The God of Small Things by Roy Arundhati (1997) – Summary of the Book
The God of Small Things by Roy Arundhati is a novel that was first published in 1997. This book has been a bestseller around the world and has gone on to win numerous awards, including the Booker Prize. The book is set in Ayemenem, a small town in India, and tells the story of the two main characters, Fraternal Twins Rahel and Esthappen. The novel explores the lives of these two children, their family, and the social and political issues of the time.
Themes
The novel explores the themes of love, family, loss, and the search for identity. It addresses issues of class, gender, and caste in India. The novel also examines how the small, seemingly insignificant actions of individuals can have far-reaching and long-lasting consequences.
Main Characters
The two main characters in the novel are Rahel and Esthappen, fraternal twins. Rahel is the more adventurous of the two and is determined to break away from the traditional roles that society has set out for women. Esthappen is more shy and reserved and is easily influenced by his family and the people around him. The two characters are contrasted against each other to show how the traditions and social customs of the time have shaped their lives and their relationship with each other.
Other Characters
- Ammu – The mother of Rahel and Esthappen.
- Chacko – The twins’ uncle and Ammu’s brother.
- Baby Kochamma – The twins’ great-aunt and Chacko’s wife.
- Velutha – The twins’ family servant.
- Pappachi – The twins’ grandfather.
Plot Summary
The novel follows the lives of Rahel and Esthappen as they navigate the changing times in India. Rahel and Esthappen are sent to stay with their uncle and great-aunt in Ayemenem, and it is here that they meet Velutha, the family servant. They quickly become close friends and their relationship begins to develop into something more. However, their friendship is forbidden by the laws of the time and leads to a tragic end.
The novel follows the twins as they come to terms with the events and their lives. In the end, they are able to find a sense of peace and understanding in the small things that most people overlook.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is The God of Small Things about?
The God of Small Things is a novel by Roy Arundhati that was first published in 1997. The novel is set in Ayemenem, India, and tells the story of fraternal twins, Rahel and Esthappen. The novel explores the themes of love, family, loss, and the search for identity and examines how the small, seemingly insignificant actions of individuals can have far-reaching and long-lasting consequences.
Who are the main characters in The God of Small Things?
The two main characters in the novel are Rahel and Esthappen, fraternal twins. Rahel is the more adventurous of the two and is determined to break away from the traditional roles that society has set out for women. Esthappen is more shy and reserved and is easily influenced by his family and the people around him.
What awards did The God of Small Things win?
The God of Small Things has won numerous awards, including the Booker Prize. It has also been listed as one of the best books of the 20th century by The Guardian and the Modern Library.
What are the themes of The God of Small Things?
The themes explored in The God of Small Things include love, family, loss, and the search for identity. It also addresses issues of class, gender, and caste in India. The novel also examines how the small, seemingly insignificant actions of individuals can have far-reaching and long-lasting consequences.
Who is the author of The God of Small Things?
The God of Small Things is written by Roy Arundhati. Arundhati is an Indian writer and activist who is known for her works which focus on the issues of gender, caste, and class in India.
What is the plot of The God of Small Things?
The novel follows the lives of Rahel and Esthappen as they navigate the changing times in India. Rahel and Esthappen are sent to stay with their uncle and great-aunt in Ayemenem, and it is here that they meet Velutha, the family servant. They quickly become close friends and their relationship begins to develop into something more. However, their friendship is forbidden by the laws of the time and leads to a tragic end. The novel follows the twins as they come to terms with the events and their lives. In the end, they are able to find a sense of peace and understanding in the small things that most people overlook.