Representation of Fantasy in Salman Rushdie's Luka and the Fire of Life

Abstract

Rushdie employs many rare and innovative techniques like fantasy, magical realism, time and space in terms of narrative and language. In general, it is observed that a novelist uses alternative characters to speak or act for themselves and by intrusively telling how they do these things. The novelist believes that the art of fiction does not begin until the novelist thinks of his story as a matter to be shown, to be so exhibited that it will tell itself. In Luka and the Fire of Life Rushdie adopts a number of supernatural elements. Magic is no longer quixotic madness. Realism functions as an objective, universal representation of natural and social realities. It functions ideologically, but less hegemonic ally of its program and is not centralizing but eccentric. It creates space for interaction of diversity. Magical realism could be seen as a significant international, contemporary literary mode. It is an important presence in the contemporary literary mode. Unlike mythical realism favoured by the west, it draws upon cultural modes and non-literary forms in their western novel form.