The God of Small Things Flashcards

Flashcards based on Arundhati Roy's 'The God of Small Things' novel, covering character summaries, quotes, themes, literary techniques, and symbols/motifs.

What is the plot of 'The God of Small Things' about?

The novel follows fraternal twins Rahel and Estha in Kerala, India, as they navigate childhood trauma and the rigid social constraints of caste, class, and love.

What devastating event separates the twins for years?

Their cousin Sophie Mol’s death.

Quote: 'When you hurt people, they begin to love you less.' Who said this, and what is its significance?

Ammu said this quote which shows how the words that Rahel had said had impacted Ammu, stating that one must be careful of what they say to other people, as if they are negative they can cause someone to not like them anymore or love them

Quote: 'Where the Love Laws lay down who should be loved. And how. And how much.' What does this quote represent?

The control the caste system had on the India population, going as far as to control who they were allowed to have relationships with, being a pivotal point to the story

Quote : 'This was the trouble with families. Like invidious doctors, they knew just where it hurt.' What does this quote represent?

Because of how close family is to one another, they will always be able to know what to say that will hurt you the most

What is one of Ammu's views towards habits?

Ammu said that human beings were creatures of habit, and it was amazing the kind of things one could get used to.

What does the quote 'Our sorrows will never be sad enough. Our joys never happy enough.' represent?

In a society where one’s caste placement determines their entire life, they will always be undermined in their abilities and achievements.

What does the literary technique Mondegreen mean, and how is it used in 'The God of Small Things'?

When Rahel mishears locus standi, she thinks she hears “locusts stand i”. The original term is used in legal settings meaning the right to bring a case to court. This reflects the twins’ innocence and to emphasize how young the characters truly are when experiencing the events of the book.

What does the literary technique Solecism mean, and how is it used in 'The God of Small Things'?

Solecism is the intentional usage of grammatical errors and nonstandard language use. It is used to reflect the characters’ social status, cultural backgrounds and emotional states.

What is the function of metaphors in 'The God of Small Things'?

Metaphor is used to help the reader understand the magnitude of the events in the book. It helps readers visualize the objects, imagery and actions in the book and adds to the immersion.

How are cataphoric references used in the novel, and what effect do they have?

Cataphoric references are employed in the novel to refer to a moment that will happen later in the text, not necessarily later in the story. It is used stylistically to create anticipation for an event and to bind together a story that is told non-linearly.

How are anaphoric references employed in 'The God of Small Things,' and what purpose do they serve?

Anaphoric references are used in this text to refer to moments that have already been introduced in the text. This is used to emphasize connections and reinstate themes present earlier on in the book.

What impact does emphatic capitalization have in conveying the twins' perspective in 'The God of Small Things'?

Emphatic capitalization is used to bring emphasis to a series of words and or phrases and to emphasize key ideas and themes. It especially helps the reader capture the perspective of the twins where the emphatic capitalization reflects the way children process language and meaning.

What does the History House symbolize in the novel?

The History house represents both colonialism and caste oppression, as it is a physical place tied to the novel’s series of tragic events, particularly The Terror.

How does repetition function as a stylistic device in 'The God of Small Things'?

Repetition is used in the novel as a stylistic device which reinforces the concepts and themes of the book which creates a rhythmic quality to the narrative, while also reflecting the trauma associated with these ideas.

What effect do similes have on the narrative quality of the story?

The use of similes in the novel are employed to create vivid imagery, evoke emotions, and to deepen the impact of the novel’s themes. Roy uses this technique to enhance the narrative quality of the story and thus make the abstract ideas present in the novel tangible.

What is the role of non-linear narration in 'The God of Small Things'?

The non-linear narration is used to mirror the way memory works, revealing the events in a manner of fragmentation. This technique builds suspense and enhances the impact of trauma on the characters’ lives.

What does the symbol or motif Pappachi’s Moth represent in the novel?

Pappachi's Moth represents Generational trauma/violence/unfulfilled ambition

What does the symbol or motif Scent of Roses represent in the novel?

Scent of Roses represents Death

What does the symbol or motif Locus Standi represent in the novel?

Locus Standi represents Latin phrase for “The right to be heard in court”, symbol of power and denial of power due to caste inequality.

What does the symbol or motif Ten to Two represent in the novel?

Rahel’s emphasis on the time Ten to Two is an emphasis on a moment of no return.

What does the symbol or motif Velutha’s Leaf Birthmark represent in the novel?

Associated with Velutha and the transience of joy. It also represents that like a leaf, Velutha is doomed to perish under the weight of societal oppression.