The God of Small Things: A Novel of Forbidden Love and Social Constraints

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 I am Kavita Chauhan , a student in department of English mkbu Bhavnagar.

This blog is a part of my B.A. study

The God of Small Things: A Novel of Forbidden Love and Social Constraints

Introduction

Arundhati Roy’s The God of Small Things (1997) is a Booker Prize-winning novel that intricately weaves a tale of love, caste oppression, and the haunting weight of the past. Set in Kerala, India, the novel is both personal and political, capturing the complexities of family dynamics, social hierarchies, and the fragility of human emotions. Roy’s storytelling is poetic, rich in imagery, and layered with profound insights into postcolonial India.

About the Author: Arundhati Roy

Arundhati Roy is an acclaimed Indian author and activist. She was born in 1961 in Shillong, India. The God of Small Things marked her debut as a novelist and catapulted her into international literary fame. Beyond fiction, she is known for her political activism, particularly concerning environmental and human rights issues. Her works, including The Ministry of Utmost Happiness (2017), reflect her deep engagement with India’s socio-political landscape.

Plot Overview

The novel follows the lives of fraternal twins, Rahel and Estha, whose childhood is marked by tragedy. The story is non-linear, shifting between 1969 and 1993, revealing the events that led to their mother Ammu’s forbidden love affair with Velutha, a Dalit man, and the irreversible consequences of this transgression.

The narrative begins with the funeral of Sophie Mol, their half-English cousin, whose death remains a mystery. As the story unfolds, secrets are exposed, including the rigid caste system, family betrayals, and the tragic fate of Velutha. The novel portrays how 'Big Things'—politics, social norms, and history—dictate the fate of individuals, while 'Small Things'—personal emotions and intimate experiences—often go unnoticed but hold immense significance.

Themes in The God of Small Things

1. Love and Its Forbidden Nature

Roy explores different forms of love—familial, romantic, and societal—while highlighting how strict societal norms dictate its acceptance or rejection. Ammu’s love for Velutha defies caste boundaries, leading to catastrophic consequences.

2. The Caste System and Social Hierarchy

The novel critically examines India’s rigid caste system, where Dalits, like Velutha, are marginalized and dehumanized. Roy highlights how deeply ingrained prejudices control relationships and power structures.

3. Memory and Trauma

The fragmented narrative mirrors how memory works—fluid and nonlinear. Rahel and Estha’s adult lives are shaped by their traumatic childhood, showing how past wounds remain unhealed.

4. Colonial Legacy and Postcolonial India

The novel also critiques the lingering effects of British colonialism in India. Through characters like Baby Kochamma, Roy shows how colonial hangovers shape class distinctions and social aspirations.

5. Gender and Patriarchy

Ammu’s struggles highlight the oppression of women in patriarchal societies. She is denied agency over her choices, while men around her control her fate.

Literary Techniques in The God of Small Things

1. Non-Linear Narrative

The novel’s structure mimics the way memories unfold—scattered, repetitive, and layered. This technique deepens the emotional impact of the story.

2. Symbolism and Metaphors

• The River – Represents both life and death, a place of escape and tragedy.

• The History House – A metaphor for India’s complex past and the secrets it holds.

• Small Things – The seemingly insignificant emotions and moments that shape larger events.

3. Poetic and Lyrical Prose

Roy’s language is highly stylized, blending Malayalam and English with a rhythmic quality. Her descriptions evoke vivid imagery, making the novel a sensory experience.

Modern Relevance of the Novel

1. Caste Discrimination Still Persists

Despite legal reforms, caste-based discrimination remains prevalent in India. The novel’s depiction of caste-based violence resonates even today.

2. Gender Oppression in Contemporary Society

Ammu’s plight mirrors the struggles of many women who face societal constraints and injustices.

3. Political and Social Divisions

The novel’s commentary on class, politics, and power dynamics remains relevant in a world where social hierarchies continue to dictate individual freedoms.

Conclusion

Arundhati Roy’s The God of Small Things is a literary masterpiece that transcends time and place. Through its poignant storytelling and intricate themes, the novel sheds light on love, loss, caste oppression, and the impact of historical forces on individual lives. Its poetic style, rich symbolism, and emotional depth make it a profound exploration of human existence. Even decades after its publication, the novel continues to be a powerful reflection on the injustices of society and the enduring power of personal resilience.

References

• Roy, Arundhati. The God of Small Things. IndiaInk, 1997.

• Tickell, Alex. Arundhati Roy’s The God of Small Things: A Reader’s Guide. Routledge, 2007.

• Choudhury, Bibhash. The Novels of Arundhati Roy: A Critical Analysis. Atlantic Publishers, 2016.