The God of Small Things
Overview
The God of Small Things is a novel written by Indian author Arundhati Roy. Published in 1997, it won the Booker Prize that same year. The narrative is set in the Indian state of Kerala and explores how small, seemingly insignificant events can have far-reaching consequences. The novel delves into themes of forbidden love, social discrimination, and the impact of historical and political changes on individual lives.
Plot Summary
The story is primarily set in the village of Ayemenem in Kerala, India. It revolves around the lives of fraternal twins, Estha and Rahel, who are separated at a young age and reunited as adults. The narrative is non-linear, weaving back and forth between their childhood and adulthood. The central tragedy of the novel is the drowning of their half-English cousin, Sophie Mol, which has lasting repercussions on the family.
Characters
Estha and Rahel
Estha and Rahel are the protagonists of the novel. They share a deep, almost telepathic bond. Their lives are irrevocably changed by the events surrounding Sophie Mol's death.
Ammu
Ammu is the mother of Estha and Rahel. Her love affair with Velutha, a lower-caste man, is one of the central conflicts in the novel. This relationship defies the caste system and societal norms, leading to tragic consequences.
Velutha
Velutha is a skilled carpenter and a member of the lower caste. His forbidden love affair with Ammu results in his brutal death, which is a pivotal event in the novel.
Baby Kochamma
Baby Kochamma is the twins' great-aunt. She is a manipulative and bitter woman who plays a significant role in the unfolding tragedy.
Themes
Forbidden Love
The novel explores the theme of forbidden love through the relationships between Ammu and Velutha, and the unspoken bond between Estha and Rahel. These relationships defy societal norms and lead to devastating consequences.
Social Discrimination
The story highlights the rigid caste system in India and the discrimination faced by lower-caste individuals. Velutha's tragic fate serves as a stark reminder of the social injustices prevalent in Indian society.
Impact of History and Politics
The novel is set against the backdrop of significant historical and political changes in India, including the communist movement in Kerala. These changes impact the characters' lives in profound ways.
Literary Style
Arundhati Roy employs a unique narrative style, characterized by non-linear storytelling and rich, poetic language. The novel's structure mirrors the fragmented lives of its characters, and its language captures the sensory richness of Kerala.
Critical Reception
The God of Small Things received widespread acclaim for its intricate narrative and emotional depth. Critics praised Roy's ability to weave complex themes into a compelling story. However, some criticized the novel for its non-linear structure and dense prose.
Influence and Legacy
The novel has had a lasting impact on Indian literature and has been studied extensively in academic circles. It has also inspired discussions on social issues such as caste discrimination and gender inequality.