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Past Present Future
The Great Political Fictions: Midnight’s Children
Jun 16, 2024
Exploring the complexities of India and democracy in Salman Rushdie's Midnight's Children, discussing themes of identity, division, and magical realism, and delving into the unique portrayal of India's evolution through historical events. Plus, analyzing the relevance of Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale in today's society.
57:35
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Quick takeaways
- Midnight's Children explores the complexity of Indian democracy through the protagonist's diverse identity.
- The novel reflects India's struggle for cohesion amidst cultural diversity and historical conflicts.
Deep dives
Salman Rushdie's Midnight's Children as a Political Novel
Salman Rushdie's Midnight's Children, a masterful novel that delves into the complexity of Indian politics, presents a vivid portrayal of the body politic. It explores the concept of the democratic body politic and contrasts it with monarchical or autocratic ideals. Through the protagonist Salim Sinai, who embodies the diversity and chaos of India, the novel examines the challenges of maintaining unity and coherence in a democracy. Rushdie's unique imagery of the 'pickle politic' redefines traditional political metaphors, offering a profound reflection on the ever-evolving nature of politics.
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Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode