The Language Wars: analyzing Rushdie's style pp. 273-336

For this post, please analyze one of the passages below. In class, we will analyze each one: you should contribute when we get to yours. As we've established, Rushdie employs a "dialogic" style, meaning that he writes in many voices. As you look closely at the passage you've picked, try to pick out the voices: the author/narrator; the voice of the Indian people; the scientist or specialist; the poet; the historian; the ordinary or uneducated person, etc. What satirical purpose does he create through mimicry? Also, analyze his use of allusions, rhythm, tone, imagery, repetition, inside jokes - and other techniques of literary poetics. Passages: 1. p. 273, beginning "Sensing Padma's..." and ending "...passed us by." 2. 274-275 from "Not the dark one..." to "...lots of fun." 3. From "My mumani" (276) to "..Life of a Pickle-Factory" (277). 4. From "The ghost of Joe..." (280) to "..confusion you will unleash." (281). 5. From "When I returned..." (285) to "..was a terrific exit." (286). 6. From "In this way..." (292) to "...with one single thing." (293). 7. From "Who listed..." (295) to "...with the Reaper. (With my help.)" (296). 8. From "I confess: what I did..." (297) to "AFTER NEHRU, WHO?" (298). 9. From "KNOW, O UNBELIEVERS..." (306) to "...of Good Family." (307). 10. From "It was said; could not be unsaid..." (312) to "...would probably have approved." (313). 11. From "Of course, I nodded." (332) to "...over the bed like a shroud." (333).