The idea of atomizing the world, or a world-view, to the extent that the only means of making sense of it or making an intelligible picture of it is through the use of the imagination, of both the writer and the reader, does seem to give an overarching structure to Midnight’s Children. It seems that a nostalgia for the past, or at least just past events themselves are what constitute this conception of imagination.
But there still seems to be some kind of irony in this idea as it is presented in the novel in that in the novel’s conclusion there’s a sense that self-awareness, or the need to construct a picture of reality for oneself is ultimately doomed in the face of the same atomized world that prompts this need for picture-construction. In this sense, I’m not sure if Saleem’s story, which he admits he creates for his son (at one point), is a precautionary tale, suggesting his path is something to be avoided (which would result in some kind of success for future generations) or an affirmation of futility.
Saleem frequently mentions that “form,” which seems to include the repetition of recurring cycles beyond individual control (people, things, emotions, ideas, etc.) is unavoidable. Though at the same time Saleem seeks to create his own form or narrative or history. It seems the end of the book leaves you with a kind of stalemate between the ability to force your will onto the world or the world’s ability to force its will one you. I guess the other possibility that’s suggested is the idea that the world does what it wants no matter what and the individual either has the ability to be aware of that force or not.
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