Tuesday 7 May 2024

Assignment Paper No. 210A Research Project Writing: Dissertation Writing - Research Writing

Cinematic Adaptation of Salman Rushdie's  Midnight's Children” and Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice : From Page to Screen





Hello Viewers! This blog is written in response as a part of my last Semester assignment in Paper No. 210A Research Project Writing: Dissertation Writing - Research Writing. In this blog I will explore the topic which is Cinematic Adaptation of Salman Rushdie’s “Midnight’s Children” and Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice”: From Page to Screen.




Conclusion and Bibliography of Dissertation


  • Name: Payal Bambhaniya
  • Semester: 4 ( Batch - 2022-2024 )
  • Enrollment No.: 4069206420220002
  • Roll no.: 14
  • Topic: Cinematic Adaptation of Salman Rushdie’s “Midnight’s Children” and Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice”: From Page to Screen
  • E- mail Address: payalbambhaniya92@gmail.com
  • Subject/ Paper no.: 210A
  • Paper Code: 22417
  • Paper Name: Research Project Writing: Dissertation Writing - Research Writing
  • Submitted to:  Smt. S.B. Gardi Department of English, Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University 
  • Date of Submission: 8th May, 2024 




                                                                 Conclusion


          Adaptation has been a long-standing practice in both life and art, echoing the timeless wisdom that 'change is the law of nature.' It's a vital process enabling growth and evolution. Throughout history, from ancient Greek plays to Shakespeare's works, stories have been transformed to suit different mediums, appealing to new audiences and reaping both creative and economic rewards. Adapting a story to a new medium requires a careful balance of preserving its core essence while crafting an original piece of art. Artists are motivated by the satisfaction of creatively reimagining stories that captivate them. Yet, economic considerations also play a crucial role, with production houses capitalising on the popularity of beloved stories to draw audiences and generate profit. 


        When a work of art undergoes adaptation into a different medium, it emerges as a distinct entity with its own set of qualities and attributes. Rarely do the original text and its adapted version align perfectly, necessitating evaluation based on their individual merits. The inherent interdependence between the two forms is undeniable, requiring researchers to approach their analysis with a nuanced appreciation of their disparities. For example, translating a novel into a film demands a unique skill set, involving narrative techniques, performances, and visual elements specific to the cinematic medium. Successful adaptation entails navigating these demands while preserving the essence of the original narrative. Through adaptation, artists can create new artistic expressions tailored to diverse audiences and spanning generations. However, it's crucial to acknowledge that each adaptation possesses its own distinct traits and must be assessed accordingly. Ultimately, adaptation serves as a conduit for art to evolve and flourish, mirroring the dynamic nature of our ever-changing world. 


        The topic of cinematic adaptations of novels has sparked ongoing scrutiny and debate, largely due to the global popularity of film as a medium. Translating a novel into a film poses significant challenges, given the inherent differences in structure between these two art forms. Filmmakers often draw inspiration from literature, tapping into the rich and intricate source material provided by novels. However, the fidelity of these adaptations to their original source texts has been a subject of contention among scholars and critics. Many argue that film adaptations are often perceived as inferior to their literary counterparts. Critics point out that the necessary changes and omissions made during the adaptation process have been criticised as errors or shortcomings. Additionally, the visual nature of film has been accused of stripping novels of their charm, leaving too much open-ended for viewers. The literary complexity of a novel can serve as a potent tool for readers to envision characters, objects, and settings in their own unique way, a quality that may be lost in the translation to film. 


       The  discourse surrounding cinematic adaptations has shifted towards a consideration of intertextuality. It is now recognized that a successful adaptation does not necessarily entail a strict adherence to every element of the original novel. Adaptation is viewed as an artistic endeavour in its own right, granting filmmakers the liberty to offer an independent interpretation of the source material. The crux of a film adaptation's success lies in its ability to capture the essence of the novel it draws from. The screenplay serves as more than just a reproduction of the original text; rather, it represents a fresh interpretation that may incorporate deviations, alterations, omissions, and additions. While audiences may have differing expectations regarding the appearance of characters, objects, and settings, a well-executed adaptation should still resonate with the core themes and ideas of the original work. Consequently, the relationship between literature and film adaptations remains a multifaceted and ongoing subject of debate and analysis.


       The world of literature is a boundless realm where words come alive, imbued with their own significance. When an author pens a novel, they infuse it with their passion and perspective, crafting a piece of art that resonates with readers. A well-crafted novel has the power to transport readers to different realms, stimulating their imagination and providing a deeply immersive experience. The interpretation of elements within the narrative can vary widely among readers, leading them into uncharted territories of thought and emotion. Literature's beauty lies in its capacity to evoke diverse interpretations and emotions, with each reader's experience being entirely unique. Words possess a captivating potency, capable of conjuring vivid imagery that can evoke both intensity and serenity. Reading a literary work is often an emotional journey, leaving a profound imprint on the reader's psyche. It opens doors to unknown worlds, inviting endless meanings and insights to unfold, enriching the reader's understanding and appreciation of the human experience. 


       While a text may provide ample description, there often remains much for readers to interpret and uncover independently. These gaps in the author's depiction allow room for readers' imaginations to flourish, fostering personal interpretations of the text. This individualised interpretation is what renders literature unique and capable of transcending temporal and spatial boundaries. This universality of literature renders it a potent tool for communication and empathy. When a literary work undergoes adaptation into another medium, such as film or television, it offers an opportunity to observe how the creative vision of a filmmaker interprets the author's narrative. Adaptation facilitates a collaborative artistic endeavour, wherein two creative minds from disparate disciplines converge to craft a new artistic expression. Witnessing how filmmakers translate the gaps in imagination into visual form and observing the audience's response to such adaptations is captivating. A film adaptation emerges as a dynamic and distinctive creation, stemming from the fusion of multiple voices, cultures, and audiences. It can be seen as a fusion of the original literary work with the filmmaker's artistic vision, as well as the socio-cultural contexts in which it is crafted and consumed. This interactive dialogue between various elements yields an adaptation that is vibrant, unique, and separate from its source material. 


        Despite the transition to a different medium, the adapted work retains its autonomy while remaining intertwined with the original literary piece. The essence of the original narrative endures, yet it undergoes a metamorphosis into a new art form worthy of individual appreciation. Through adaptation, literary works can reach a broader audience, introducing new readers to the author's distinctive voice and narrative style. One of the most intriguing facets of literary adaptation is the diversity of interpretations it can inspire. A cinematic adaptation breathes life into characters and settings in a manner distinct from the written word, yet it also offers filmmakers an opportunity to infuse their own interpretation into the narrative. This potential for divergence between the original work and its adaptation introduces an additional layer of meaning, inviting audiences to explore fresh perspectives and uncover new insights. 


       Critics argue that faithfully preserving the complexity and individuality of literary works in movie adaptations poses a considerable challenge. This challenge stems from the inherent disparities in dimensions and techniques between literature and cinema. Adapting a literary work into film is a multifaceted endeavour, encompassing various factors such as selecting the suitable novel for adaptation, capturing the authentic atmosphere, casting appropriate actors, and remaining faithful to the essence of the original work. Despite the complexities involved, successful adaptations have the potential to offer fresh and captivating interpretations of the source material, captivating audiences in innovative ways. 


       This research work, The study of film adaptations of Midnight's Children and Pride and Prejudice  challenged the assumption that transferring a novel to film is a simple process. It was observed that while the adaptations stayed true to the original text, they also made necessary changes to suit the visual medium. Such changes both enhanced and detracted from the themes and messages of the novels, and the adaptations effectively utilised visual storytelling techniques to convey the narrative and character development. By infusing the stories with unique techniques of the cinematic medium, the film adaptations transformed the texts into new, visually compelling experiences. This analysis underscores the complexity involved in adapting a novel to film and highlights the importance of careful consideration and creativity to bring the essence of the original text to life on the screen.


      The film "Midnight’s Children" by Deepa Mehta is a loose adaptation of Salman Rushdie's novel of the same name. While the film retains many of the major themes and events of the novel, Mehta takes substantial creative liberties with the source material regarding characterization, plot, and structure. For instance, Mehta condenses and reorganises some of the novel's pivotal events, alters the personalities and motivations of certain characters, and introduces new elements absent in the book. Despite these deviations from the source material, "Midnight's Children" remains a compelling and potent adaptation that captures the essence of Rushdie's novel while also delving into new themes and ideas. 


        Pride and Prejudice 2005 can be classified as an acceptable adaptation. Even though the central theme is a fairy-tale romance between the two main characters, the filmmakers have created an enchanting contemporary picture of Austen’s world. Given the  length of the adaptation it is surprising that every significant dialogue and event was present. A few inaccuracies and modern subtext can be forgiven for the sake of the beautiful scenery, wisely chosen locations and pleasing music. Quality performances by many famous actors are another plus for the movie. Nevertheless, the extended ending should have not left the cutting room. It is needless to say that this adaptation would not find supporters among orthodox followers of Jane Austen but is more than sufficient for modern audiences who want to enjoy the movie not compare it to the original. 


        When contemplating the transformation of a text from one medium to another, such as from a novel to a film, it becomes apparent that the essence of the original text remains intact despite the change in medium. However, adapting a text to a new form necessitates certain adjustments. While it may seem straightforward to replicate a text in a different medium, it's essential to recognize that each medium brings its own distinct set of tools and elements to the creative process. For example, a filmmaker utilises visual and auditory components like lighting, music, and sound effects to enrich the storytelling experience. These elements imbue the final product with their own layers of meaning and subtleties. Instead of viewing the constraints of a new medium as limitations in adapting a source text, it's crucial to consider how the new form can offer fresh insights into the text. The new medium presents an array of elements that allow for a novel interpretation of the text. In essence, the form of a medium should not be perceived as a barrier to adaptation but rather as an opportunity for exploration and reinterpretation. By embracing the unique characteristics of a new medium, one can uncover previously undiscovered layers of meaning within a text and create a distinct work of art that stands on its own merits. 


        When Midnight’s Children is Adapted into a film by Deepa Mehta. The novel and the film have some similarities in terms of their form, but also some differences. Both share a nonlinear narrative structure and magical realism, blending fantasy and real-world events. However, the novel is narrated in first-person by Saleem Sinai, allowing for a deeper exploration of his thoughts and feelings, while the film uses a third-person perspective that creates more distance between the audience and the characters. Additionally, the novel describes characters in detail, exploring their motivations and emotions, whereas the film relies more on visual cues to convey personality and motivation. These differences in form impact the audience's experience and understanding of the story. Despite these variations, both the novel and film Midnight's Children offer a captivating story that blends history, fantasy, and human experience.  


When "Pride and Prejudice" is adapted into a film by Joe Wright, the novel and the film exhibit both similarities and differences in their form. Both share a narrative structure that weaves together multiple plotlines and explore themes of love, class, and societal norms. Additionally, both the novel and the film incorporate elements of romanticism and social commentary. However, while the novel is predominantly narrated in third-person omniscient, offering insights into the inner thoughts and emotions of various characters, the film utilises visual storytelling techniques to convey personality and motivation. The novel delves deeply into the intricacies of characters' inner lives, providing detailed descriptions of their thoughts and feelings, whereas the film relies more on visual cues and dialogue to develop character dynamics. Furthermore, the film adaptation condenses and rearranges certain events from the novel, creating a more streamlined narrative for cinematic purposes. Despite these differences in form, both the novel and the 2005 film adaptation of "Pride and Prejudice" offer a compelling exploration of love, societal expectations, and personal growth.


        Narration serves as a cornerstone of storytelling, whether in the realm of novels or films. Despite the inherent differences in their mediums, both revolve around the art of narration. When a filmmaker undertakes the adaptation of a novel into a film, they often aim to distinguish their work from the original text by employing varied narrative techniques. This shift in narrative style can offer audiences a fresh perspective on the story, yet it may also encounter resistance from devotees of the original text. Narrative techniques play a pivotal role in conveying meaning to audiences, utilised by both filmmakers and novelists to craft narratives that resonate with their respective audiences. However, filmmaking as a visual medium necessitates a distinct set of tools and techniques to imbue meaning compared to novel writing. Consequently, a filmmaker may opt for different techniques to communicate the same message as a novelist.


       Point of view serves as a pivotal aspect of narrative technique, guiding filmmakers and novelists in how they convey their message to audiences. Whether employing a first-person, second-person, omniscient narrator, or interior monologue, each point of view imbues the story with unique qualities, fundamentally shaping its perspective. Additionally, the visual and auditory elements of film, including lighting, colour, sound, and music, play integral roles in narrative construction. These elements can accentuate emotions, establish atmosphere, and set the overall tone of the story, thereby influencing audience comprehension and evoking specific moods or feelings. As Michael Ryan asserts in "An Introduction to Criticism Literature/Film/Culture," narrative filmmakers and novelists both craft stories imbued with meaning, yet filmmaking as a visual medium necessitates distinct tools and techniques for creating that meaning.  


Narration stands as a potent force in fiction, capable of either elevating or detracting from a story's impact. Should the narrative of the original text prove compelling, a filmmaker may opt to retain the same technique or employ an equally potent alternative. Moreover, social, historical, and cultural contexts exert significant influence on narrative conveyance, adding layers of complexity to the art of storytelling. Regardless of whether it unfolds within the pages of a novel or on the screen of a film, narrative technique stands as a vital component of storytelling. It serves as the primary tool through which creators weave tales and impart meaning to their audience. While different mediums may employ distinct tools and techniques, the underlying importance of narration remains steadfast.


      One of the most significant differences  in narrative style between the novel and the film adaptation of "Midnight’s Children" lies in the use of voiceover narration. In Salman Rushdie's novel, the story unfolds entirely from Saleem's perspective, with his voice serving as the sole narrative voice. This narrative choice allows Rushdie to intricately craft Saleem's inner world, delving into his thoughts, emotions, and memories with rich detail. Conversely, Deepa Mehta's film adaptation employs a variety of narrative techniques to convey Saleem's story. While Saleem's voice still features in some voiceover narration, including elements of third-person omniscient narration, the film also incorporates visually-driven scenes and dialogue exchanges between characters unrelated to Saleem's internal world. Moreover, while the novel employs a nonlinear narrative structure, weaving between past and present to evoke an impressionistic and dreamlike ambiance, the film opts for a more chronological storytelling approach, punctuated by occasional glimpses into Saleem's recollections of the past.


       The 2005 Film Pride and Prejudice the screen version of Austen’s novel was constructed by using Austen's story as a basic framework where some scenes are eliminated; others compressed and sometimes combined together. The reason for this is that when adapting a classic into the big screen, the script writer has to condense all the events of an entire book into a fairly faithful representation of no more than two hours so that the spectators can recognize the film as a version of the original piece of work. Therefore, there are many aspects of the novel that will be modified by even the most faithful adapter. 


      Time serves as a fundamental aspect of any literary text, manifesting in various forms such as one-dimensional, poly-dimensional, dynamic, or static within a novel. Unlike the linear progression of real-time, literary time possesses the flexibility to be manipulated and altered by the narrator. Techniques like foreshadowing and flashbacks enable the narrator to navigate freely between past, present, and future, shaping the narrative flow to suit their storytelling objectives. One of the defining characteristics of literary time lies in its temporal orientation, where events can be recounted in either past or present tense, contributing to the narrative's texture and depth. Foreshadowing, in particular, offers readers glimpses of forthcoming events, heightening suspense and anticipation throughout the story. The skillful employment of these temporal techniques often imbues the narrative with a sense of timelessness, where events unfold in a non-linear fashion, evoking a rich and multi-layered reading experience.  Continuity and direction are integral aspects of literary time, with the concepts of before and after serving as foundational elements in structuring narratives. Authors adeptly employ techniques such as moving back and forth in time or condensing years of events into succinct passages to establish a sense of narrative progression and cohesion. In contrast, the handling of time and space in films differs from that in novels. Filmmakers capture time and space on celluloid, employing editing techniques and special effects to shape a coherent narrative. While the mediums may differ, fundamental principles from philosophy, aesthetics, psychology, linguistics, and art remain applicable to both literature and film. The manipulation of time and space stands as a pivotal element in both mediums, allowing creators to dictate narrative pace and foster engagement. Whether compressing years of events into brief sequences or utilising flashbacks to unveil crucial details, the manipulation of time emerges as an indispensable tool in the arsenal of writers and filmmakers alike. 


      In both time and space, there are notable differences between Salman Rushdie's novel "Midnight's Children" and Deepa Mehta's film adaptation. The novel spans several decades, beginning in Kashmir in 1915 and culminating on August 14th, 1977, encompassing the family history of protagonist Saleem Sinai and the events surrounding India's independence. However, the film adaptation, while following a similar timeline, condenses certain events and focuses primarily on Saleem's life before and after India's independence in 1947. Moreover, in terms of space, both the novel and film are primarily set in India, with significant portions also taking place in Pakistan and Bangladesh, reflecting the geopolitical backdrop of the story. 



       In comparing the film adaptation of "Pride and Prejudice" directed by Joe Wright with the original novel by Jane Austen, differences emerge notably in both time and space. Austen's novel unfolds in early 19th-century England, offering a detailed exploration of societal norms and romantic relationships within the English countryside. In contrast, the 2005 film adaptation condenses the timeline, focusing primarily on a narrower time frame without spanning decades as in the original text. While both the novel and film primarily take place in England, with occasional glimpses of London, the film adaptation remains largely confined to the English countryside. These differences underscore the distinct historical contexts and narrative focuses of each work, shaping the experiences of their characters and the overall tone of the stories.


     Cinematic adaptations are a complex and multifaceted process that can take many different forms. Whether a filmmaker opts for a faithful, loose, or reimagined adaptation, the choices made during the adaptation process can greatly impact the final product. The different types of adaptations each present their own challenges and opportunities, and it is the filmmakers' job to navigate these complexities and bring a story to the screen in a way that is engaging, impactful, and true to the original source material. 

Bibliography 

Primary Sources 

AUSTEN, Jane. Pride and Prejudice. London T. Egerton, 1813.

Mehta, Deepa, director. Midnight's Children. 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment, 2012.

Rushdie, Salman. Midnight's Children. Vintage, 2012.

Wright, Joe, director. Pride & Prejudice. StudioCanal Working Title Films Scion Films, 2005.



Secondary Sources 


“Accessed 9 February 2023. Giddings, Robert, et al. Screening the novel : the theory and practice of literary dramatization. Macmillan, 1990.”

“adaptation.”

““adapt.” Wiktionary, https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/adapt. Accessed 22 January 2023. “adaptation noun - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage notes | Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary at OxfordLearnersDictionaries.com.” Oxford Learner's Dictiona.”

“Andrew, J. Dudley. “Adaptation.” University of Idaho, 1984, https://www.webpages.uidaho.edu/engl485jj/Andrew2.pdf. Accessed 9 February 2023. Arijon, Daniel. Grammar of the Film Language. Silman-James Press,U.S., 1991.”

“Balázs, Béla. Theory of the Film: Character and Growth of a New Art. Translated by Edith Bone, Dover Publications, 1970. Accessed 6 February 2023.”

Barthes, Roland. Mythologies. Hill and Wang, 1972.

“Bazin, André. What is cinema? Edited by Jean Renoir and Hugh Gray, translated by Hugh Gray, University of California Press, 2004. Accessed 6 February 2023.”

Bergson, Henri. Matter and Memory. e-artnow, 2018.

Bluestone, George. Novels Into Film. Johns Hopkins University Press, 1957.

Boyum, Joy Gould. Double exposure : fiction into film. Universe Books, 1985. Accessed 8 February 2023.

Chatman, Seymour Benjamin. Story and Discourse: Narrative Structure in Fiction and Film. Cornell University Press, 1980.

Corrigan, Timothy, editor. Film and Literature: An Introduction and Reader. Routledge, 2012. Accessed 22 January 2023.

Derrida, Jacques. Psyche: Inventions of the Other, Volume I (Meridian: Crossing Aesthetics). Edited by Elizabeth Rottenberg and Peggy Kamuf, Stanford University Press, 2007. Accessed 9 February 2023.

Desmond, John, and Peter Hawkes. Adaptation: Studying Film and Literature. McGraw-Hill Education, 2006.

““discipline_1 noun - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage notes | Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary at OxfordLearnersDictionaries.com.” Oxford Learner's Dictionaries, https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/discipline_1. A.”

Durant, Alan, et al. Ways of Reading: Advanced Reading Skills for Students of English Literature. Routledge, 2013.

Giannetti, Louis. Understanding Movies. Pearson, 2014.

Hayward, Susan. Cinema Studies: The Key Concepts. Routledge, 2013. Hutcheon, Linda. A Theory of Adaptation. Routledge, 2013.

““interdisciplinary adjective - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage notes | Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary at OxfordLearnersDictionaries.com.” Oxford Learner's Dictionaries, https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/inter.”

Manzoli, Giacomo. Cinema e letteratura. Carocci, 2003.

McFarlane, Brian. Novel to film : an introduction to the theory of adaptation. Clarendon Press, 1996. Accessed 22 January 2023.

Monaco, James. How to Read a Film: The Art, Technology, Language, History, and Theory of Film and Media. Oxford University Press, 1981.

Richardson, Robert D. Literature and film. Indiana University Press, 1969.

Sanders, Julie. Adaptation and Appropriation. Routledge, 2006.

Stam, Robert. "Beyond Fidelity: The Dialogics of Adaptation" in Film. 2000, https://www.webpages.uidaho.edu/engl485jj/stam2.pdf.

“Thanouli, Eleftheria. “"Art Cinema" Narration: Breaking Down a Wayward Paradigm.” University of Nottingham, 2009,https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/scope/documents/2009/june-2009/thanouli.pdf. Accessed 16 January 2023.”

Wagner, Geoffrey Atheling. The Novel and the Cinema. Fairleigh Dickinson University Press, 1975. Accessed 9 February 2023.

Wright, Joe, director. Pride & Prejudice. StudioCanal Working Title Films Scion Films, 2005.


https://suspectnarglesblog.wordpress.com/2016/11/22/the-circular-narrative-of-pride-and-prejudice-adapted-to-film/.

https://www.academia.edu/17151853/Pride_and_Prejudice_The_Novel_and_the_Movie_A_Feminist_Approach.

“French.”

“French, Philip. “Midnight's Children – review | Drama films.” The Guardian, 22 December 2012, https://www.theguardian.com/film/2012/dec/23/midnights-children-review-deepak-mehta . Accessed 23 February 2023.”

“Gilligan, Kathleen E. "Jane Austen's Unnamed Character: Exploring Nature in Pride and Prejudice (2005)." Inquiries Journal/Student Pulse 3.12 (2011). <http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/a?id=599>.”

“Kapur , Parul, and Jim Farmer. “Review: Film of “Midnight’s Children” humanizes Salman Rushdie’s epic novel of India.” ARTS ATL, 10 May 2013, https://www.artsatl.org/review-deepa-mehtas-midnights-children-humanizes-salman-rush dies-epic-mdern-india/. Acce.”

“Mendes , Ana Cristina, and Joel Kuortti. “Padma or No Padma: Audience in the Adaptations of Midnight’s Children.” The Journal of Commonwealth Literature, vol. 52, no. 3, 2016. https://doi.org/10.1177/0021989416671171. Accessed 10 February 2023.”

“Austen’s Pride and Prejudice in 2005 Movie Adaptation: Critical Analysis.” Edubirdie, 27 Dec. 2022, edubirdie.com/examples/austens-pride-and-prejudice-in-2005-movie-adaptation-critical-analysis/.

“https.”

https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1089&context=ljh.

https://janeaustens.house/jane-austen/novels/pride-and-prejudice/.

https://screenrant.com/pride-prejudice-movie-2005-book-differences-comparison/.

https://theses.cz/id/l1fi5u/Literrn_dla_a_jejich_adaptace__Pcha_a_pedsudek_od_Jane_Au.pdf

https://www.chipublib.org/jane-austen-biography/.

https://www.historyextra.com/period/georgian/jane-austen-facts-life-literature-pride-prejudice-novelist/.

https://www.janeausten.org/.

https://www.theguardian.com/film/2005/sep/18/features.review1.

https://www.theguardian.com/film/2005/sep/18/features.review1.

https://www.theguardian.com/film/2005/sep/18/features.review1.& Prejudice (2005) Blog, ‘‘Transcript of Joe Wright's P&P DVD Commentary (Part 4).’’

Pride & Prejudice. Directed by Joe Wright. Los Angeles, CA: Universal Pictures, 2005.

“Midnight's Children: Movie by Deepa Mehta.” Salman Rushdie, 24 October 2003, https://www.salmanrushdie.com/midnights-children-movie-deepa-mehta/. Accessed 29 March 2023. 

“Ab Jabbar, Ingalagi Basitanjum, and Dr. Vijay Tripathi. “A Study On The Magic Realism In Midnight's Children And Its Impact To The Literary Work.” Elementary Education Online, vol. 20, no. 1, 2021, pp. 6193-6200. ILKOGRETIM, https://www.ilkogretim-online.o.”

“Accessed 18 February 2023. Rushdie, Salman, and Jonathan Cape. “Midnight's Children.” The Booker Prizes, 1 January 1981, https://thebookerprizes.com/the-booker-library/books/midnights-children. Accessed 29 March 2023.”

“Burke, Jason. “Midnight's Children film to be shown in India.” The Guardian, 9 October 2012, https://www.theguardian.com/film/2012/oct/09/midnights-children-film-india-salman-rus hdie. Accessed 29 March 2023.”

“Gao, Yang. “A New Historical Approach to Midnight's Children.” Advances in Social Science, Education and Humanities Research, vol. 119, 2017.”

“Kapur, Parul, and Jim Farmer. “Review: Film of “Midnight’s Children” humanizes Salman Rushdie’s epic novel of India.” ARTS ATL, 10 May 2013, https://www.artsatl.org/review-deepa-mehtas-midnights-children-humanizes-salman-rush dies-epic-mdern-india/. Access.”

“Kemp, Will. “Salman Rushdie - Literature.” British Council Literature, 24 May 2016, https://literature.britishcouncil.org/writer/salman-rushdie. Accessed 18 February 2023. Mehta, Deepa, director. Midnight's Children. Mongrel media, 2012.”

“Mendes, Ana Cristina, and Joel Kuortti. “Padma or No Padma: Audience in the Adaptations of Midnight’s Children.” The Journal of Commonwealth Literature, vol. 52, no. 3, 2016, pp. 501- 518, https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0021989416671171. Accessed.”

“Quilligan, Maureen. The language of allegory : defining the genre. Cornell University Press, 1979.”

“Remnick, David. “The Defiance of Salman Rushdie.” The New Yorker, 6 February 2023, https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2023/02/13/salman-rushdie-recovery-victory-city. Accessed 18 February 2023.”

“Riemenschneider, Dieter. “History and the Individual in Salman Rushdie’s Midnight’s Children and Anita Desai’s Clear Light of Day.” Kunapipi, vol. 6, no. 2, 1884, pp. 53-66, https://ro.uow.edu.au/kunapipi/vol6/iss2/10/.”

“Roberts, Sheila. “Director Deepa Mehta Talks Midnight's Children, Adapting the Book, and More.” Collider, 2 May 2013, https://collider.com/deepa-mehta-midnights-children-interview/. Accessed 18 February 2023.”

“Rushdie, Salman. “About the Author.” Salman Rushdie, 24 October 2014, https://www.salmanrushdie.com/salman-rushdie-the-author/. Accessed 29 March 2023. Rushdie, Salman. Midnight's Children. Vintage, 2012.”

“Rushdie, Salman, and Ann Laestadius. “Salman Rushdie on Midnight's Children at 40: 'India is no longer the country of this novel.'” The Guardian, 3 April 2021, 

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2021/apr/03/salman-rushdie-on-midnights-childrenat-40-india-is.”

“Rushdie, Salman. “Midnight's Children and Shame.” "Midnight's Children and Shame" by Salman Rushdie, 1985, https://ro.uow.edu.au/kunapipi/vol7/iss1/3/.”

“Saltz, Rachel. “‘Midnight’s Children,’ Adaptation of Salman Rushdie’s Novel.” The New York Times, 25 April 2013, https://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/26/movies/midnights-children-adaptation-of-salman-r ushdies-novel.html. Accessed 29 March 2023.”

“Sharma, Surbhi, and Rajni Drora. “Transcreating The History: Salman Rushdie’s Midnight’s Children as a Cinematic Narrative.” Literary Endeavour, vol. IX, no. 3, 2018, pp. 163-169. Accessed 29 Mat 2023.”

“Shoard, Catherine. “Midnight's Children - review | Toronto film festival 2012.” The Guardian, 7 September 2012, https://www.theguardian.com/film/2012/sep/07/midnights-children-review. Accessed 29 March 2023.”







Assignment Paper No. 209 Research Methodology

 Hello Viewers! This blog is written in response as a part of my last Semester assignment in Paper No. 209 Research Methodology. In this blog I will explore the topic which is Importance of Punctuation sources in the Mechanics of  Writing. 

  • Name: Payal Bambhaniya
  • Semester: 4 ( Batch - 2022-2024 )
  • Enrollment No.: 4069206420220002
  • Roll no.: 14
  • Topic: The Importance Punctuation in the Mechanics of Writing
  • E- mail Address: payalbambhaniya92@gmail.com
  • Subject/ Paper no.: 209
  • Paper Name: Research Methodology
  • Paper Code: 22414
  • Paper Name: Contemporary Literature in English 
  • Submitted to:  Smt. S.B. Gardi Department of English, Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University 
  • Date of Submission: 8th May, 2024




The Importance of Punctuation in the Mechanics of Writing






Introduction :


In academic research, getting the mechanics of writing right is crucial. It's not just about grammar, punctuation, and spelling; it's about clear communication. Writing well means organizing ideas logically, using correct grammar and punctuation, and following formatting guidelines. By paying attention to these details, researchers ensure their work is coherent, professional, and accessible to readers. This introduction sets the stage for understanding the importance of the mechanics of writing in research writing.


In academic research, getting the mechanics of writing right is crucial. It's not just about grammar, punctuation, and spelling; it's about clear communication. Writing well means organising ideas logically, using correct grammar and punctuation, and following formatting guidelines. By paying attention to these details, researchers ensure their work is coherent, professional, and accessible to readers. This introduction sets the stage for understanding the importance of the mechanics of writing in research writing.



  •  The Purpose of Punctuation


The Primary Purpose of Punctuation is to ensure the clarity and separating some words and grouping others. It adds meaning to written words and guides the understanding of readers as they move through sentences. The rules set forth here cover many of the situations you will encounter in writing research papers. 



  • Commas


Use a comma before coordinating conjunctions ( and, but, for, not, or, so, or yet) joining independent clauses in a sentence. 


  • Semicolons


Use a semicolon between independent clauses not linked by a conjunction. The coat is tattered beyond repair; still Akaky hopes the tailor can mend it. Use semicolons

between items in a series when the items contain commas. Present at the symposium were Henri Guillaume, the art critic; Sam Brown, the Daily Tribune reporter; and Maria Rosa, the conceptual artist.

  • Dashes and Parentheses


Dashes make a sharper break in the continuity of the sentence than commas do, and Parentheses make a still sharper one. To indicate a dash, type two hyphens, with no space before, between, or after. Your word processor may convert the two hyphens into a dash, as seen in the examples below. 


Use dashes or parentheses to enclose a sentence element that interrupts the train of thought. 


The “hero” of the play ( the town's people see him as heroic, but he is the focus of the author’s satire) introduces himself as a veteran of the war. 


  • Hyphens


Compound words of all types - nounsnoun, verbs, adjectives, and so on - are written as separate words ( hard drive, hard labour), with hyphens ( hard and fast, hard boiled), and as single words ( hardcover, hard headed). The dictionary shows how to write many compounds. A compound not in the dictionary shows how to write many compounds. 


Use a hyphen in a compound adjective beginning with an adverb such as better, best, ill, lower, little, or well when the adjective precedes a noun. 



  • Apostrophes


A principle function of apostrophes is to indicate possession. They are also used in contraction ( can't, wouldn't), which are rarely acceptable in research papers, and the plurals of the letters of the alphabet ( P's and Q's three A’s ).


To form the possessive of a singular noun, add an apostrophe and an s.

 a poem’s metre


To form the possessive of a plural noun ending in s, add only an apostrophe. 


firefighters’ studies


  • Quotation Marks


Place quotation marks around a word or phrase given in someone else's sense or in a special or purposefully misused. 


A Silver dome concealed the robot's “brain”.

Their “friend” brought about their downfall. 


  • Square Brackets


Use square brackets around a parenthesis within a parenthesis, so that the levels of subordination can be easily distinguished. 


The sect known as the Jansenists ( after Cornelius Jansen) faced opposition from both the king and the pope. 


  • Slashes


The slash, or diagonal, is rarely necessary in formal prose. Other than in quotations of poetry, the slash has a place mainly between two terms paired as opposites or alternative and used together as a noun. 


The Writer discusses how fundamental oppositions like good/evil, East/west, and aged/young affect the way cultures view historical events.


But use a hyphen when such a compound precedes and modifies a noun. 


nature-nurture Conflict

East-West relations



  • Periods, Questions Marks, and Exclamation Points



A sentence can end with a period, a question mark, or an exclamation point. Periods end declarative sentences. Question marks follow interrogative sentences. Except in direct quotation, avoid exclamation points in research writing. 


Place a question mark inside a closing quotation mark if a question mark occurs there in the quoted passage. But if the quotation ends a sentence that is a question, place a question mark outside the quotation. If a question mark occurs where a comma or period would normally be required, omit the comma or period. Note the use of the question mark and other punctuation marks in the following sentences:


Whitman asks, “Have you felt so proud to get at the meaning of poems?”


Where does Whiteman speak of “the meaning of poems”?


“Have you felt so proud to get at the meaning of poems?” Whiteman asks. 


  • Spacing after concluding punctuation Marks 


In an earlier era, writers using a typewriter commonly left two spaces after a period, a question mark, or an exclamation point. Publications in the United States today usually have the same spacing after concluding punctuation marks. In addition, some publishers’ guidelines for preparing a manuscript’s electronic files ask professional authors to type only the spaces that are to appear in print. Because it is increasingly common for papers and manuscripts to be prepared with a single space after all concluding punctuation marks, this spacing is shown in the examples in this handbook. 


As a practical matter, however, there is nothing wrong with using two spaces after concluding punctuation marks unless an instructor requests that you do otherwise. Whichever spacing you choose, be sure to use it consistently in all parts of your paper - the works - cited list as a colon, a comma, and a semicolon, should always be followed by one space. 


Conclusion:-

Punctuation is a critical element in the mechanics of writing. Though punctuation marks are small, they serve a mighty purpose in ensuring clarity, flow, and proper meaning in written communication. Without punctuation, sentences would become jumbled streams of words, making it incredibly difficult for the reader to discern the intended message.

The strategic use of punctuation marks like periods, commas, question marks, and exclamation points allows writers to construct sentences that are logically structured and easily comprehensible. Punctuation provides pauses, separates clauses, indicates inquiries, and conveys emotion or emphasis when needed. It is the subtle formatting that guides the reader's cadence and understanding.

Punctuation is also crucial for separating items in lists, indicating possession, incorporating quotations, and distinguishing between two disparate thoughts or ideas within a longer piece of writing. It adds nuance and precision that elevates writing from a rudimentary transcription of words to an artful crafting of language.


Word Count:- 1,267

Images:- 01