Magical Realism and Symbolism are storytelling tools that add depth and enchantment to literature and art. Magical Realism blends the magical with the ordinary, making us question reality. Symbolism uses hidden codes to express emotions and deeper meanings. Both invite us to explore the worlds beyond the surface.

1. Name :- Riddhi H. Rathod
PAPER No. :- 202
Paper Name :- Indian English Literature Post-Independence
Topic :- Magical Realism and Symbolism in ‘Midnight’s Children’
Roll No. :- 17
Enrollment No. :- 4069206420220025
SMT. S.B. GARDI
DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH

2. INTRODUCTION OF
AUTHOR
01.
Magical Realism &
Symbolism
02. 03.
Magical Realism in
"Midnight's
Children":
06.
Symbolism in
"Midnight's
Children"
04.
.
Table of contents
05.
Comparing Magical
Realism and
Symbolism
Impact of "Midnight's
Children":

3. ❏ Introduction
Sir Salman Rushdie, (born June 19, 1947, Bombay, India),
Indian-born novelist. Educated at the University of
Cambridge, he worked as an advertising copywriter in
London in the 1970s before winning unexpected success with
Midnight's Children in 1981, Booker Prize, an allegorical
novel about modern India.
1. 1983 for Shame 2. 1988 for The Satanic Verses
Midnight's Children is a 1981 novel by Indian-British writer
Salman Rushdie, published by Jonathan Cape. The novel is
about clash between two religion.
Main Characters :- Saleem, Shiva and Parvati

4. ➢ As for Franz Roh's 1925 essay on "Magic Realism: Post Expressionism,"
it's worth noting that Roh originally used this term in the context of
visual art, particularly when discussing "New Objectivity," an art
movement that moved away from romanticism.
➢ Meaning and Definition of Magic Realism. "kind of modern fiction in
which fabulous and fantastical elements are included in a narrative
that otherwise maintains the reliable tone of objective, realistic report".
➢ The words 'magic' and 'realism' do not seem to be compatible with each
other. Realism is all about events that have happened, largely dealing
with historical settings. On the contrary, magic concerns the use of
fantastic or magical elements in the narrative. Dictionary Meaning: "A
literary or genre that combines”.
Magical Realism :-

5. 1. Fantastical elements
1. Hybridity
1. Sense of Mystery
1. Irony
1. Supernatural and Natural Meta-
Fiction
1. Political Critique
❏ Characteristics of Magical Realism

6. "A Ghost Story" (2017)
Directed by
David Lowery
"Big Fish" (2003)
Directed by
urton
"Midnight Special" (2016)
Directed by Jeff Nichols

7. ❏ Magical Realism in Midnight’s Children
Salman Rushdie, Magical Realism is skillfully woven into the narrative, blurring the line
between the supernatural and reality. Key instances of magical elements seamlessly
integrated into the story include:
1. Telepathy of Midnight's Children: The novel revolves around a group of children
born at the stroke of midnight on India's independence. These children possess telepathic
abilities, allowing them to communicate with each other through their thoughts. This
supernatural gift is presented as a natural part of their lives.
2. Saleem's Nose and Identity: The protagonist, Saleem Sinai, is born with a
distinctive, enormous nose that grants him the ability to smell emotions and events. His
unique physical feature symbolizes his connection to the diverse history and culture of India.
3. The "Nose Factory": The narrative introduces a factory where noses are
manufactured and traded. This element of the story reflects the absurdity of reality and
serves as a symbol of the diverse identities within the nation.
4. Shiva's Supernatural Strength: Saleem's rival, Shiva, possesses extraordinary
physical strength. His ability is a metaphor for the brute force and violence that emerged
during India's post-independence struggles.

8. ❏ Symbolism :-
➢ Symbolism uses symbols and metaphors to
represent deeper ideas or emotions. For
instance, in Vincent van Gogh's painting "Starry
Night," the swirling stars and moon aren't just
literal objects; they symbolize his emotional
turmoil and mental state.

9. ● Hidden Meanings
● Many Interpretations
● Cultural and Historical Connections
● Emotional Impact
● Repeated Use
● Themes and Ideas
❏ Characteristics of symbolism :-

10. ❏ Symbolism in Midnight’s Children :-
● The Methwold Estate: The Methwold estate is a symbol of British colonial
influence and oppression in India. It reflects the broader theme of
colonialism in post-independence India.
● The Brass Spittoon: The brass spittoon represents the loss of dignity and self-
respect, especially in the context of Saleem's family.
● The Pickle Factory: Where Saleem's family works, is a symbol of the variety
of cultural influences and the melting pot that is India. It represents the
diversity of the country and how different elements are preserved and blended
● The Nose: Saleem's distinctive nose is a symbol of his unique identity and
connection to India's diverse cultural heritage. It highlights the idea that an
individual's physical traits can carry a deeper cultural significance
● The Midnight's Children group: The children born at midnight on India's
independence symbolize the promise and challenges of the new nation. Each
child's unique ability reflects different aspects of India's complex identity.

11. ❏ Comparing Magical Realism and Symbolism:
1. Nature of Elements:
● Magical Realism: In "Midnight's Children," magical elements are often tangible and form an integral
part of the narrative. For instance, Saleem's telepathic powers are a concrete part of the story.
● Symbolism: Symbols in the novel are often abstract and metaphorical, representing concepts or
emotions. For example, Saleem's enormous nose symbolizes the diversity of India.
2. Narrative Function:
● Magical Realism: Magical elements in the novel serve to create a sense of wonder and to question the
boundary between reality and the supernatural.
● Symbolism: Symbols are used to convey deeper meanings and explore the cultural and historical context,
adding layers of interpretation to the story.
3. Direct vs. Indirect:
● Magical Realism: It directly introduces magical or supernatural elements into the narrative and treats
them as part of everyday life.
● Symbolism: Symbolism indirectly represents abstract ideas or emotions through metaphorical elements.

12. The impact of Salman Rushdie's "Midnight's Children" on the genres of Magical Realism and Symbolism in
literature has been profound.
➢ Impact on Magical Realism :-
- Expanding Boundaries: "Midnight's Children" has expanded the boundaries of Magical Realism by
demonstrating how this genre can be applied to complex, post-colonial narratives. The novel showed that
Magical Realism isn't limited to Latin American literature and can thrive in diverse cultural contexts.
➢ Impact on Symbolism :-
- Cultural Exploration: The novel's extensive use of Symbolism delves deep into the cultural, historical, and
political layers of post-independence India. This has influenced how Symbolism is utilized to explore complex
themes and convey cultural intricacies.
❏ Impact of "Midnight's Children":

13. Magical Realism and Symbolism are storytelling tools that add depth
and enchantment to literature and art. Magical Realism blends the
magical with the ordinary, making us question reality. Symbolism uses
hidden codes to express emotions and deeper meanings. Both invite us
to explore the worlds beyond the surface.
❏ Conclusion :-

14. ❏ References :-
“A Study On The Magic Realism In Midnight's Children And Its Impact To The Literary Work.” Elementary Education Online, 2021,
https://www.ilkogretim-online.org/fulltext/218-1650467601.pdf. Accessed 17 October 2023.
Wani, Shabir Ahmad. “Magical Realism Reflected in the Salman Rushdie's Novel Midnight's Children.” Research Trend, 2 December 2017,
https://www.researchtrend.net/ijamh/pdf/Magical%20Realism%20Reflected%20in%20the%20Salman%20Rushdie%E2%80%99s%20Novel
%20Midnight%E2%80%99s%20Children%2033%20IJAMH-1084-SHABIR%20AHMAD.pdf. Accessed 17 October 20
Durix, Jean-Pierre. "Magic realism in Midnight's Children." Commonwealth (Dijon) 8.1 (1985): 57.
Wexler, Joyce. "What Is a Nation? Magic Realism and National Identity in Midnight’s Children and Clear Light of Day." The Journal of
Commonwealth Literature 37.2 (2002): 137-155.
Rajabi, Ayyub, Majid Azizi, and Mehrdad Akbari. "Magical realism: The magic of realism." Rupkatha Journal on Interdisciplinary Studies
in Humanities 12.2 (2020): 1-13.