Depiction of Nicaraguan Civil War:Realistic Reading of Salman Rushdie's The Jaguar Smile

Abstract

Salman Rushdie's portrayal of Nicaragua stands as a realistic picture of Nicaraguan society, history, culture and politics. The Jaguar Smile as a travelogue is not merely an anthology of Nicaraguan society, history and politics; it stands as a realistic picture of Nicaragua. Rushdie, through his observation, experience and visit to Nicaragua explores the real picture of Nicaragua. His visit gives birth to the realistic portrayal of Nicaraguan politics especially incorporates the issues of Sandinista, Contra and FSLN. He time and again visits the people of Nicaragua and takes information so as to make himself determined. Not only that the sorrows suffering and pains of poor people is also reflected in his work since he traces the examples of poor people who are bound to join the Contra army and get killed. Due to the twin problems— volcanic eruption and civil war and destruction, Nicaraguan socio-political scenario becomes worse. The economy of the country falls down and runs with foreign aids only. The description of the facts and realities of Nicaragua is also mingled with the geographical topography too. He finds the major cities totally ruined and countryside miserable. Remaining in the frontier, Rushdie observers the Nicaragua's socio-political and economic condition and traces out that the situation is really touching and real.