Authors : Rajesh I. Bansod
Page Nos : 134-136
Description :
The present research paper is an attempt to study some major social issues in Arundhati Roy's 'The God of Small Things'. Arundhati Roy is one of the foremost Indian English Novelist, showing significant awareness of the social issues and sensitivity to the problem. In her masterpiece novel 'The God of Small Things' she explores social concerns like untouchability caste segregation and exploitation of women in the male-dominated society. The novel deals with the life of untouchables and women as a subaltern facing various problems by the higher class as well as male patriarchy. Velutha, the untouchable young man transgresses the established norms of society by engaging in a love affair with a woman of high cast. The result of this transgression is the tragic death of Velutha by the hands up Kerala state police. It also shows that the untouchable gets severe punishment despite of not committing any crime. The novel also focuses on Ammu who is betrayed by her husband and humiliated in her parents’ home, falls in love with the untouchable and finally dies in a hotel's dirty room. Arundhati Roy reflects the social issues of caste and gender discrimination by skilfully portraying the characters of Velutha and Ammu who struggle for their survival in the oppressive society.
