Feminism in Arundhati Roy’s “The God of Small Things”
Keywords:
Love Laws, Patriarchy, Caste Hierarchy, Postcolonialism, Female Autonomy, Internalized Misogyny, Kerala Literature, Gender Violence, Body Politics.Abstract
Arundhati Roy’s debut novel, The God of Small Things, serves as a profound critique of patriarchal structures, caste politics, and institutionalized oppression in postcolonial India. Set against the backdrop of Ayemenem, Kerala, the narrative unpicks the rigid framework of “Love Laws”—the social codes that dictate who should be loved, how, and how much. This article examines the multifaceted manifestations of feminism within the novel, exploring how female characters navigate, subvert, and succumb to systemic gender bias. Central to this analysis is Ammu, whose defiance against traditional womanhood highlights the precariousness of divorced, single mothers in an unyielding paternalistic society. Alongside Ammu, figures like Rahel, Mammachi, and Baby Kochamma demonstrate the complex continuum of female agency, ranging from radical rebellion to internalized misogyny. Through a close textual reading and critical feminist lens, this article demonstrates how Roy integrates gender oppression with class and caste dominance, particularly through the tragic figure of Velutha. Roy’s narrative technique—characterized by non-linear temporal shifts, linguistic play, and sensory symbolism—mirrors the fragmented, disrupted lives of women under feudal patriarchy. Ultimately, this article argues that Roy does not merely depict female suffering; she exposes the structural hypocrisy of a modernizing society that continues to police female desire, autonomy, and body politics, positioning The God of Small Things as a cornerstone text in postcolonial feminist literature.
How to cite this article:
S Arpana. Feminism in Arundhati Roy’s “The
God of Small Things” J Adv Res Eng & Edu 2025
10(4): 17-21.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2456.4370.202519
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