Table of Contents

The God of Small Things Novel Summary by Arundhati Roy

“The God of Small Things” is a novel written by Indian author Arundhati Roy and published in 1997. Set in the southern Indian state of Kerala, the story explores themes of love, caste system, politics, and social discrimination through the lives of the main characters, Estha and Rahel, and their family. Spanning multiple generations, the novel delves into the complexities of human relationships and the tragic consequences of societal norms.

The story begins with Rahel returning to her childhood home in Ayemenem, a small town in Kerala, after a long absence. The God of Small Things Summary by Arundhati Roy The narrative then shifts back and forth between the present and the past, revealing the events that shaped the lives of the characters.

Estha and Rahel are twins who live with their mother Ammu, their beloved uncle Chacko, and their maternal grandmother Mammachi. The God of Small Things Summary by Arundhati Roy The family is part of the Syrian Christian community, which holds a higher social status than other castes in the region. However, despite their privileged background, the family faces its own share of challenges and secrets.

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The central event of the novel is the arrival of Sophie Mol, Chacko’s daughter from his brief marriage to an Englishwoman. The God of Small Things Summary by Arundhati Roy Sophie’s arrival disrupts the delicate balance within the family and brings a glimpse of the outside world to the secluded Ayemenem. Estha and Rahel are captivated by Sophie’s presence and develop a deep bond with her.

As the story progresses, the complex relationships between the characters are further explored. Ammu falls in love with Velutha, an Untouchable and a talented carpenter who works for the family’s pickle factory. The God of Small Things Summary by Arundhati Roy Their illicit relationship challenges the societal norms and faces vehement opposition from both their families and the community.

The narrative reveals the harsh realities of the caste system and the discrimination faced by the Untouchables in Kerala. The God of Small Things Summary by Arundhati Roy The rigid social structure, along with political unrest and tensions, play a significant role in the tragic events that unfold.

Tragedy strikes when Sophie and Velutha’s secret meeting is discovered by the family, leading to a catastrophic chain of events. Sophie drowns in the river while attempting to escape, and Velutha is brutally beaten by the police. The repercussions of these events leave a lasting impact on the lives of all the characters involved.

The aftermath of Sophie’s death and Velutha’s brutal treatment exposes the hypocrisy and cruelty of the society they inhabit. The novel raises questions about justice, morality, and the price individuals must pay for defying societal norms.

In the end, the family is shattered. Estha and Rahel are separated, each carrying the burden of guilt and loss. The God of Small Things Summary by Arundhati Roy The once harmonious family disintegrates, and the bonds that held them together are broken.

“The God of Small Things” is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the consequences of societal conventions. Through its vivid portrayal of characters and its lyrical prose, the novel highlights the power dynamics and inequalities prevalent in society. Arundhati Roy’s storytelling masterfully weaves together the personal and the political, creating a thought-provoking and emotionally charged narrative that lingers in the reader’s mind.

Themes and Symbols

Themes:

Love and Forbidden Relationships: The novel explores the complexities of love and the consequences of forbidden relationships. The God of Small Things Summary by Arundhati Roy It delves into the theme of forbidden love between Ammu and Velutha, which challenges societal norms and faces opposition from both their families and the community.
Caste and Social Hierarchy: The caste system and social hierarchy in Indian society are significant themes in the novel. It examines the discrimination faced by the Untouchables and the rigid social structure that perpetuates inequality and oppression.
Loss and Grief: The theme of loss and grief permeates the narrative. The tragic events in the novel, such as the death of Sophie Mol and the brutal treatment of Velutha, leave the characters grappling with profound grief and the lasting impact of these losses.
Childhood and Innocence: Childhood and innocence are portrayed as fragile and vulnerable in the novel. The God of Small Things Summary by Arundhati Roy The story emphasizes the experiences of Estha and Rahel, their bond with Sophie, and how their childhood innocence is shattered by the harsh realities of the world.
Politics and Social Unrest: The novel touches upon political and social unrest in India, particularly through the character of Velutha. It explores the consequences of political activism and the impact of political tensions on individuals and communities.

Symbols:

The River: The river serves as a powerful symbol throughout the novel. It represents both life and death, as it is the place where Sophie drowns and where Velutha is brutally beaten. The God of Small Things Summary by Arundhati Roy The river also symbolizes the boundaries between social classes and the fluidity of relationships.
The “Love Laws”: The concept of the “Love Laws” symbolizes the societal rules and norms that govern relationships and love. The novel explores how these laws restrict individual freedom and perpetuate social inequality.
The History House: The History House, an abandoned structure, symbolizes the past and the secrets that lie within it. It serves as a metaphor for the buried history and repressed memories of the characters, reflecting the consequences of denying and suppressing the truth.
The Vellya Paapen Watch: Vellya Paapen’s watch, an heirloom, symbolizes the weight of the past and the burdens that the characters carry. It represents the intergenerational trauma and the cycles of suffering that persist in the story.
The “God of Small Things”: The phrase “God of Small Things” represents the beauty and significance of small moments and details in life. It suggests that there is inherent value in the seemingly insignificant aspects of existence and emphasizes the power of small acts of kindness and love

The God of Small Things Important Quotes

There are the important quotes:-

“They all broke the rules. They all crossed into forbidden territory. They all tampered with the laws that lay down who should be loved and how. And how much.”
“Perhaps it’s true that things can change in a day. That a few dozen hours can affect the outcome of whole lifetimes. And that when they do, those few dozen hours, like the salvaged remains of a burned house—the charred clock, the singed photograph, the scorched furniture—must be resurrected from the ruins and examined.”
“The secret of the Great Stories is that they have no secrets. The Great Stories are the ones you have heard and want to hear again. The ones you can enter anywhere and inhabit comfortably.”
“The small things that people do for you that you don’t have to ask for… That’s where love is.”
“D’you know what happens when you hurt people?… When you hurt people, they begin to love you less. That’s what careless words do. They make people love you a little less.”

Conclusion

“The God of Small Things” is a profound and emotionally gripping novel that delves into the intricacies of human relationships and the destructive impact of societal norms. Arundhati Roy’s lyrical prose and vivid storytelling create a poignant narrative that raises important questions about love, caste, and social justice. The God of Small Things Summary by Arundhati Roy The tragic events that unfold within the family serve as a powerful critique of the rigid social structure and its devastating consequences.

Through the lives of Estha, Rahel, and their family, Roy exposes the fragility of happiness and the profound impact of small moments in shaping our lives.

FAQ.

Q. Is “The God of Small Things” based on a true story?

Ans. No, “The God of Small Things” is a work of fiction and is not based on a true story. However, it explores themes and issues that are relevant to Indian society, such as caste discrimination and social hierarchies.

Q. What is the significance of the title?

Ans. The title “The God of Small Things” refers to the notion that there is inherent beauty and significance in the seemingly insignificant details of life. It suggests that the small, often overlooked moments and gestures have the power to shape our lives and relationships in profound ways.

Q. What are some major themes in the novel?

Ans. Some major themes explored in the novel include love, social hierarchy, caste discrimination, societal norms, family dynamics, forbidden relationships, loss, and the impact of political and social unrest.

Q. What is the narrative structure of the novel?

Ans. The novel employs a nonlinear narrative structure, shifting back and forth between past and present. This allows the author to gradually reveal the events that shaped the characters’ lives and the tragic consequences that followed.