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INFINITY COURSE
Midnight's Children- Summary, Themes & Characters for NovelsNaman Kumar · Last updated on Dec 23, 2024 |
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Midnight's Children- Summary, Themes & Characters
Midnight's Children is a novel written by Salman Rushdie, published in 1981. The book follows the life of Saleem Sinai, a child born at the stroke of midnight on the day of India's independence from British rule. The story is set against the backdrop of the tumultuous events that shaped India's history, and Saleem's own life mirrors the larger narrative of the country.
The novel begins with the birth of Saleem Sinai and introduces us to a group of children who were all born at the same time. These children, known as the "midnight's children," possess special powers and abilities. Saleem, in particular, has the ability to telepathically communicate with the other children and has a nose that can detect emotions and scents.
As Saleem grows up, he becomes aware of his role as a symbol of the new India. He finds himself caught up in the political and social changes that are sweeping the country. He witnesses the partition of India and Pakistan and the subsequent violence and displacement that occurs.
The story follows Saleem's journey as he navigates through his own personal struggles, including his love for a woman named Parvati, his strained relationship with his family, and his quest to discover his true identity. Along the way, Saleem encounters a cast of vivid and memorable characters, each representing a different facet of India's diverse society.
The novel culminates in a climactic event where Saleem's powers are gradually fading, mirroring the decline of the nation. The narrative explores themes of identity, history, and the relationship between individuals and the larger society they belong to.
Saleem Sinai: The protagonist and narrator of the novel, Saleem Sinai is born with special powers and sees himself as the representative of the new India.
Shiva: A fellow midnight's child, Shiva is Saleem's nemesis and embodies the opposite of Saleem's qualities.
Parvati: Saleem's love interest, Parvati represents the idealized vision of India and its potential for unity.
Amri: An enigmatic character who acts as a mentor to Saleem, Amri represents the wisdom and knowledge of the older generation.
Amina Sinai: Saleem's mother, Amina, plays a significant role in the story as a source of comfort and support for Saleem.
This course is helpful for the following exams: Novels
How to Prepare Midnight's Children- Summary, Themes & Characters for Novels?
1. What is the summary of "Midnight's Children"? |
2. What are the main themes in "Midnight's Children"? |
3. Who are the main characters in "Midnight's Children"? |
4. What is the significance of the title "Midnight's Children"? |
5. What are some of the major events in "Midnight's Children"? |
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