Study Guide

Midnight's Children

Salman Rushdie
Guide cover image

67 pages • 2-hour read

Salman Rushdie

Midnight's Children

Salman Rushdie
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1981

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Essay Topics

1.

Saleem is the novel’s narrator and the main protagonist. Can the characters of Saleem the narrator and Saleem the protagonist be considered different?

2.

Is Saleem a reliable narrator? Does he want to be considered a reliable narrator?

3.

A key theme in Saleem’s story is the link between his story and the story of his country. In what ways is Saleem’s life tied to the story of India as an independent nation?

4.

How does Midnight’s Children use magic to blur the lines between fiction and reality?

5.

Duality is a common feature of Saleem’s narration. How does he frame the idea of dualism in the novel?

6.

Noses are an important metaphor in Midnight’s Children. What symbolic message is conveyed by the characters’ noses? Which nose is most prominent, in this sense?

7.

Is Saleem’s family happier when they are ignorant about the truth or when they know about Saleem’s true identity?

8.

What does the fate of Wee Willie Winkie say about the role of the impoverished in India?

9.

In what ways does William Methwold function as an allegory for colonialism?

10.

Saleem claims he is writing the story for Padma. How does her voice intrude upon and compete with Saleem’s narrative? What is her influence on his status as the narrator?

blurred text
blurred text
blurred text

Unlock all 67 pages of this Study Guide

Get in-depth, chapter-by-chapter summaries and analysis from our literary experts.

  • Grasp challenging concepts with clear, comprehensive explanations
  • Revisit key plot points and ideas without rereading the book
  • Share impressive insights in classes and book clubs
Unlock Full Study Guide