Meaning: The quote "Rushdie is a hostage" by Don DeLillo, a prominent American novelist, refers to the controversial situation surrounding the author Salman Rushdie and his novel "The Satanic Verses". This quote captures the essence of the crisis that unfolded in 1989 when the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, issued a fatwa calling for the assassination of Rushdie due to the perceived blasphemy against Islam in his book. The fatwa effectively turned Rushdie into a hostage, living under the constant threat of violence and unable to live a normal life.

The context of this quote is essential for understanding its significance. In 1988, Salman Rushdie published "The Satanic Verses", a novel that sparked widespread controversy and provoked outrage within the Muslim community for its portrayal of certain aspects of Islam. The book was perceived by some as blasphemous and insulting to the Prophet Muhammad, leading to protests and condemnation from religious and political leaders.

The situation escalated dramatically when Ayatollah Khomeini issued a fatwa on February 14, 1989, calling for the killing of Rushdie and anyone involved in the publication of his novel. This declaration effectively turned Rushdie into a target, forcing him to live in hiding under the protection of security forces.

Don DeLillo's quote succinctly captures the gravity of Rushdie's predicament. By referring to Rushdie as a "hostage," DeLillo highlights the idea that Rushdie was not merely a controversial figure or a target of criticism, but rather a person whose fundamental freedoms and safety had been violently compromised. The word "hostage" conveys the sense of being held captive against one's will, subject to the whims of others, and living in constant fear and uncertainty.

Moreover, DeLillo's choice of words also suggests a broader significance beyond Rushdie's personal plight. By framing the situation in terms of a hostage scenario, the quote underscores the broader implications for freedom of expression, artistic creativity, and the clash between cultural sensitivity and the right to free speech. In essence, the quote serves as a powerful commentary on the profound impact of censorship, religious intolerance, and the threats posed to individual liberty and creative expression.

The quote also reflects the solidarity and support that emerged within the literary and intellectual community in response to Rushdie's plight. Authors, journalists, and activists rallied to defend Rushdie's right to freedom of expression and condemned the fatwa as an attack on the principles of free speech and artistic freedom. DeLillo's quote, therefore, can be seen as a poignant expression of the broader outrage and concern that reverberated across the literary world in response to the threats against Rushdie.

In conclusion, Don DeLillo's quote "Rushdie is a hostage" encapsulates the harrowing reality faced by Salman Rushdie in the wake of the fatwa issued against him. It serves as a poignant reminder of the far-reaching implications of censorship, religious extremism, and the ongoing struggle to uphold the fundamental rights of free speech and creative expression. The quote not only captures the personal ordeal of Rushdie but also resonates as a symbol of the broader battle for intellectual freedom and the defense of artistic integrity.