The God of Small Things Questions and Answers
The God of Small Things
Why is the title The God of Small Things appropriate?
The novel's title, The God of Small Things, aptly represents the theme of appreciating fleeting joys in the face of overwhelming adversities. The title is a direct reference to the character Velutha,...
The God of Small Things
Why is Velutha recognized as "the God of Small Things" by Ammu?
Velutha is recognized as "the God of Small Things" by Ammu because he represents the transgression of social boundaries and the focus on small, everyday moments. Their relationship, based on small...
The God of Small Things
Discuss Velutha's character in The God of Small Things.
Velutha in The God of Small Things is depicted as "The God of Loss" and "The God of Small Things." Despite being an untouchable, he exudes love and generosity, particularly towards Ammu, Estha, and...
The God of Small Things
Discuss the use of satire and irony in The God of Small Things.
In The God of Small Things, Arundhati Roy uses satire and irony to critique various aspects of Indian life, including the caste system, British colonialism, Communism, and globalization. A notable...
The God of Small Things
The importance of race, social class, and religion in The God of Small Things
The God of Small Things explores the importance of race, social class, and religion in shaping characters' lives and societal dynamics. The novel highlights caste discrimination, social hierarchy,...
The God of Small Things
What is the significance of the title The Bluest Eye?
The title The Bluest Eye signifies Pecola Breedlove's longing for blue eyes, which she equates with beauty, love, and acceptance. Pecola's desire stems from her belief that possessing blue eyes would...
The God of Small Things
What is the theme of discrimination in The God of Small Things?
The God of Small Things depicts the theme of discrimination through stories of gender and class struggle. For example, consider how Ammu is discriminated against because she was divorced, while...
The God of Small Things
What is the role of Communism in Arundhati Roy's The God of Small Things?
In "The God of Small Things," Arundhati Roy critiques the ineffectiveness of Communism in transforming Indian society and highlights its contradictions. Characters like Chako and Velutha embody the...
The God of Small Things
What are examples of imagery and symbolism in The God of Small Things?
Imagery in The God of Small Things includes vivid descriptions of the natural world, such as hot, humid weather and lush landscapes, which set the mood and scene. Symbolism is rich, with weather...
The God of Small Things
Why was Velutha arrested in The God of Small Things?
Velutha is arrested in Arundhati Roy's The God of Small Things after Baby Kochamma falsely accuses him of attempting to rape Ammu and kidnapping Rahel, Estha, and Sophie Mol. In reality, the children...
The God of Small Things
How does Velutha's presentation and role in The God of Small Things support or challenge the view that he is the...
Velutha in The God of Small Things is portrayed as a noble and virtuous character, embodying purity of soul despite his low-caste status. His relationship with Ammu provides her with emotional and...
The God of Small Things
Discuss social realism in The God of Small Things.
The God of Small Things employs social realism to critique issues like the caste system, colonialism, and corruption in India. The novel highlights the harsh realities for immigrants like Rahel, who...
The God of Small Things
How and why does The God of Small Things refer to other books or films?
The God of Small Things uses references to a number of other books and films to build on its theme of tension and divided loyalty in Indian and British identities.
The God of Small Things
What is the significance of the illimba tree in The God of Small Things?
The illimba tree in The God of Small Things signifies the moment and place where Sophie Mol drowns, marking a pivotal event that drastically alters the lives of Estha and Rahel. Sophie Mol's death,...
The God of Small Things
How does the caste system in The God of Small Things relate to communist ideals?
The God of Small Things is set in the Indian state of Kerala, which has a unique history of religious, cultural, and political diversity. Although originally a feature of the Hindu religion's...
The God of Small Things
Explain the double standard of "Men's Needs" in The God of Small Things.
"Men's Needs" is a double standard since it lets Chacko have affairs with impunity while the women in his family remain frustrated and unfulfilled. Chacko has as many liaisons as he wants. Yet when...
The God of Small Things
In The God of Small Things, what are the novel's two time periods?
The novel shifts between two time periods: the first when Estha and Rahel are children, just before their cousin Sophie Mol's arrival; the second, 23 years later, after Estha returns to Ayemenem....
The God of Small Things
To what extent does The God of Small Things contain autobiographical elements?
The novel contains autobiographical elements, reflecting Arundhati Roy's own life and concerns. Like her protagonist Rahel, Roy studied architecture. Her activism against dam projects mirrors themes...
The God of Small Things
How does Roy experiment with language in The God of Small Things?
In The God of Small Things, Arundhati Roy experiments with language by using inventive vocabulary, combining existing words, and employing neologisms like "sicksweet" and "furrywhirring." Her playful...
The God of Small Things
In The God of Small Things, who or what is the God of small things?
The "God of Small Things" in The God of Small Things refers to Velutha, who symbolizes the ability to find joy in small, fleeting moments despite harsh realities. The title also represents those who,...
The God of Small Things
Discuss suffering and exploitation in "The God Of Small Things" by Arundhati Roy.
Suffering and exploitation are central themes in "The God of Small Things." Characters like Ammu and Velutha, Rahel and Estha, and Chacko and Margaret experience suffering through societal and...
The God of Small Things
How does forbidden love influence events in The God of Small Things?
Forbidden love profoundly influences events by driving the central conflicts and tragedies. The novel explores the destructive power of societal norms through relationships that defy the "Love Laws,"...
The God of Small Things
How does patriarchy influence The God of Small Things?
Patriarchy significantly shapes the narrative by distorting relationships and highlighting male domination in Indian society. Pappachi's abusive rule over his family, Chacko's entitlement, and Ammu's...
The God of Small Things
What is the overall mood and atmosphere of The God of Small Things?
The overall mood and atmosphere of The God of Small Things is one of turmoil and haunting sadness. From the beginning, the narrative creates a sense of unease and disturbance, with vivid descriptions...
The God of Small Things
Compare Ali Smith's Girl Meets Boy and Arundhati Roy's The God of Small Things.
Ali Smith's Girl Meets Boy and Arundhati Roy's The God of Small Things differ in narration, setting, and time period, yet share themes of identity and love. Smith's novel is a first-person narrative...
The God of Small Things
The exploration and portrayal of various types of love and their contribution to the meaning of Roy's The God of...
In The God of Small Things, Arundhati Roy explores various types of love, including forbidden love, familial love, and societal love, to highlight the complexities and constraints imposed by cultural...
The God of Small Things
Does The God of Small Things depict Mammachi, Rahel, and Ammu as victims of a caste-regulated patriarchy?
In The God of Small Things, Mammachi, Rahel, and Ammu are portrayed as victims of a caste-regulated patriarchy. Pappachi's tyrannical behavior exemplifies this system, as he abuses Mammachi and Ammu...