Themes and Characters in 'The God of Small Things'

Arundhati Roy's 'The God of Small Things' explores the impact of a few critical hours on the lives of twins Rahel and Estha. Set in Kerala, India, the novel delves into themes of caste, love, and societal norms. The narrative reconstructs past events leading to the twins' separation, highlighting the tragic consequences of their mother's affair with Velutha, an 'untouchable.' Roy's rich language and symbolism bring depth to the story, set against the backdrop of India's political and social changes, including the Green Revolution. The novel examines personal and public turmoil, earning Roy the Booker Prize.

What is the central event that leads to the separation of Rahel and Estha?

• Their father's death

• Their mother's remarriage

• Their cousin's drowning

• Their cousin's wedding

What prestigious award did Arundhati Roy win for 'The God of Small Things'?

• National Book Award

• Booker Prize

• Nobel Prize

• Pulitzer Prize

What social system does the novel critique, which classifies people by hereditary social class?

• Feudal System

• Class System

• Tribal System

• Caste System

Who is Velutha in the novel?

• A family friend

• A local politician

• A factory worker

• A school teacher

What does Roy use to bring detail to tragic moments in the novel?

• Famous quotes

• Ordinary things

• Mythical creatures

• Historical events

What is the setting of the novel's opening scene?

• A birthday party

• A funeral

• A wedding

• A school event

What societal issue does Ammu face in her parents' small-town home?

• Being unemployed

• Being childless

• Being divorced

• Being unmarried

What movement is Velutha associated with in the novel?

• Civil Rights Movement

• Communist countermovement

• Environmental Movement

• Women's Rights Movement

What was one negative consequence of the Green Revolution mentioned in the novel?

• Increased pollution

• Loss of cultural heritage

• Decline in education

• Displacement of lower castes

How does the river in Ayemenem appear when the twins return as adults?

• Full of life

• Polluted and lifeless

• Frozen and still

• Overflowing with water