The god of small things

Definition

The God of Small Things is a novel by Arundhati Roy that explores the intricacies of personal and political histories in Kerala, India. The title symbolizes the profound impact of small moments and seemingly trivial events on individual lives and larger societal structures, reflecting themes of love, caste discrimination, and the legacies of colonialism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The novel is set against the backdrop of the political landscape of Kerala in India during the late 1960s and early 1990s, reflecting social change and upheaval.
2. It tells the story of fraternal twins, Rahel and Estha, whose lives are irrevocably altered by a tragic event stemming from family secrets and societal pressures.
3. Roy's use of non-linear storytelling emphasizes the complexity of memory and trauma, allowing readers to piece together the narrative over time.
4. The God of Small Things critiques the rigid caste system in India, showcasing how it shapes relationships and dictates social interactions.
5. The book won the Booker Prize in 1997, making Roy one of the first Indian women to achieve international literary acclaim.

Review Questions

• How does Arundhati Roy use non-linear storytelling in The God of Small Things to convey themes of memory and trauma?
  • In The God of Small Things, Arundhati Roy employs a non-linear narrative structure that allows readers to experience the fragmented memories of the characters. This technique reflects the complexity of trauma as Rahel and Estha grapple with their past experiences. By weaving together past and present moments, Roy highlights how memories shape their identities and relationships while emphasizing the lingering impact of their traumatic experiences.
• Discuss the portrayal of the caste system in The God of Small Things and its impact on personal relationships within the narrative.
  • The God of Small Things presents a poignant critique of the caste system in India, illustrating how it restricts personal relationships and enforces social hierarchies. The love story between Ammu, a woman from a Syrian Christian family, and Velutha, a lower-caste Paravan, serves as a focal point for examining these constraints. Their relationship is ultimately doomed by societal norms, showcasing how deeply entrenched beliefs about caste can lead to devastating consequences for individuals who dare to defy them.
• Evaluate how globalization influences the narrative and themes in The God of Small Things, particularly in relation to postcolonial identity.
  • Globalization plays a significant role in shaping both the narrative and themes of The God of Small Things as it intersects with postcolonial identity. The novel reflects on how global influences affect local cultures, traditions, and familial ties within Kerala. Characters navigate their identities amidst cultural changes brought on by globalization, which challenges traditional values while simultaneously revealing the complexities of belonging in a postcolonial context. This dynamic underscores the novel's exploration of how external forces reshape personal histories and societal structures.

Related terms

Caste System: A hierarchical social structure in India that divides people into different social groups based on their birth and occupation, which plays a significant role in the novel's exploration of societal norms.

Postcolonialism: A critical framework that examines the effects of colonialism on cultures and societies, particularly how they navigate identity, power, and history after colonial rule, which is central to understanding the narrative.

Magical Realism: A literary style that blends magical elements with realistic settings and events, often used to highlight deeper truths about society and human experience, prominently featured in Roy's storytelling.