Week Two- Setting

I must say that this week's topic of setting is not only interesting because of the literal meaning of the word, but also because the setting itself and the history behind it has an impact on the characters' way of thought and action. It is also interesting to me because India is where my family is from. Rushdie explains Kashmir very accurately. There are lots of compact, closely-knit, friendly, warm villages scattered across the plains and mountainous terrain of Kashmir. They're isolated and fundamentally archaic, yet serene. And I know exactly how Saleem feels living there. The major cities in India however, are a bit tempestuous and disorderly. Through Aziz's story, we see the ugly side of India during this time (the 1900's). The riots and the furor that took place during Aziz's life were mostly because of the rebellions against the British, and they were also between the Muslims and the non-Muslims. A clear and most true foreshadowing of recent current events. The setting, as I previously stated, affects the characters way of thought. The Muslims have a very nasty perception of Indians and vice versa. It's kind of funny to read all of the mean comments that come about throughout this novel. They actually happen. All the time. Even now.