Comment on the title of the novel The God of Small Things.

Answer

Comment on the title of the novel “God of Small Things.” [2019] 

Arundhati Roy (1961-Present), in her Booker Prize–winning novel “The God of Small Things” (1997) creates a world where little emotions shape human life. The title itself is symbolic and meaningful. It celebrates the value of love, memory, and pain that society ignores. The “God of Small Things” stands for those who live quietly, love secretly, and suffer silently. Through this title, Roy honours the weak and the forgotten against the power of big, cruel systems.

Velutha as the “God of Small Things”: Velutha, the untouchable carpenter, is the “God of Small Things.” He loves simple things, like working with his hands and playing with the twins. He represents love, truth, and beauty among pain. The narrator says, 

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

His love for Ammu is pure but forbidden. Velutha becomes the god of small emotions that resist social injustice and caste cruelty.

Small Things versus Big Things: Roy contrasts “small things” with “big things.” The big things are caste, class, politics, and religion. They control life and destroy joy. The small things are love, kindness, and freedom. The narrator says, 

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

This shows that the small emotions of people can challenge the big, cruel powers. The novel honours the invisible power of little joys and personal feelings.

Children and Innocent Love: The twins Estha and Rahel also belong to the world of small things. Their love is pure, natural, and silent. They feel beauty in small details and simple joys. The narrator says, 

“Things can change in a day.” 

Their small happiness is destroyed by adult cruelty. Through them, Roy shows that innocence and truth are stronger than social order. The “God of Small Things” protects these pure souls.

Symbol of Hope