Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder

Rushdie’s narrative voice is complex and contains seemingly contradictory impulses. What is one way in which this voice is paradoxical? If possible, identify a way to explain away this apparent contradiction.

What rhetorical devices does Rushdie use to create pathos? How do these devices provide thematic support? Does the text’s evocation of emotion support other purposes? If so, elaborate on them, using textual evidence.

What techniques does Rushdie use to create ethos? How do these techniques impact tone and audience? Explain, using textual evidence.

Knife is full of graphic images. How does their graphic nature support the book’s themes? What other purposes do these images serve, and what impact might they have on the audience? Explain, using textual evidence.

Rushdie repeatedly asserts that he is no longer interested in talking about The Satanic Verses. Based on the text of Knife, how likely is this claim, and why?

Based on both the text of Knife and outside research into Rushdie’s public commentary on The Importance of Free Speech, what is his conception of free speech? Does he apply this idea consistently? Elaborate, using textual evidence.

Readers have had polarized reactions to the section of Knife in which Rushdie imagines talking with Hadi Matar: Some find it empathetic and insightful, while others find it self-indulgent and bizarre. Research the psychology of people like Matar and then evaluate Chapter 6, “The A.”

How does Knife thematically juxtapose The Devastating Impact of Violence with The Power of Love? Critically examine Rushdie’s view that these two forces oppose one another versus their having a different relationship.