Aadam Aziz’s Mother Character Analysis in Midnight’s Children

A traditional Kashmiri woman who must exit purdah and support her family after the death of her husband, Aadam’s father. As the owner of a gemstone business, Aadam’s mother must work directly with the public unveiled; otherwise, she claims, the customers will not trust her if they cannot see her face. Aadam’s mother complains that her naked face causes her great pains and boils, yet she continues to work unveiled with the public. She resents Mr. Ghani and Naseem’s attempts to trap Aadam into marrying Naseem, and she frequently makes Aadam feel guilty for agreeing to examine Naseem when she is herself sick with pain and boils because of her sacrifice.

Aadam Aziz’s Mother Character Timeline in Midnight’s Children

The timeline below shows where the character Aadam Aziz’s Mother appears in Midnight’s Children. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Upon his return to Kashmir, Aadam finds his father housebound after a stroke and his mother, having exited purdah, running the family’s gemstone business. Now, his father sits at home in... (full context)

Aadam arrives at home, where his mother complains of a headache and rash. Embarrassed about removing her purdah and working with the... (full context)

British Colonialism and Postcolonialism Theme Icon

Breaking away from his mother, Aadam returns to Tai’s boat to be ferried to his new patient. Tai appears upset,... (full context)

...continues writing his story, again making reference to Scheherazade. He begins with Aadam and his mother, who resents her son’s visits to examine Naseem. Mr. Ghani has taken to summoning Aadam... (full context)

...away from Kashmir, Aadam falls in love with Naseem through the perforated sheet, despite his mother’s protests. Aadam’s mother is convinced that Naseem’s illnesses are Mr. Ghani’s attempts to marry his... (full context)

Aadam’s father falls ill and dies, and his mother follows shortly after. Ilse Lubin comes to Kashmir to visit Aadam and tells him that... (full context)