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
- 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 Key Themes
This paper examines the theme of cultural translation and assimilation in Salman Rushdie's The Satanic Verses, focusing on the experiences of various immigrants within the novel. The objective is to analyze the challenges faced by these immigrants and identify different approaches to adapting to a new culture. The paper also explores the possibility of complete cultural assimilation.
- Cultural Translation and Assimilation
- The immigrant experience in a foreign country
- Different strategies for coping with cultural change
- The tension between maintaining original identity and adopting a new one
- The possibility of complete assimilation
Chapter Summaries
1. Gibreel Farishta and Saladin Chamcha. An introduction to the topic of translation in "The Satanic verses": This introductory chapter introduces the two main protagonists, Gibreel Farishta and Saladin Chamcha, whose experiences serve as central examples of cultural translation and assimilation. Their airplane crash and subsequent fall to earth symbolize the disorienting experience of entering a new culture. The recurring phrase, "To be born again first you have to die," highlights the necessity of abandoning one's former life to fully embrace a new identity. The chapter also introduces the concept of the humiliating bureaucratic processes faced by immigrants, exemplified by the invasive questioning about personal details. Gibreel’s multilingual clothing illustrates the possibility of constructing a hybrid identity, yet his admission that his heart remains Indian demonstrates the enduring power of origin. The image of falling is further analyzed as a metaphor for cultural transition, with a defined beginning and end, reflecting the journey of assimilation.
2. Saladin Chamcha's way to conquer Britain: An attempt to achieve complete assimilation: This chapter would delve into Saladin Chamcha's journey of assimilation into British culture. It would analyze his methods, his successes and failures, and the consequences of his attempts to shed his Indian identity. The chapter would likely explore the complexities of adopting a new culture while grappling with the loss of one's origins. The analysis would consider the costs and benefits of complete assimilation from Saladin's perspective, possibly drawing parallels to other characters' experiences.
3. John Maslama: A true believer: This chapter focuses on John Maslama's experience, examining his approach to navigating a foreign culture. It will discuss his beliefs, his relationships with other characters, and the challenges he faces. The summary would analyze how Maslama's faith and beliefs influence his adaptation to the new environment, comparing and contrasting this approach with other characters' strategies. The significance of faith as a source of stability and identity within a foreign land would be a central theme.
4. The Imaam: An exile captured in the prison of a foreign country: This chapter will explore the Imam's experience as an exile, focusing on the feelings of isolation and confinement that often accompany such situations. The analysis will examine the impact of his exile on his identity and his attempts to maintain his cultural heritage in a foreign land. The summary will consider how the Imam's experience contrasts with those who actively seek assimilation, highlighting the different ways in which individuals cope with displacement and cultural change. The "prison" metaphor will be explored in terms of both physical and emotional confinement.
5. Hind Sufyan: A story of success, but with many obstacles: This chapter will analyze Hind Sufyan's journey, highlighting her successes while acknowledging the obstacles she overcomes. The summary will explore her strategies for adapting to a foreign culture, and examine how she balances her personal ambitions with the challenges of maintaining her cultural identity. The analysis will consider the factors that contribute to her success, contrasting her approach with other characters who face greater difficulties in their attempts at assimilation or integration. The concept of "success" in the context of immigration will be critically examined.
6. Mishal and Anahita Sufyan: No immigrants at all: This chapter would focus on Mishal and Anahita Sufyan's story and analyze their experience within the context of immigration and cultural translation. It would examine how their narrative contributes to the overarching themes of the novel. The summary would contrast their experiences with those of other characters who face more significant challenges in adapting to a new culture. The question of whether they truly avoid the challenges of immigration, or simply experience them differently, would be central to the analysis.
Keywords
Cultural translation, assimilation, immigration, identity, cultural hybridity, British culture, Indian culture, exile, adaptation, belonging, The Satanic Verses, Salman Rushdie.
Frequently Asked Questions: Salman Rushdie's *The Satanic Verses* - Cultural Translation and Assimilation
What is the main focus of this paper?
This paper examines the theme of cultural translation and assimilation in Salman Rushdie's The Satanic Verses, focusing on the experiences of various immigrants within the novel. It analyzes the challenges faced by these immigrants and identifies different approaches to adapting to a new culture, exploring the possibility of complete cultural assimilation.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
Key themes include cultural translation and assimilation, the immigrant experience in a foreign country, different strategies for coping with cultural change, the tension between maintaining original identity and adopting a new one, and the possibility of complete assimilation.
Which characters are analyzed in the paper, and what are their stories about?
The paper analyzes the experiences of several characters: Gibreel Farishta and Saladin Chamcha (exploring their initial disorientation and the challenges of creating a hybrid identity), Saladin Chamcha's attempt at complete assimilation into British culture, John Maslama's experience as a believer navigating a foreign culture, the Imam's experience as an exiled prisoner, Hind Sufyan's story of success despite obstacles, and Mishal and Anahita Sufyan's comparatively less challenging immigrant experience.
What are the chapter summaries provided in the paper?
Each chapter summary provides a detailed overview of the specific experiences and challenges faced by the characters discussed in that chapter, analyzing their approaches to cultural adaptation and the consequences of their choices. The summaries highlight the complexities of cultural translation and the diverse ways individuals navigate the process of assimilation or integration.
What are the objectives of this analysis?
The objective is to analyze the challenges faced by immigrants in The Satanic Verses and identify different approaches to adapting to a new culture. The paper also explores the possibility of complete cultural assimilation and the costs and benefits associated with it, considering the perspectives of various characters.
What are the keywords associated with this analysis?
Keywords include cultural translation, assimilation, immigration, identity, cultural hybridity, British culture, Indian culture, exile, adaptation, belonging, The Satanic Verses, and Salman Rushdie.
What is the overall approach of this academic work?
The approach is a structured and professional analysis of the themes of cultural translation and assimilation in *The Satanic Verses*, using a thematic and character-focused methodology. It provides a comprehensive overview of the novel's exploration of immigration and identity through detailed chapter summaries and analysis of key characters.
What is the intended audience for this analysis?
This analysis is intended for academic use, supporting the structured and professional analysis of themes in Salman Rushdie's *The Satanic Verses*. The provided information aims to facilitate research and understanding of the novel's complex portrayal of immigration and cultural adaptation.
- Quote paper
- Eric Mühle (Author), 2000, Translation as a central topic in Salman Rushdie s novel the Satanic Verses, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/1100
