Since Saleem’s personal identity is inextricably entwined
with that of India, Saleem’s disappointments may be seen as a reflection of
the newly forming country’s own problems. Saleem wistfully describes
the timeless Kolynos Kid, trapped forever in his billboard but free
from the ravages of time and age. Saleem longs for his lost childhood
in the same way that India is currently overcome by a sense of nostalgia,
looking back longingly at its ancient past as it lurches inexorably
into the future. With every uncomfortable step forward, something
else must be discarded, a sentiment dramatically captured by Saleem’s
lost finger. Saleem’s awkward, inadvertent sexual experience with
his aunt represents a loss of a different kind of innocence. As
uncomfortable as the moment is, it marks a turning point for Saleem.
Immediately afterward, Mary shows up with new long trousers. As
Saleem trades his short pants for long ones, he takes a distinct
step into adulthood. The world as Saleem knows it is over, a point
the Brass Monkey drives home when she steps on his globe, shattering
it.
Like Saleem and the nation of India, the children of the
conference and the families of the estate are also beginning to
shed their innocence. The midnight’s children begin to take after
their parents, developing prejudices and biases. Divisions begin
to break them up, andSaleem and Shiva’s highly philosophical debate
demonstrates the turmoil within the conference, which reflects the
political turmoil facing India at the time. Saleem’s speeches align
him with the Communist Party, while Shiva seems to espouse the benefits
of a system based on individual-focused, free-market capitalism.
India’s difficulties in moving forward are also symbolized
in Commander Sabarmarti’s trial. The debate surrounding the commander’s
innocence pits traditional and progressive values against one another.
That a judge finds Sabarmati guilty represents a victory for liberal
progress, yet the favored treatment he receives, along with the
fact that Lila is forced to abdicate custody of their children, seems
to temper that victory.
