Rushdie Haunted by his unholy Ghosts — Page 145
Rushdie: Haunted By His Unholy Ghosts 145 sure that they must have stipulated that they were not quite ready for another episode of the occurrences that ensued the publication of Rushdie’s previous novel, and that he should play safe and write a not-too provocative one, at least for the time-being. This novel was pretty ineffectual and the main reason for it, apart from the financial aspect, was a reminder and a clarion-call for all the writers of the ‘free’ world to continue their pursuit of procuring justice for Rushdie. Rushdie could still not resist the temptation of having yet another jibe at falsely accusing the Muslim law of restricting freedom of thought and independence. He uses his conventional style of trying to disguise his message in fictional terms, but the intimation is easily discernible. For example, in try- ing to say that Muslims are restricted in expressing their true views and feelings and that they live in a state of submissiveness, he uses the Hindi term ‘Chup City’ (a silent city) for the Islamic world and the term ‘Bezaban’ (without a tongue) for its inhabitants, that is the Muslims. The world that Rushdie obviously belongs to is none other than ‘Gup City’ where gossip and nonsense abound. (Rushdie is kind enough to give meanings of the Hindi words at the end of the book for the children). Furthermore, I am sure he is referring to himself in the book when he writes that Rashid Khalifa, the central character, is ‘awarded the Land of Gup’s highest decoration, the Order of the Open Mouth, in recognition of his exceptional services’. (p. 192). In Chapter 12 of the book entitled ‘Was It the Walrus ?’, Rushdie relates a mock trial of the right to express freedom of speech and wishfully records a victory for his cause. His hopes and aspirations for a happy ending for himself and his colleagues are also vividly expressed : ‘You said it could be a big wish, and so it is. I come from a sad city, a city so sad that it has forgotten its name. I want you to provide a happy ending, not just for my adventure, but for the whole sad city as well. ’ (p. 202).