Arundhati Roy’s debut novel, “The God of Small Things,” is a poignant family drama that explores the complexities of love, loss, and societal expectations. Set in 1960s Kerala, India, the novel follows the lives of fraternal twins, Estha and Rahel, as they navigate the strict “Love Laws” that govern their society. Roy’s lyrical prose and vivid descriptions paint a vivid picture of the twins’ childhood experiences, which are both heartwarming and heartbreaking.
Through the eyes of Estha and Rahel, Roy examines the impact of small, seemingly insignificant events on the course of a person’s life. The novel’s nonlinear structure jumps back and forth between different points in time, creating a mosaic of memories that gradually reveal the events that led to the twins’ tragic separation. “The God of Small Things” is a masterful exploration of the human experience, delving into themes of caste, gender, and power dynamics in a way that is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.
Since its publication in 1997, “The God of Small Things” has won numerous awards and accolades, including the prestigious Booker Prize. Its enduring popularity is a testament to Roy’s skill as a storyteller and her ability to capture the complexities of the human heart. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the novel or a newcomer to Roy’s work, “The God of Small Things” is a must-read for anyone who appreciates beautiful prose and compelling storytelling.
Author Profile: Arundhati Roy
Arundhati Roy is a renowned Indian author and political activist. She was born on November 24, 1961, in Shillong, Meghalaya, India. Roy is best known for her debut novel, “The God of Small Things,” which won the Booker Prize in 1997.
Apart from her literary work, Roy is also involved in various social and environmental causes. She is a vocal critic of globalization, capitalism, and the Indian government’s policies on Kashmir.
Roy’s writing style is often described as poetic and lyrical. She has a unique way of blending political and social issues with personal narratives. Her work often explores the themes of love, loss, and identity.
In addition to “The God of Small Things,” Roy has written several other books, including “The Ministry of Utmost Happiness,” “Field Notes on Democracy: Listening to Grasshoppers,” and “Capitalism: A Ghost Story.”
Roy’s literary achievements and activism have earned her several accolades and recognition. She was awarded the Sydney Peace Prize in 2004 and the Norman Mailer Prize for Distinguished Writing in 2011.
Plot Summary
“The God of Small Things” by Arundhati Roy is a story about the childhood experiences of fraternal twins, Esthappen and Rahel. The novel explores how small, seemingly insignificant occurrences, decisions, and experiences shape people’s behavior in deeply significant ways.
The story centers around the wealthy, land-owning, Syrian Christian Ipe family of Ayemenem, a town in Kerala, India. The events of the book are revealed in a fragmentary manner, mostly jumping back and forth between scenes in 1969 and 1993, with backstory scattered throughout.
The novel vividly and poetically recounts the downfall of a family while exploring issues regarding politics, race, religion, and class. The ambitious work is Roy’s first novel, and it won the Booker Prize.
Throughout the book, the twins’ lives are destroyed by the “Love Laws” prevalent in 1960s Kerala, India. The story shows how these laws, which dictate who can love whom and how much, can have devastating consequences. The book also explores the themes of forbidden love, social inequality, and the complexities of family relationships.
Characters
Rahel and Estha
Rahel and Estha are the fraternal twins who are the main characters of the novel. They are seven years old when the story begins and are deeply connected to each other. They have a special language that only they understand, and they share a bond that is unbreakable. However, their lives are forever changed by a tragic event that occurs when they are young.
Ammu
Ammu is the mother of Rahel and Estha. She is a strong and independent woman who is determined to live life on her own terms. She is deeply in love with Velutha, a lower-caste man, but their relationship is forbidden by the strict caste system in India. Ammu is a complex character who struggles to balance her desires with the expectations of her society.
Velutha
Velutha is a lower-caste man who works for Ammu’s family. He is a skilled carpenter and a kind and gentle person. He is deeply in love with Ammu, but their relationship is forbidden by the caste system. Velutha’s fate is tragic, and his story is a powerful commentary on the injustices of the caste system in India.
Baby Kochamma
Baby Kochamma is Ammu’s aunt and the twins’ great-aunt. She is a bitter and manipulative woman who is obsessed with her own status and reputation. She is responsible for much of the tragedy that befalls the characters in the novel, and her actions have far-reaching consequences.
Themes
Love Laws
The God of Small Things explores the concept of Love Laws, which are the strict social codes that dictate who can love whom in Indian society. The novel highlights how these laws can lead to tragic consequences for those who dare to break them. For instance, Ammu and Velutha’s love affair is forbidden because of the caste system, leading to their tragic end. The novel also shows how Love Laws affect familial relationships, such as the strained relationship between Ammu and her children.
Social Discrimination
Arundhati Roy’s novel portrays the social discrimination prevalent in Indian society. The caste system is a significant theme in the novel, and the characters’ lives are shaped by their position in the caste hierarchy. The novel depicts how the upper castes discriminate against the lower castes, leading to violence and oppression. For instance, Velutha is brutally beaten to death for daring to love Ammu, who belongs to a higher caste.
Communism and Kerala’s Politics
The novel also explores the political landscape of Kerala in the 1960s and 70s, where communism was gaining popularity. The characters in the novel are shaped by their political beliefs and affiliations. For instance, Baby Kochamma’s love for Father Mulligan is influenced by her hatred for the communist party. The novel also portrays the communist party’s struggle against the oppressive upper castes.
Family and Relationships
Family and relationships are a central theme in The God of Small Things. The novel portrays how familial relationships can be complicated and often lead to tragedy. For instance, the relationship between Ammu and her children is strained, and they struggle to connect with each other. The novel also explores the complicated relationship between the twins, Estha and Rahel, and their extended family. The novel highlights how familial relationships can be shaped by societal norms and expectations.
Setting
Ayemenem
The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy is set in Ayemenem, a small town in Kerala, India during the late 1960s. The town is situated in the southwestern region of India, known for its tropical climate, lush greenery, and backwaters. The author beautifully captures the essence of the town through the eyes of the main characters, Estha and Rahel, who are twins. The town’s social and political climate is an integral part of the story, and the author uses it to explore themes of caste, class, and gender.
The History House
One of the most significant settings in the novel is The History House, which is the ancestral home of the Ipe family, where most of the story takes place. The house is described as a “big, old house” with a “red cement driveway” and “a river that ran through it.” The author uses the house as a metaphor for the family’s history, which is full of secrets, tragedies, and forbidden love. The house is also a symbol of the family’s decline, as it falls into disrepair and is abandoned by the end of the novel.
Narrative Style
Arundhati Roy’s “The God of Small Things” is a novel that uses a non-sequential narrative style to tell its story. The author employs a variety of techniques to achieve this, including flashbacks, foreshadowing, and shifting perspectives.
The narrative is not only non-linear but also fragmented, with each chapter containing multiple sub-chapters that jump between different time periods and perspectives. This style of storytelling allows the author to explore the themes of the novel in a more nuanced and complex way.
Moreover, the use of different perspectives provides a multi-dimensional view of the characters and their experiences. The author shifts between the perspectives of the twins, Rahel and Estha, as well as other characters, including Ammu, their mother, and Velutha, an untouchable who becomes involved in their lives. This style of narration allows the reader to see the story from multiple angles and to understand the motivations and actions of each character.
Symbolism
The River
In “The God of Small Things,” the river is a recurring symbol that represents both life and death. The river is a place where the characters find solace and escape from their problems. It is also a place where tragedies occur, such as the drowning of Sophie Mol and the death of Velutha. The river is a powerful force that cannot be controlled, and it is a reminder of the unpredictability of life.
The Kathakali Dance
Another important symbol in the novel is the Kathakali dance. The dance is a form of storytelling that uses elaborate costumes and makeup to convey emotion and meaning. The characters in the novel use the Kathakali dance as a way to express their feelings and communicate with each other. The dance is a symbol of the power of storytelling and the importance of communication in relationships.
Critical Reception
The God of Small Things, Arundhati Roy’s debut novel, has received widespread critical acclaim since its publication in 1997. The novel won the prestigious Booker Prize, one of the most coveted literary awards in the world, and has been translated into over 40 languages.
Many critics have praised Roy’s use of language, narrative structure, and exploration of social issues. The novel’s evocative language, depth of characters, and thought-provoking examination of societal norms have been particularly well-received.
Some readers, however, have found the novel’s complexity and slower pacing challenging. Despite this, the novel’s unique approach has contributed significantly to its success and widespread acclaim.
Overall, The God of Small Things has been widely recognized as a masterpiece of modern literature, and has had a significant impact on both literature and society.
Influence on Contemporary Literature
Arundhati Roy’s debut novel, “The God of Small Things,” has had a significant impact on contemporary literature. Her unique writing style, which combines poetic language with a nonlinear narrative, has inspired many writers to experiment with form and structure.
Roy’s use of language is particularly noteworthy. She has a keen eye for detail and often uses vivid, sensory imagery to create a sense of place and atmosphere. This attention to detail has influenced many contemporary writers, who now strive to create similarly immersive worlds in their own work.
Another way in which Roy has influenced contemporary literature is through her exploration of social and political issues. “The God of Small Things” deals with themes such as caste, gender, and colonialism, and Roy’s unflinching portrayal of these issues has inspired many writers to tackle similarly challenging subjects in their own work.