Further, by making these references to outside fictional works, the novel insists that made-up, fictional stories in general can be meaningful, as their inclusion creates layer upon layer of meaning. In this way, the novel is able to essentially borrow meaning from these stories, rather than create meaning solely out of thin air. By including so many references to outside works, the novel then gets to pull meaning, morals, and ideas from those outside works. The outside references are numerous and range from One Thousand And One Nights to Beatles' songs. Haroun's story relies very much on the stories of others in order to add meaning and create different meanings. This process and style brings into question the purpose of the novel itself as it simultaneously explores the purpose of the stories within its own pages, as well as its place in the world. As fiction, the novel tells a story that, by default, isn't necessarily true, and the obviously fantastical and magical elements emphasize this almost to absurdity. The first question the novel asks is, "what is the use of stories that aren't even true?" The novel then sets out to answer this question, as well as complicate the answers.
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