This Blog is an Assignment of paper no:202 Indian English Literature (Post-Independence). In this assignment I am dealing with the topic of Examining Postcolonial and Postmodern Features in Salman Rushdie's Midnight's Children.
Examining Postcolonial and Postmodern Features in Salman Rushdie's Midnight's Children
Personal Details:-
Name: Akshay Nimbark
Batch: M.A. Sem.3 (2023-2025)
Enrollment N/o.: 5108230029
Roll N/o.: 02
E-mail Address: akshay7043598292@gmail.com
Assignment Details:-
Topic:- Examining Postcolonial and Postmodern Features in Salman Rushdie's Midnight's Children
Paper: 202
Subject code & Paper N/o.: 22407
Paper Name:- Indian English Literature (Post-Independence)
Submitted to: Smt. S.B. Gardi Department of English M.K.B.U.
Date of submission: 20 November 2023
Points to Ponder:-
- Abstract
- Key words
- Introduction
- Postcolonialism
- Postmodernism
- Salman Rushdie as a Postcolonial and Postmodern Writer
- Postmodernism in ‘Midnight’s Children’
- Midnight’s Children as Postcolonial work
- Conclusion
Abstract:-
This assignment examines the postcolonial and postmodern elements in Salman Rushdie’s novel Midnight’s Children. Set against the backdrop of post-independence India, Rushdie’s work merges historical narrative with postmodern storytelling techniques such as parody, magical realism, and fragmented narratives. This analysis explores how the novel reflects the complex and layered identity of postcolonial India, integrating mythical, historical, and political elements to represent the nation's diversity and hybridity. By intertwining postcolonial themes with postmodern narrative styles, Midnight’s Children becomes a multidimensional portrayal of the postcolonial experience, challenging traditional notions of truth and identity. Through its blend of genres and themes, the novel underscores the fluidity and hybridity that mark both individual and collective identities in postcolonial contexts.
Key words:-
Salman Rushdie,
Midnight’s Children,
Postcolonialism,
Postmodernism,
Hybridity,
Magical realism,
Historiographic
Metafiction,
Identity,
Indian independence
Introduction:-
In the later part of the 20th century, literary analysis saw a shift with the rise of postcolonialism and postmodernism as major frameworks. Postcolonialism looks at the lasting cultural effects of colonial rule and how it influences societies and identities even after independence. Salman Rushdie, a well-known British-Indian writer, skillfully weaves both postcolonial and postmodern elements into his famous novel, Midnight’s Children. Postmodernism, which often questions traditional ideas about truth and reality, is marked by unique storytelling styles, including unusual structures and self-aware language. Rushdie’s novel captures the complex realities of postcolonial India while showcasing postmodern features like parody, magical realism, and a fragmented narrative style. These themes are bound together by the concept of hybridity, highlighting the ongoing blending and reshaping of identities in a world marked by both postcolonial and postmodern influences. This blend encourages fresh perspectives on literature, identity, and the interconnected nature of history and storytelling.
Postcolonialism:-
Postcolonialism is the academic study of the lasting cultural impacts of colonialism and imperialism. This approach examines how colonial rule has shaped societies, cultures, and identities over time. Quayson defines postcolonialism as an engaged study of the experiences and effects of colonialism, both in former colonies and on a global scale, where imperial influence still lingers. Postcolonial scholars focus on understanding power structures, resistance efforts, and the ongoing impact of colonial histories. Their goal is to break down colonial narratives, question Eurocentric perspectives, and uplift the voices of marginalized groups. Quayson emphasizes that postcolonialism covers both the conditions during colonial rule and those that have emerged since its end.
Postmodernism:-
Postmodernism is a complex intellectual movement that began in the mid-20th century, questioning traditional ideas of truth, reality, and identity. Lyotard, a major thinker in postmodernism, describes it as a blend of both the future and the past, creating a unique perspective. Rather than following universal principles or grand narratives, postmodern works are free from strict structures (Brann). In literature, as Connor points out, postmodernism mainly influences narrative fiction, focusing on the subjective nature of viewpoints and the fragmented nature of knowledge. Postmodern literature often uses nontraditional narrative forms, intertextual references, and an awareness of language’s role in shaping reality. Unlike modernism, which emphasized the concept of time, postmodernism sees literature as an inherently narrative form that unfolds within time itself. (Connor)
Salman Rushdie as a Postcolonial and Postmodern Writer:-
Salman Rushdie, a well-regarded British author born in India, is often seen as someone who writes in both postcolonial and postmodern styles. His most famous book, "Midnight's Children," is like a vibrant blend of these two approaches. “He is immensely influenced by the political and cultural milieu of post independent India Cultural fragmentation,colonial and neo-colonial power structure,matterialistic off-shoots of modern civilization,dying of human relationship,social injustice,blending of facts and fantasy,- search for love and security are the major preoccupations in the writings of Salman Rushdie.” (Barman)
In Midnight's Children, Rushdie delves into India’s journey following its independence in 1947. The novel unpacks the complex layers of identity, the blending of various cultures, and the impact of major historical moments on individual lives. Rushdie’s storytelling style in this novel shows a strong influence from postmodern ideas, as he blends magical elements with reality, uses a nonlinear narrative, and experiments creatively with language.
By examining Midnight's Children through the perspectives of postcolonialism and postmodernism, we can see how Rushdie intertwines themes of history, identity, and narrative. The novel serves as a space where colonial histories are re-examined, established beliefs are challenged, and a chorus of voices comes together to portray life in the postcolonial era.
Postmodernism in ‘Midnight’s Children’:-
Rita Joshi highlights in her analysis, what Hutcheon in his ‘Poetics of Postmodernism’ stated “When modernist aesthetic autonomy and self reflexivity come up against a counterforce in the form of a grounding in the historical, social and political world …what would characterise postmodernism in fiction would be what I here call ‘historiographic metafiction’”. (Joshi)
"Midnight's Children" by Salman Rushdie stands as a notable example of postmodern fiction, weaving together elements of fantasy, history, and mythology to create a narrative that challenges traditional storytelling norms.” Historiographic metafiction is one of the preoccupation of postmodernism. Actual historic characters and events serve as background of postmodern novels. Like Amitav Ghosh Rushdie utilizes history. Through the story of Sinai family the history of Indian subcontinent found expression. All the major events of Indian history---from the independence to declaration of emergency by Indira Gandhi have been eloquently expressed in Midnight’s Children. Thus from the above examination we can say that Midnight’s Children is the best example of a postmodern novel. All the important traits known to be postmodern have been found expressed in this novel. (Barman)
A key trait of postmodern novels is their departure from strict realism, and this is clearly seen in Rushdie's work. The narrator openly doubts his own perspective, asking, “Am I so desperate for meaning that I’m willing to twist everything?” This self-questioning and readiness to distort reality reflect the postmodern urge to break from traditional narrative norms.
Salman Rushdie’s Midnight’s Children embodies postmodern fiction through its mix of fantasy, history, and mythology, forming a richly layered story. The "midnight’s children" represent India’s birth at the exact moment of independence on August 15, 1947. These children, each with magical abilities that slowly fade over time, metaphorically reflect India’s dwindling potential in the following years. This analysis explores the distinct elements of postmodernism within the novel.
In Midnight’s Children, different texts blend to form a fictional world, showcasing the postmodern focus on variety and multiplicity. The narrative, influenced by Hindu mythology, intertwines real historical events with timeless myths, blurring the line between reality and fantasy. Characters like Saleem and Major Shiva embody mythical figures, echoing deities like Ganesha. The story also includes the myth of Shiva and Parvati, with Shiva symbolizing destruction and war. Aadam, Saleem’s adoptive father, mirrors the elephant-headed god Ganesh, representing the complex mix of mythology and reality within the story. This intricate blend highlights the novel’s use of postmodern storytelling.
Parody, an important postmodern feature, is used throughout Midnight’s Children to humorously critique historical events. Partition, for instance, is humorously illustrated through a divided woman, emphasizing the absurdity of splitting both her body and the subcontinent. Another parody involves Indira Gandhi and the Emergency, portraying the Prime Minister as a jealous Widow, taking drastic steps to suppress the Midnight’s Children. Magic realism also appears, such as in the character Mian Abdullah, a magician-politician using a “conjuring trick” to unite Muslim groups. These elements of parody add a critical and humorous angle to the historical and political themes presented in Rushdie’s postmodern narrative.
Midnight’s Children as Postcolonial work:-
Saleem uses magical realism, with its blending of mythology, realism, fantastic elements, and history, to tell his story, and this remains the most effective way for him to continue his story and to express his position as a postcolonial Indian citizen. (Abdullah)
The Indian sub-continent is associated with concepts of multiplicity, hybridity, and plurality. It is quite difficult and, to some extent, impossible to define a diverse country like India by a homogeneous and authentic national identity. Having people from different cultures and languages, India is defined by its diversity, and people from different religions further pluralize the identity of the nation. (Abdullah)
Midnight’s Children captures the rich blend of cultures, languages, and religions that shape the Indian subcontinent, reflecting the diverse nature of its people. This mixture isn’t just a cultural or linguistic aspect; it also includes the varied religious identities within India. Abdullah’s insights about the challenge of defining India by a single national identity resonate with this idea.
What makes Midnight’s Children stand out is its use of this mix of elements, not only as a form of creative storytelling but also as a way to explore the struggles of postcolonial India. Through the lens of hybridity, readers gain a deeper understanding of the complex issues tied to India’s postcolonial identity. This narrative style allows the novel to go beyond a straightforward historical recount, offering a layered and insightful view of India’s history and its unique postcolonial challenges.
Saleem, who struggles for personal identity, becomes a symbolic counterpart to India, which struggles to reunite its multiple nationhoods in the post-independence period; his life becomes a microcosm of post-independent India. After the loss of telepathic power, Saleem gains another as his huge nose starts smelling emotions and intentions. From these events and ideas emerge fantasy so complex, and the novel remains a constant investigation of the relations between order, reality, and fantasy.(Abdullah)
Conclusion:-
In Midnight's Children, Salman Rushdie combines postcolonial and postmodern elements, delving into India’s journey after British rule while using creative narrative techniques. Hybridity serves as a core theme, highlighting the varied influences that shape both the characters' identities and the storytelling style. This mix encourages readers to rethink ideas about literature, identity, and the postcolonial experience, showing it as an evolving and adaptable concept influenced by culture, history, and personal experiences. Rushdie’s skillful blend adds depth to the novel, offering a fresh perspective on the layered complexities of postcolonial life and the ever-changing nature of both storytelling and identity.
(Words:- 1800)
Resources :
Abdullah, Md. Abu Shahid. “International Journal of English and Education.” International Journal of English and Education, October 2014, https://ijee.org/assets/docs/27_L.265144232.pdf. Accessed 13 November 2024.
Brann, Eva TH. "What is postmodernism?." The Harvard Review of Philosophy 2.1 (1992): 4-7.
https://www.pdcnet.org/8525737F00588A37/file/6EF2AE9BDE8660AE852577CA00 476C3/$FILE/harvardreview_1992_0002_0001_0003_0006.pdf Accessed 13 November 2024.
Barman, Kalyan Kishor. “Post-modern traits in the novel of Salman Rushdie's Midnight's Children. Kalyan Kishor.” Worldwidejournals.com, GJRA - GLOBAL JOURNAL FOR RESEARCH ANALYSIS, August 2015, https://www.worldwidejournals.com/global-journal-for-research-analysis-GJRA/recent_issues_pdf/2015/August/August_2015_1438858313__21.pdf . Accessed 13 November 2024.
Chetia, Janardan. “A Postcolonial Analysis of Salman Rushdie's Midnight's Children and V.S. Naipaul's A House for Mr Biswas.” Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research, 2021, https://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2103242.pdf . Accessed 13 November 2024.
Connor, Steven. "Postmodernism and literature." The Cambridge companion to postmodernism (2004): 62-81.
https://books.google.co.in/books?hl=en&lr=&id=dfpJqgYC7x8C&oi=fnd&pg=PA62&dq=what+is+postmodernism+in+literature&ots=UGREelhgbh&sig=qnpfVYyBI2XnqaawVs6bmB4Nrfg&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=what%20is%20postmodernism%20in%20literature&f=false Accessed 13 November 2024.
Joshi, Rita. “Salman Rushdie's Midnight's Children as a Postmodern Novel.” THE AD LITTERAM JOURNAL, https://adlitteramjournal.com/assets/pdf/2020/20.-Rita-Joshi_Article_Ad-Litteram-Journal_December-2020-Edition_Volume-5.pdf . Accessed 13 November 2024.
Quayson, Ato. “What is postcolonial literature?” The British Academy, 2 January 2020, https://www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/blog/what-is-postcolonial-literature/ . Accessed 13 November 2024.
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