Portrayal of Indira Gandhi":

"Rushdie’s Novel": Indirectly critiques Gandhi’s policies through the metaphor of the bulldozer, emphasizing the dehumanizing effects of authoritarian control.

"Ranaut’s Film": Offers a direct critique of Gandhi, presenting her as a powerful yet flawed leader whose decisions led to widespread suffering.

"Frank’s Biography": Provides a balanced view of Gandhi, portraying her as a complex figure whose actions were influenced by various political pressures and personal convictions.

3. "Impact on Society":

"Rushdie’s Novel": Highlights the cultural and historical erasure caused by the Emergency, using fantastical elements to convey the depth of its impact.

"Ranaut’s Film": Emphasizes the immediate effects on individuals and communities, focusing on personal stories of fear and resistance.

"Mehta’s Film": Visualizes the broader societal consequences while retaining the symbolic critique present in the novel.

"Frank’s Biography": Documents the real-world implications of Gandhi’s policies, providing context for understanding the period’s impact on Indian society.

In sum up the portrayal of the Emergency across Salman Rushdie’s 'Midnight’s Children', Kangana Ranaut’s "Emergency", Deepa Mehta’s film adaptation, and Katherine Frank’s biography offers a multifaceted view of this turbulent period in Indian history. Each medium provides unique insights into the impact of the Emergency and the character of Indira Gandhi, from allegorical and symbolic representations to personal and historical narratives. Together, these portrayals contribute to a richer understanding of the complexities and consequences of one of India’s most controversial political episodes.

5• The Bulldozer Metaphor in Salman Rushdie's 'Midnight's Children':-

Salman Rushdie's 'Midnight's Children' employs the metaphor of the bulldozer to provide a sharp critique of the political landscape during India's Emergency period (1975-1977) under Indira Gandhi. This symbol vividly encapsulates the themes of oppression, destruction, and erasure that permeate the novel.

The Bulldozer as a Symbol of State Power:

In 'Midnight's Children', the bulldozer transcends its literal role as a construction vehicle to become a powerful symbol of authoritarian control. Originally associated with violent intimidation, particularly in the Southern United States, the bulldozer in Rushdie's novel represents the forceful actions of the state that seeks to suppress dissent and reshape society according to its own agenda. This metaphor reflects both historical and contemporary instances where state power is exercised through destructive means under the guise of progress.

•Analyzing Key Quotes

1. "The Narlikar women had moved away while bulldozers did their work; we were alone inside the dust-storm, which gave us all the appearance of neglected furniture, as if we were chairs and tables which had been abandoned for decades without covering-sheets; we looked like the ghosts of ourselves."

This quote illustrates how the bulldozer's operations create a dust-storm that transforms the characters into ghostly figures, symbolizing their dehumanization and the erasure of their identities. The image of being abandoned like old furniture underscores the neglect and disregard faced by those affected by the bulldozer's force, highlighting the disparity between the powerful and the powerless.

2. "If he could have talked, would he have cautioned me against treason and bulldozers?"

Here, the bulldozer is linked to political betrayal, suggesting that opposing the regime comes with the threat of state-sanctioned violence. This rhetorical question reflects the pervasive fear of retribution that accompanies dissent, with the bulldozer symbolizing the inevitable consequences of challenging authority.

3. "The vans and bulldozers came first, rumbling along the main road; they stopped opposite the ghetto of the magicians. A loudspeaker began to blare: 'Civic beautification programme… authorized operation of "Sanjay_Youth Central Committee… prepare instantly for evacuation to new site… this slum is a public eyesore, can no longer be tolerated… all persons will follow orders without dissent."

This passage directly connects the bulldozer to Sanjay Gandhi’s controversial urban "beautification" campaigns. The bulldozer symbolizes the mechanical, impersonal nature of state enforcement, erasing communities under the pretext of civic improvement. The narrator’s scream, unheard amidst the bulldozer’s noise, underscores the silencing of those affected by the state’s actions.

4. "The bulldozers… because now the machines of destruction were in their element, and the little hovels of the shanty-town were slipping sliding crazily beneath the force of the irresistible creatures, huts snapping like twigs, the little paper parcels of the puppeteers and the magic baskets of the illusionists were being crushed into a pulp; the city was being beautified, and if there were a few deaths, if a girl with eyes like saucers and a pout of grief upon her lips fell beneath the advancing juggernauts, well, what of it, an eyesore was being removed from the face of the ancient capital."

This quote vividly depicts the bulldozer’s destructive power, reducing homes and personal belongings to rubble. The casual dismissal of deaths as collateral damage reveals the cruelty of using such methods in the name of progress. The destruction of personal possessions, including the tragic image of a girl crushed by the bulldozer, highlights the human cost of the state’s vision for modernization.

5. "I lost something else that day, besides my freedom: bulldozers swallowed a silver spittoon. Deprived of the last object connecting me to my more tangible, historically-verifiable past, I was taken to Benares to face the consequences of my inner, midnight-given life."

The destruction of the silver spittoon symbolizes the severing of the narrator’s ties to his personal and familial history. This loss signifies the erasure of cultural and historical connections by the bulldozer, leaving the narrator without a tangible link to his past and vulnerable to the state’s control.

6. I was consumed by nostalgia for my bulldozed silver spittoon."

The narrator’s nostalgia for the destroyed spittoon reflects a profound sense of loss for a past that has been irrevocably obliterated. This object, once a symbol of a richer, more meaningful life, now represents the emotional and psychological devastation wrought by political oppression.

•Conclusion:

In 'Midnight bulldozer serves as a powerful metaphor for the state's coercive power, used to erase, suppress, and control. Through its recurring presence in the novel, Rushdie critiques the authoritarian tactics of the Emergency period, revealing the human cost of such ruthless governance. The bulldozer symbolizes not just physical destruction but also the erasure of culture, memory, and resistance, making Rushdie's portrayal both a historical critique and a relevant commentary on contemporary issues of state oppression.

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Happy Learning ☘️

• References:-

Barad, Dilip. “Postcolonial Voices: Analyzing Midnight’s Children Through Theoretical Lenses.” Www.Researchgate.Net/Publication/, Aug. 2024, www.researchgate.net/publication/383399335_Postcolonial_Voices_Analyzing_Midnight’. Accessed 07 Sept. 2024.

Barad , Dilip. “Erasure and Oppression: The Bulldozer as a Toolof Authoritarianism in Midnight’s Children.” Https://Www.Researchgate.Net, Aug. 2024, www.researchgate.net/publication/383410297_Bulldozer_in_Midnights_Children/references. Accessed 07 Sept. 2024.

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