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Society and Class - Themes, The God of Small Things | The God of Small Things- Summary, Themes & Characters - Novels PDF Download

The characters in The God of Small Things are constantly coming up against the forces of society and class. Indian society was structured for centuries according to very rigid social classes and boundaries, through what is known as the caste system. Even though the novel takes place after the caste system stopped being a legal social policy, its characters still find themselves limited by what is and isn't deemed socially acceptable for them. Social rules dictate who can love whom, which occupations people can adopt, and who is considered to be better than whom. (Sounds a little like an extreme version of high school, doesn't it?)

Chew on This

Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.

The characters of The God of Small Things are ultimately constrained and held back by class boundaries.

In the end, the characters of The God of Small Things show us that class boundaries are breakable.

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FAQs on Society and Class - Themes, The God of Small Things - The God of Small Things- Summary, Themes & Characters - Novels

1. How does the novel "The God of Small Things" explore the theme of society and class?
Ans. In "The God of Small Things," the theme of society and class is explored through the portrayal of the rigid social hierarchy in Indian society. The novel depicts the stark divisions between the upper and lower classes, highlighting the discrimination faced by those from lower castes or marginalized communities. It also delves into the social expectations and restrictions imposed on individuals based on their class, ultimately shedding light on the oppressive nature of the society.
2. What role does the caste system play in the novel "The God of Small Things"?
Ans. The caste system holds significant importance in "The God of Small Things." The novel portrays the deeply ingrained caste-based discrimination and the power dynamics associated with it. The characters in the novel are constantly reminded of their place in the social hierarchy, with their actions and behaviors dictated by their caste. The caste system influences relationships, opportunities, and even the sense of self-worth of the characters, ultimately shaping the narrative of the novel.
3. How does the novel challenge societal norms and expectations in relation to class?
Ans. "The God of Small Things" challenges societal norms and expectations by highlighting the oppressive nature of class divisions. The novel questions the legitimacy of the social hierarchy and exposes the flaws and injustices embedded within it. Through the characters' struggles and defiance against societal expectations, the novel challenges the notion that one's worth is determined solely by their class. It encourages readers to question and challenge the status quo, advocating for a more egalitarian society.
4. What impact does the exploration of society and class have on the characters in the novel?
Ans. The exploration of society and class has a profound impact on the characters in "The God of Small Things." The characters' lives are shaped and constrained by the social norms and expectations associated with their class. They experience discrimination, marginalization, and a constant struggle for acceptance and upward mobility. The exploration of society and class also exposes the characters' vulnerabilities, desires, and the consequences they face when they challenge the established order.
5. How does the novel depict the intersectionality of various social identities with class?
Ans. "The God of Small Things" depicts the intersectionality of various social identities, such as caste, gender, and race, with class. The novel explores how these intersecting identities compound the challenges faced by individuals within the social hierarchy. It reveals the additional barriers and discrimination faced by characters who belong to marginalized communities or hold multiple oppressed identities. By highlighting these intersections, the novel emphasizes the complexity of social inequality and the need for a more inclusive and equitable society.
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