1) This is a work of fiction presented like an autobiography...

[[deleted user]]

1. Midnight's Children is clearly a work of fiction; yet, like many modern novels, it is presented as an autobiography. How can we tell it isn't? What literary devices are employed to make its fictional status clear? And, bearing in mind the background of very real historical events, can "truth" and "fiction" always be told apart?

[Kristel]

I agree that the element of magical realism with the telepathic communication lets us know that this is fiction.

[Patrick]

Like Sashinka and Kristel said, the presence of magical realism eliminates the possibility of this novel being truly an autobiography. Many of the events linking Saleem Sinai to the historical events outlined in the book are also heavily influenced by the presence of magical realism.