In Salman Rushdie's "Midnight's Children," the concept of time is depicted as erratic and unreliable, akin to the inconsistent electric power in Bombay. This analogy suggests that our perception of time can be flawed, influenced by external factors that distort our understanding of the past and the future. The reference to the speaking clock, often incorrect due to its dependence on electricity, further emphasizes this unpredictability, hinting at a deeper philosophical inquiry into the nature of time itself.

Rushdie also touches on cultural perspectives regarding time, pointing out that in some languages, the same word is used for both 'yesterday' and 'tomorrow.' This linguistic quirk illustrates how different cultures perceive and relate to time, suggesting a more fluid interpretation rather than a rigid, linear one. Such insights challenge the reader to consider their own relationship with time and how it shapes their experiences, blurring the lines between past and present.