Salman Rushdie · English Literature

In 'Midnight's Children', who is Saleem's arch-rival, born at the same moment but into a different social class?

  1. Shiva, the Midnight Child
  2. Parvati-the-witch
  3. Cyrus the Great
  4. Evie Burns
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Correct answer: Shiva, the Midnight Child

Shiva and Saleem are swapped at birth; Saleem (of poor parentage) is raised in wealth, while Shiva (of wealthy parentage) is raised in poverty. Shiva represents the 'knees'—violence and destruction—contrasting with Saleem's 'nose' and telepathy.

Difficulty: Medium Question 10 of 20

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