Midnight's Children

Saleem describes the many large noses that feature in the novel. Even though he is not biologically related to his grandfather or his uncle, Saleem shares the same large nose that becomes a family heirloom. These noses symbolize the legacies passed down from one generation to another. Even though Saleem is not biologically related to his family, he is a family member, nonetheless. He shares the same nose despite his lack of blood relations to his family; being raised by his family is ultimately more important than being related to them, as this allows them to shape his character and forge his personality. That Saleem possesses his family’s nose is an important symbol of his connection to the people who raised him. It is a genetic heirloom that is shared by someone outside the gene pool of the Aadam Aziz family tree. Saleem’s nose is a symbol of the way in which family connections can be built on more than just blood.

Saleem’s nose is also the source of his magical power. The nose is large, perpetually stuffed, and also Saleem’s most powerful feature. While it may seem like a hindrance, it actually allows him to achieve the impossible. Saleem can read people’s thoughts and communicate with people many miles away, all thanks to his magical nose. What seemed like an imposition or an annoyance is actually the key to his ability to bring people together. In another life, Saleem might have resented the giant nose that makes him a target for children’s jokes. In reality, Saleem is aware of the important symbolism of his nose. Not only does it endear him to his family; it also allows him to build bridges to other people. Saleem’s ability to relate to others is symbolized by his large, unwieldy nose. The symbolic value of Saleem’s nose illustrates one of Saleem’s most important lessons: A person must look beyond the immediate and see the totality of truth. Just like Aadam did not know Naseem until he saw her without the sheet, people must understand the benefits of Saleem’s nose outweigh any annoyances it might cause. The magical qualities of Saleem’s nose symbolize his refined empathy skills and his desire to share these skills with the audience.

Saleem’s powers do not stay the same. After he undergoes an operation, his nose is unblocked. Saleem loses the ability to read minds but gains a superhuman sense of smell. Saleem’s nose and its powers evolve with his character. Eventually, he is made a soldier and his nose defines his role in the army. Robbed of his memories and his personality, as well as the understanding of the symbolic meaning of his nose, Saleem is reduced to an animalistic status. He is compared to a dog by his fellow soldiers, who use him to sniff out danger. Saleem’s nose becomes his defining feature once again, but, without the memories and experiences that helped him to understand the symbolic meaning of his nose, he uses his powers for evil purposes. Saleem loses his humanity when he treats his nose and his sense of smell as pure talents. Only when he acknowledges the symbolic meaning behind his nose—how it binds him to his family and how it represents his desire for empathy—is he able to become himself once again. Saleem’s nose and his understanding of his nose as a symbol become an important gauge for Saleem’s humanity.