Caste, Childhood, and Collective Trauma: A Micro-history of Ayemenem in Arundhati Roy's The God of Small Things

Abstract

Arundhati Roy's The God of Small Things transcends a mere familial narrative. It provides an intimate examination of a diminutive Indian village named Ayemenem. The novel illustrates significant social issues which encompass the caste system and make stringent regulations for women. These issues overwhelm individuals and inflict profound emotional distress. Roy narrates the story in a disjointed manner; the style is disordered. It reflects the fragmented psyches of the child characters Estha and Rahel. Their lives are devastated. They witness grave injustice. Their misfortune is not coincidental. It is a direct consequence of inequitable societal regulations. The narrative centres on a forbidden love affair. Velutha belongs to the lowest caste, Ammu hails from an affluent background. They violate the stringent "Love Laws," resulting in violence. The violence devastates the twins' childhood, transforming them into traumatised adults. They are ensnared in silence and sorrow. Roy concentrates on ‘small things’ such as a glance, a touch, or a memory. These exemplify oppression in everyday existence. The narrative takes place in Kerala. Kerala is renowned for its educational advancements and progressive initiatives. Roy underscores a paradox that contemporary society can conceal longstanding animosities, it can conceal caste bias. The novel examines the interplay between caste and gender which conspire to subjugate individuals. The God of Small Things serves as a poignant reminder. Personal afflictions reveal significant societal injustices. It constitutes a call to action.