How does Arundhati Roy use the concept of political corruption in The God of Small Things
Arundhati Roy's novel "The God of Small Things"
explores various themes and issues that are central to the Indian society,
including politics and corruption. Throughout the novel, Roy uses the concept
of political corruption to shed light on the various ways in which it affects
individuals and the society at large. In this essay, I will examine how Roy
uses the concept of political corruption in "The God of Small Things"
to critique the Indian political system and its impact on the lives of the
characters in the novel.
Firstly, it is important to understand what political
corruption means. Political corruption refers to the misuse of public office
for personal gain or the abuse of power for personal or political ends. It can
take various forms, including bribery, nepotism, embezzlement, and cronyism. In
"The God of Small Things," Roy portrays political corruption as a
pervasive and insidious force that permeates every aspect of Indian society.
How does Arundhati Roy use the concept of political corruption in The God of Small Things:-One of the most significant ways in which Roy uses the
concept of political corruption is through the character of Baby Kochamma. Baby
Kochamma is the aunt of the novel's main characters, Rahel and Estha, and is a
deeply corrupt and manipulative individual. She is a devout Catholic who uses
her position in the church to exert influence and control over the people
around her. Baby Kochamma is also deeply invested in politics, and her
allegiance to the ruling Congress Party is a source of pride for her. However,
her political beliefs are not based on any genuine commitment to social justice
or democracy but rather on her desire for power and prestige.
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Throughout the novel, Baby Kochamma engages in various acts
of political corruption. For example, she uses her connections in the church to
secure a job for her niece, Rahel, at the local English language school, even
though Rahel is not qualified for the job. She also uses her political
influence to secure a transfer for her lover, Father Mulligan, who has been
accused of sexual misconduct with a young girl. These actions illustrate how
Baby Kochamma uses her position of power and influence to manipulate the system
for her own gain, without regard for the consequences for others.
How does Arundhati Roy use the concept of political corruption in The God of Small Things:-Another way in which Roy uses the concept of political
corruption is through the character of Inspector Thomas Mathew. Mathew is a
police officer who is responsible for investigating the death of Velutha, a
Dalit (formerly known as "untouchable") carpenter who has a secret
relationship with Ammu, the mother of Rahel and Estha. Mathew is portrayed as
deeply corrupt and complicit in the systemic oppression of the Dalit community.
He is also closely aligned with the Congress Party and uses his position to
intimidate and harass those who speak out against the party.
Mathew's corruption is illustrated in various ways throughout
the novel. For example, he uses his power to frame Velutha for a crime he did
not commit, leading to Velutha's arrest and eventual death. Mathew also takes
bribes from various individuals, including Baby Kochamma, to protect their
interests and ensure their loyalty to the Congress Party. These actions
demonstrate how political corruption not only undermines the rule of law but
also perpetuates social inequality and injustice.
How does Arundhati Roy use the concept of political corruption in The God of Small Things:-Moreover, Roy uses the concept of political corruption to
highlight the role of the media in perpetuating and reinforcing corrupt
practices. The character of Comrade Pillai, the editor of the local Communist
newspaper, is portrayed as a hypocritical and corrupt individual who uses his
newspaper to further his own political interests. Pillai is also deeply suspicious
of the love affair between Ammu and Velutha, and he uses his newspaper to stir
up public opinion against them.
Critical
Analysis Of The God of Small Things
Arundhati Roy's "The God of Small Things" is a
novel that explores various themes and issues that are central to Indian
society, including caste, class, gender, and politics. Set in the southern
state of Kerala, the novel tells the story of a family, the Ipes, and the
events that lead up to the tragic death of a young Dalit carpenter named
Velutha. Through its use of vivid imagery, nonlinear storytelling, and poetic
language, "The God of Small Things" offers a critical analysis of
Indian society and its many contradictions.
How does Arundhati Roy use the concept of political corruption in The God of Small Things:-One of the most significant themes in the novel is the system
of caste hierarchy that underpins Indian society. The novel portrays the
deep-seated prejudices and discrimination that exist within the Indian caste
system, particularly towards the Dalit community. The character of Velutha, a
carpenter and a member of the Dalit community, is a central figure in the
novel, and his relationship with Ammu, the mother of the novel's main
characters, Rahel and Estha, is a source of controversy and scandal.
Through Velutha's character, Roy highlights the brutal
realities of caste discrimination and the ways in which it perpetuates social
inequality and injustice. Velutha's death at the hands of the police is a
tragic reminder of the violence and oppression that the Dalit community
continues to face in India. The novel also portrays the ways in which the
system of caste hierarchy intersects with other forms of oppression, such as
gender and class. For example, Ammu's relationship with Velutha is not only
considered taboo because of his caste status but also because she is a divorced
woman from a middle-class family.
How does Arundhati Roy use the concept of political corruption in The God of Small Things:-Another significant theme in the novel is the power dynamics
that exist within families and communities. The novel portrays the ways in which
family dynamics are shaped by societal expectations and cultural norms,
particularly around gender and sexuality. The character of Baby Kochamma, the
aunt of Rahel and Estha, is a prime example of how these power dynamics play
out. Baby Kochamma is a deeply manipulative and controlling individual who uses
her position in the church to exert influence and control over the people
around her. She is also deeply invested in politics and uses her political
connections to further her own interests.
Through Baby Kochamma's character, Roy highlights the ways in
which power dynamics can be used to perpetuate oppression and control. Baby
Kochamma's obsession with status and reputation is a reflection of the larger
societal pressures that dictate how individuals should behave and interact with
others. The novel also portrays the ways in which women are often forced to
navigate these power dynamics within the family and community, often at great
personal cost.
How does Arundhati Roy use the concept of political corruption in The God of Small Things:-Additionally, the novel offers a critique of the Indian political
system and its impact on society. The character of Inspector Thomas Mathew, a
corrupt police officer aligned with the ruling Congress Party, is a prime
example of how political corruption undermines the rule of law and perpetuates
social inequality. Mathew's complicity in Velutha's death and his willingness
to take bribes from various individuals illustrates the pervasive nature of
political corruption in India.
Through Mathew's character, Roy highlights the ways in which
the political system is often at odds with the interests of ordinary people,
particularly those who are marginalized and oppressed. The novel also critiques
the media's role in perpetuating corrupt practices and reinforces the
importance of speaking out against injustice and oppression.
In conclusion, "The God of Small Things" is a
powerful novel that offers a critical analysis of Indian society and its many
contradictions. Through its use of vivid imagery, nonlinear storytelling, and
poetic language, the novel explores themes such as caste, power dynamics, and
political corruption.
FAQ.
Q: What is the novel's message about power dynamics and
oppression?
A: The novel portrays the ways in which power dynamics can be
used to perpetuate oppression and control, particularly within families and
communities. The character of Baby Kochamma, for example, uses her position in
the church and her political connections to exert influence and control over
the people around her. The novel also critiques the Indian political system and
its impact on society, particularly the pervasive nature of political
corruption.
Q: What is the significance of the novel's setting in Kerala?
A: The novel is set in the southern Indian state of Kerala,
which is known for its rich cultural heritage and progressive social policies.
The setting allows the novel to explore the complexities of Indian society,
particularly the intersection of tradition and modernity, and the ways in which
societal pressures and cultural norms impact individual behavior and
relationships.
Q: What is the significance of the novel's use of language and
imagery?
A: The novel's use of poetic language and vivid imagery allows the reader to experience the story in a more visceral way, and to gain a deeper understanding of the characters' emotions and experiences. The novel's use of imagery also highlights the contrasts and contradictions within Indian society, particularly around issues of caste, class, and gender.
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