A Thematic Analysis Of Salman Rushdie’s Midnight’s Children

Abstract

Salman Rushdie’s magnum opus, Midnight’s Children, is a literary kaleidoscope that intricately weaves together themes of cultural identity, historical context, magical realism, individual vs. collective identity, memory, storytelling, and language. This paper undertakes a comprehensive thematic analysis of the novel, exploring how these themes align with the broader context of post-colonial India. Through a unique blend of storytelling and magical realism, Rushdie invites readers to navigate a newly independent nation’s multifaceted landscape while delving deep into the inner lives of characters who mirror the nation’s struggles, aspirations, and evolution. This analysis elucidates the profound impact of Rushdie’s narrative choices on understanding the complexities of identity formation, nation-building, and the power of storytelling in shaping history.