Fragments of Nationhood: A Critical Analysis of Salman Rushdie's Midnight Children

This dissertation, titled "Fragments of Nationhood: A Critical Analysis of Salman Rushdie’s Midnight’s Children," is the result of a deep academic interest in the relationship between personal identity and national history. The primary objective of this work is to explore how Rushdie uses the protagonist, Saleem Sinai, to mirror the complexities, triumphs, and tragedies of India as a post-colonial nation. The inspiration for this study came from the realization that history is not just a collection of dates and facts, but a living narrative shaped by the people who experience it. By analyzing the metaphors and storytelling techniques in the novel, this research seeks to understand how "nationhood" is often a fragmented and evolving concept rather than a fixed one. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my supervisor and mentors, whose insightful feedback and encouragement helped shape the direction of this research. Their guidance was instrumental in helping me navigate the dense layers of magical realism and political allegory present in the text. I am also thankful to the library staff and academic resources that provided the necessary materials to conduct a thorough analysis. Finally, I want to thank my family and friends for their constant support and patience during the long hours spent writing and revising this project. While every effort has been made to ensure the originality of this work, any remaining shortcomings are entirely my own. It is my hope that this dissertation offers a meaningful contribution to the ongoing conversation regarding Indian English literature and the modern novel.