27th Annual Student Research Conference
The Colonial Other: A Queer Studies Approach to Arundhati Roy's The God of Small Things
Erica D. Raines
Dr. Hena Ahmad, Faculty Mentor
Roy's creation of the non-linear timeline realistically portrays the effects of trauma on an individuals experience, resulting in isolation, particularly in Estha's character. Elizabeth Outka in her essay "Trauma and Temporal Hybridity in Arundhati Roy's The God of Small Things . Outka's discussion of the creation of a hybrid culture in Roy's novel neglects to address the separation of the individual in society, resulting in the creation of a queer "other". Combining Outka's theory of trauma with Judith Butler's queer theory creates a new and beneficial way to analyze Estha's character. As Roy others these individual characters, the corruption and disconnect between the individual and their society is illuminated, revealing the creation of the other in
Keywords: The God of Small Things, Queer Studies, Trauma, Estha, Arudnhati Roy
Topic(s):English
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 107-4
Location: VH 1320
Time: 8:45