The God of Small Things - Summary
The God of Small Things is a significant novel by Indian author Arundhati Roy. This engaging story uncovers the childhood adventures of fraternal twins whose lives are deeply impacted by the “Love Laws.” These laws dictate “who should be loved, how, and how much.” Since its original publication in 1997, The God of Small Things continues to hold an essential place in Indian literature.
Overview of The God of Small Things
The God of Small Things takes place in the peaceful town of Ayemenem in Kerala and highlights the story of a Syrian Christian family. It follows the lives of E. Jhon Ipe and Aleooty Ammachi’s descendants, including their children Bennan Ipe, popularly known as Pappachi, and Navomi Ipe, affectionately called Baby Kochamma.
Key Themes and Characters
The plot centers around Ammu and her challenging journey as a woman. As a daughter, she faces discrimination from her family. As a sister, she is denied equal rights to her family’s property. And as a wife, she experiences exploitation and eventually gets divorced.
While Ammu’s children see Velutha as a friend, Ammu has a profound love for him. Their romance, which crosses caste boundaries, encounters intense societal backlash. This forbidden love leads to horrific outcomes, including the tragic death of Velutha in police custody and Ammu’s eventual excommunication from her community, compelling her to live in poverty and illness. Over the years, the Ayemenem House deteriorates, but eventually, Ammu’s grown-up children return to their ancestral home, hoping for a reunion.
The God of Small Things is groundbreaking as it questions traditional cultural norms in Indian society. Through this perspective, the novel critiques endogamy, shedding light on the social taboos and restrictions it perpetuates.
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