To what extent are race, social class, and religion important in “The God of Small Things?”

Answer

To what extent are race, social class, and religion important in “The God of Small Things?” [2015]

Arundhati Roy (1961-Present), in her novel “The God of Small Things” (1997), shows how race, social class, and religion control human life in India. These forces decide who is respected, who is rejected, and who must suffer. The novel exposes deep social inequality and cruelty.

Rigid Caste and Social Class: The novel is set in Kerala, where caste rules society. Velutha, an untouchable carpenter, suffers because of his birth. His love for Ammu breaks caste law. The narrator says, 

“Where the Love Laws lay down who should be loved. And how. And how much.” 

The upper-class Ipe family cannot accept such a relationship. Social class becomes a wall between love and freedom.

Race and Colonial Influence: Race also affects family life. Chacko’s marriage with the white woman Margaret Kochamma shows colonial thinking. The family admires white skin and English manners. The narrator says, 

“It was a time when the unthinkable became thinkable.” 

This shows how Western ideas shape Indian minds and create divisions among people.

Religion and False Morality: Religion in the novel supports social control. Baby Kochamma uses religion to hide her jealousy and fear. She once joined a convent for love, but later became cruel and selfish. Religious pride and caste purity destroy love, kindness, and truth.

In short, Race, class, and religion shape every event in the novel. They divide hearts and create injustice. Through this story, Roy shows that real humanity begins only when people rise above these cruel social barriers.