In February 1989, the Ayatollah Khomeini of Iran called for a FATWA against Salman Rushdie. He did so in reaction to his book, The Satanic Verses. The book, though I have not read it, is said to have thoroughly blasphemed against Islam. Rushdie was forced into hiding in order to evade death. It is said that he was moved more than thirty times in order to stay alive.
How can a man’s life or shall we say the call to end that life be up for sale? The Ayatollah offered to pay millions of dollars to the person who would kill Rushdie. In Rushdie’s short story, At the Auction of the Ruby Slippers, we see a situation just as bizarre. The story seems to represent Rushdie’s situation and was written by him while in exile. There are characters in the story that represent persons in his life after the FATWA was issued.
First and foremost Salman Rushdie is represented by the Ruby Slippers. His life/death is for sale. The Auctioneers of the story could be compared to the Iranians. “The Auctioneers have publicized the event widely and are prepared for all comers.” (87) The Iranians put the word out on Tehran radio. Muslim groups were given orders to take the necessary action against the writer.
SWAT teams stand by “in case the excitement leads to unexpected births or deaths” (87) throughout the entire auction. These folks symbolize the employees of Scotland Yard who spent millions and many man hours to protect Rushdie. They are attempting to keep order in this crazy situation. He needs protection from the Islamic extremists and any other person who may be interested in millions of dollars regardless of their own religious affiliation.
In his short story, the bidders would be those wanting to take his life in exchange for millions of dollars and perhaps be forever martyred. “Exiles, displaced persons of all sorts, even homeless tramps have turned up for a glimpse of the impossible.” (90) Extreme situations like the FATWA bring people out from all walks of life. Some come out to try and earn the money, others to watch in fascination and awe.
The British government attempting to reason with Iran involved itself in political negotiations. Pakistan, a Muslim country, agrees with Iran on the Rushdie issue. It seems many governments have their opinion on the issue of his exile. Everyone has an opinion. Scores of people are weighing in on the circumstance of Salman Rushdie and the FATWA. I wonder how many of these people have actually read the book.
“Next week there is another auction. Family trees, coats of arms, royal lineages will be up for sale.” (102) Once a man’s life is for sale, is not everything for sale? I believe that is what Salman Rushdie is trying to convey to his readers with this short story.
3 comments on Is Everything For Sale?
Add a comment
To add comments without entering your email and image verification, you must be logged in. Login or Join Blogster
I like how you drew the connections....I was thinking along those lines also, but I couldn't put it all together like that.
I don't really think any of the people who wanted him dead had read his book. Of course they wouldn't read it....it might possibly taint them and perhaps the prophet would no longer hold them in his favor. (?....)
I have never understood the kind of people who just follow like sheep and never look for themselves. When all you see the behind of the person in front of you, you end up walking off the cliff with the rest of them! ;)
I try to be informed. I try not to draw conclusions without having all the facts. I am sure that these folks do not have all the facts. LIke you said, they are following along like sheep.