24th Annual Student Research Conference
The God of Loss: The Role of Velutha in The God of Small Things
Constance A. Tubbs
Dr. Hena Ahmad, Faculty Mentor
In Arundhati Roys The God of Small Things heavy use of foreshadowing and an effective ending heighten the impact of the beating, blaming, and death of Velutha. Velutha is the God of Loss and the God of Small Things, an untouchable oppressed by the rigid caste system. The book alludes to his fate from the first chapter when Rahel imagines the death of a painter at Sophie Mols funeral and the family visits the police station. Velutha is then characterized from several points of view; the twin children Rahel and Estha adore him, contrasting the hatred of all of the authority figures who want him done away with. Finally, the book closes with the aftermath of and reason for Veluthas death, leaving the reader with a lasting sense of loss and injustice.
Keywords:
Topic(s):English
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 3-4
Location: VH 1408
Time: 8:45