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THEMES IN MIDNIGHT'S CHILDREN

Identify the other apparent themes you found in this book? Are there use of literary elements such as allegory, symbol or metaphor? 

Reflection Point 

THEME 1: DESTRUCTION VS CREATION 
  • Clash between Shiva and Saleem throughout the book
  • Mythological battle between the creative and destructive forces in the world
  • Shiva is a symbol of the Hindu god of both destruction and procreation. 
  • Saleem is a symbol for Brahma the god of creation 

Point to Ponder

How did Salman Rushdie connect Saleem's life with that of India's. What writing decisions were made? 

2.) Silver spitoon 
  • The silver spittoon is responsible for Saleem’s loss of memory. 
  • After the death of Saleem's family, the spittoon acts as a memorabilia for his family's legacy. 
1.) Saleem and India's age
  • Saleem's life intertwines with the life of India.
  • Key moments that take place in India's history also occurs in Saleem's lif
THEME 2: THE GIFT OF BIRTH 
  • Saleem is born on a momentous day which is the independence day of India. 
  • All of the midnight's children are born on this day signifying the importance of their birth.

Midnight in Action 

In not more than 250 words, write a literature response expressing your personal opinion on the symbols and themes used in the novel. Provide evidences on the plot, setting and characters found in the novel. 
Steps of writing a literary response 
Additional Resources 
http://msmcclure.com/?page_id=1056

HOW TO IDENTIFY THEMES IN LITERATURE?

Watch the video below: 

LITERARY ELEMENTS: SYMBOLS

  1. Introduction of the Response Paper - The introduction must contain title and author of the work that is being discussed about. One needs to get hold of the reader’s attention so an opening statement which is strong must also be included. The next important part of introduction is the thesis statement which must be original, supporting and arguing.

  2. The Body of the Response - The body is in a paragraph format in which we use evidences to support our analysis. The evidences can be phrases from the literary work or words. One should be completely sure in the quotes used by the writer to explain the literary work. The pages must always be numbered, the paragraphs must be focused and every example must be able to relate back to the text of the literary work. One to four paragraphs depending on the length of the story. Each paragraph focuses on an event that teaches the character something or causes him/her to change in some way. Use intermediate words and phrases to connect ideas. 

  3. Conclusion Part - It is said that a good conclusion to any writing makes it very effective. A good conclusion will always summarize all the points mentioned before it. One should never repeat the same paragraphs as written in body to be rewritten in the procedure of summarizing the points. One must also include observations or questions or analysis on certain aspects giving a deeper thinking to the literary work. This will take our response thesis a step further.

THEMES

© 2018  by Preti Kaur. 

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