In this paper I would like to focus on the aspect of people being translated from one culture into another within Salman Rushdie's novel “The Satanic Verses“. At the example of various immigrants which are subject to the novel I try to point out the problems these people have when coming to a foreign country. Different types of immigrants are described with their own peculiar characteristics and their way of coping with the new situation. Finally it shall become clear that there are at least three types of immigrants which differ completely from each other in their way of coping with their situation in a “foreign“ country. Furthermore the question
shall be answered, whether complete assimilation to a foreign culture is possible or not. In the first chapter the two protagonists of the Satanic Verses, Saladin Chamcha and Gibreel Farishta are introduced, illustrating how much both characters are subject to the aspect of translation. Then, in the following
chapters I am going to introduce three types of immigrants which are
characteristic of people coming to a foreign country, critically judging the way in which they try to cope with their personal situation. For this purpose the Indianborn people Saladin Chamcha, John Maslama, Hind Sufyan, the Imam and Mishal and Anahita Sufyan are introduced. The paper concludes in chapter 7 with a summary of the most important points of discussion.
In addition it should be mentioned that this homework is different from the usual literary-based papers of students studying English literature. Here, the emphasis is put on a close reading of the Satanic Verses instead of a deeper analysis of secondary literature. Thus, I only refer to one source of information in the list of
works cited which helped me to understand various aspects of Indian religion und society.
[...]
Table of Contents
Preface
1.Gibreel Farishta and Saladin Chamcha. An introduction to the topic of translation in “The Satanic verses“
2.Saladin Chamcha's way to conquer Britain : An attempt to achieve complete assimilation
3.John Maslama : A true believer
4.The Imaam : An exile captured in the prison of a foreign country
5.Hind Sufyan : A story of success, but with many obstacles
6.Mishal and Anahita Sufyan : No immigrants at all
7. Conclusion
8. List of works
Objectives and Topics
This academic paper examines the experience of immigrants and the complex process of "translation" between cultures within Salman Rushdie's novel "The Satanic Verses," focusing on how different characters adapt to or resist their new environment in a foreign country.
- The psychological and social challenges faced by immigrants in a new cultural setting.
- Categorization of immigrant adaptation strategies, ranging from assimilation to self-imposed exile.
- A close reading of the two main protagonists, Gibreel Farishta and Saladin Chamcha.
- The role of identity, language, and cultural heritage in the life of the diaspora.
- The impact of intergenerational differences on the assimilation process.
Excerpt from the Book
1. Gibreel Farishta and Saladin Chamcha. An introduction to the topic of translation in “The Satanic verses“
At the beginning of his novel, author Salman Rushdie introduces his two main characters, Gibreel Farishta and Saladin Chamcha. Gibreel Farishta, born Ismail Najmuddin is an Indian film star, specialised in playing Hindu gods, though he himself is a Moslem, takes the form of the archangel Gibreel later in the novel. His friend and enemy at the same time Saladin Chamcha, born Salahuddin Chamchawalla is a voice impersonator and - through a slow mutation - is turned into a goat-like devilish creature later in the story.
On the first few pages we find ourselves in the middle of an airplane crash in which we encounter our two protagonists falling from the sky. The central and reoccurring phrase throughout the whole novel “To be born again first you have to die” (first mentioned on page 3) is very interesting for our consideration of translation. This sentence clearly expresses that when a person tries to change from one culture into another it is necessary to abandon one's former life completely (to die). Being born again means leading a new and wholly independent life within the new (here British) culture. Both, Saladin as well as Gibreel can be considered as such “converts” who try to leave their former Indian values and roots behind, exchanging them for new British values, though because of different reasons.
Summary of Chapters
Preface: The author outlines the scope of the paper, focusing on the immigrant experience in "The Satanic Verses" and establishing the methodology of a close literary reading.
1.Gibreel Farishta and Saladin Chamcha. An introduction to the topic of translation in “The Satanic verses“: This chapter introduces the two protagonists and analyzes the thematic necessity of "dying" to one's past in order to be reborn in a new culture.
2.Saladin Chamcha's way to conquer Britain : An attempt to achieve complete assimilation: Examines Saladin's desperate and often painful struggle to fully shed his Indian identity and assimilate into British society.
3.John Maslama : A true believer: Discusses Maslama as a case of successful integration and social advancement achieved through education and professional hard work.
4.The Imaam : An exile captured in the prison of a foreign country: Analyzes the character of the Imam, who rejects assimilation and views his presence in Britain solely as a temporary exile.
5.Hind Sufyan : A story of success, but with many obstacles: Focuses on the internal and external conflicts of Hind Sufyan, who finds professional success but suffers from cultural and familial alienation.
6.Mishal and Anahita Sufyan : No immigrants at all: Explores the lives of the second generation, who have fully embraced British culture and feel disconnected from their parents' cultural roots.
7. Conclusion: Summarizes the findings, noting that while adaptation takes various forms, the immigrant struggle remains a central, complex aspect of the novel.
8. List of works: Provides the source material used for this literary analysis.
Keywords
Salman Rushdie, The Satanic Verses, Translation, Immigrant experience, Assimilation, Cultural identity, Diaspora, Gibreel Farishta, Saladin Chamcha, Second generation, Exile, British culture, Indian roots, Literary analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this research paper?
The paper explores the multifaceted experience of immigrants in Salman Rushdie’s novel "The Satanic Verses," specifically how characters negotiate the process of "translation" between their original culture and their new life in Britain.
Which specific themes are prioritized?
The research centers on themes of cultural assimilation, the rejection of origins, the experience of exile, the generational gap in immigrant families, and the struggle for identity.
What is the primary objective of the work?
The aim is to identify and categorize distinct "types" of immigrants within the novel and analyze how each individual character attempts to cope with the challenges of life in a foreign country.
Which scientific methodology is applied?
The author employs a close reading methodology of "The Satanic Verses," focusing on textual evidence, character development, and narrative motifs rather than an extensive analysis of secondary academic literature.
What is covered in the main section of the paper?
The main part analyzes specific characters—Saladin Chamcha, John Maslama, the Imam, Hind Sufyan, and her daughters—as representative examples of different modes of immigrant adaptation.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include Salman Rushdie, assimilation, cultural translation, diaspora, immigrant identity, and the generational divide.
How does the author define the "translation" of the characters?
The author uses "translation" as a metaphor for the transformation a person undergoes when migrating, suggesting that it requires abandoning one's previous life to adapt to a new societal structure.
What specific viewpoint does the paper offer on the "second generation"?
The paper argues that the second generation, such as the Sufyan sisters, represents a distinct type of immigrant who is fully integrated into the host culture and views their parents' native country with detachment or indifference.
- Quote paper
- Eric Mühle (Author), 2000, Translation as a central topic in Salman Rushdie s novel the Satanic Verses, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1100
