Salman Rushdie’s novel, “The Ground Beneath Her Feet,” is a complex and multifaceted work of fiction that explores many themes and ideas. At its core, the book is a love story, but it is also about the power of music, the nature of fame, and the ways in which mythology and reality intersect. Rushdie weaves together a wide range of influences and references, creating a rich and intricate tapestry that rewards careful reading and analysis.
One of the most striking features of “The Ground Beneath Her Feet” is its use of allegory. Rushdie draws on a wide range of myths and stories, from Orpheus and Eurydice to the story of Abraham and Isaac, to create a complex web of meanings and associations. At times, the novel can be challenging to follow, as Rushdie shifts between different perspectives and timelines, but the overall effect is powerful and thought-provoking. By using allegory in this way, Rushdie invites readers to think deeply about the nature of love, creativity, and the human condition.
Overview of ‘The Ground Beneath Her Feet’
Salman Rushdie’s novel, ‘The Ground Beneath Her Feet’, is a captivating story about the tempestuous love between two gifted musicians, Ormus Cama and Vina Apsara. The story is narrated by Rai, a photojournalist who loves Vina. The book is a variation on the Orpheus and Eurydice myth, with rock music replacing Orpheus’s lyre.
The story begins in Bombay in the 1950s, where Ormus and Vina first meet as children. They grow up together and their musical talents blossom. As they become famous musicians, their love for each other deepens. Their love story is intertwined with the history of rock and roll, as they create music that captivates and changes the world.
The novel is a brilliant remaking of the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, exploring themes of fame, love, and the seismic character of sociopolitical change. Rushdie’s writing is engaging and filled with references to music, literature, and mythology. ‘The Ground Beneath Her Feet’ is a must-read for anyone who loves music, mythology, and a good love story.
Salman Rushdie’s Use of Allegory
Historical Context
Salman Rushdie’s “The Ground Beneath Her Feet” was published in 1999, a time when the world was undergoing significant changes. Rushdie uses allegory to explore and comment on these changes. He examines the impact of globalization, the rise of technology, and the changing nature of relationships, both personal and professional. Through his use of allegory, Rushdie is able to comment on contemporary issues in a way that is both insightful and entertaining.
Mythological References
Rushdie’s use of allegory is not limited to contemporary issues. He also draws on mythological references to create a rich and complex narrative. The novel is a variation on the Orpheus/Eurydice myth, with rock music replacing Orpheus’s lyre. The myth works as a red thread from which the author sometimes strays, but to which he attaches an endless series of references. Rushdie uses these references to explore the nature of love, loss, and the human condition. Through his use of allegory, Rushdie is able to create a novel that is both timeless and contemporary.
Main Themes Explored
Love and Loss
Love and loss are two of the main themes explored in Salman Rushdie’s novel, The Ground Beneath Her Feet. The story follows the tempestuous love between Ormus Cama and Vina Apsara, two gifted musicians, as told by the other man who loves Vina. The novel explores the complexities of love and the pain of loss when it is taken away. Rushdie’s use of the Orpheus/Eurydice myth highlights the idea that love can be a powerful force, but it can also be fragile and fleeting.
Cultural Identity
Cultural identity is another important theme in The Ground Beneath Her Feet. Rushdie, who has been described as the man who “redrew the literary map of India,” explores the intersection of Eastern and Western cultures. The novel highlights the struggle to find one’s cultural identity in a rapidly changing world. The characters in the novel are torn between their traditional cultural roots and the allure of the Western world, which is portrayed as both exciting and dangerous.
The Power of Storytelling
The power of storytelling is a recurring theme in The Ground Beneath Her Feet. Rushdie uses the novel to explore the idea that stories have the power to shape our understanding of the world around us. The characters in the novel are all storytellers in their own right, from the rock musicians who tell their stories through their music to the photojournalist who tells his stories through his camera lens. Rushdie’s use of storytelling as a theme highlights the idea that stories have the power to shape our lives and the world around us.
Character Analysis
Vina Apsara
Vina Apsara, the protagonist of the novel, is a complex and multifaceted character. She is a talented singer and songwriter who rises to fame and fortune in the music industry. Vina is also a survivor of a tragic event that occurred in her childhood, which has left her with physical and emotional scars. Despite her success, Vina struggles with her identity and her place in the world. She is torn between her love for Ormus and Rai, and her desire to be true to herself.
Ormus Cama
Ormus Cama is a successful musician and songwriter who falls in love with Vina Apsara. He is a complex character who is torn between his love for Vina and his desire for fame and fortune. Ormus is also haunted by the memory of his twin brother, who died at a young age. Throughout the novel, Ormus struggles to come to terms with his past and his present, and he ultimately makes a sacrifice for the woman he loves.
Rai Merchant
Rai Merchant is a photojournalist who is in love with Vina Apsara. He is a complex character who is torn between his love for Vina and his desire to expose the truth about the world. Rai is also haunted by the memory of his father, who was a political activist. Throughout the novel, Rai struggles to reconcile his love for Vina with his desire to make a difference in the world. He ultimately makes a difficult decision that has far-reaching consequences.
Interpreting the Allegory
Allegorical Figures
In “The Ground Beneath Her Feet,” Rushdie uses Ormus Cama and Vina Apsara as allegorical figures to represent the tension between the East and West. Ormus Cama, an Indian-born musician, embodies the Eastern culture, while Vina Apsara, a Eurasian musician, represents the Western culture. Their relationship represents the struggle between the two cultures and the desire to merge them.
Symbolic Events
The novel also contains numerous symbolic events that represent the struggle between the East and West. For example, the earthquake that occurs in the beginning of the novel represents the seismic shift that occurs when cultures collide. The earthquake also symbolizes the destruction of traditional values and the emergence of new ones.
Political Commentary
Rushdie also uses the novel to comment on political issues. The character Umeed, a photojournalist who covers political events, represents the media’s role in shaping public opinion. The character’s nickname, “Rai,” is a reference to the Indian term for a king or prince, which symbolizes the media’s power to shape public opinion.
Literary Devices in the Novel
Metaphors and Similes
The Ground Beneath Her Feet is a novel filled with metaphors and similes that help to convey the themes of the story. One of the most prominent metaphors in the novel is the idea of music as a language. Rushdie uses music to explore the complexities of communication and the power of artistic expression. He also employs similes to describe the characters and their relationships, such as comparing Vina to a goddess and Ormus to a fallen angel.
Foreshadowing and Irony
Rushdie uses foreshadowing and irony to create a sense of tension and anticipation throughout the novel. One example of foreshadowing occurs when Vina’s father predicts that she will die young, which sets the stage for the tragic events that unfold later in the story. Irony is also present in the novel, particularly in the way that the characters’ actions and beliefs are often at odds with each other. For instance, Ormus is a staunch believer in the power of love, yet he is unable to sustain a lasting relationship with Vina.
Comparisons to Other Works
Similar Themes in Literature
Salman Rushdie’s novel, “The Ground Beneath Her Feet,” explores themes of love, loss, and the power of music. These themes are not unique to Rushdie’s work, as they have appeared in literature throughout history. For example, the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, which serves as a basis for the novel, has been retold in various forms for centuries. Similarly, the power of music to evoke emotion and inspire change has been explored in works such as Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” and the poetry of William Wordsworth.
Rushdie’s Narrative Style in Other Novels
Rushdie’s narrative style in “The Ground Beneath Her Feet” is characterized by his use of magical realism and his incorporation of multiple perspectives. These elements are also present in his other novels, such as “Midnight’s Children” and “The Satanic Verses.” In “Midnight’s Children,” Rushdie uses magical realism to explore India’s history and cultural identity. Similarly, in “The Satanic Verses,” he employs multiple perspectives to examine issues of identity and belonging in a globalized world.