Paper Details
Meenachal: A Silent, Symbolic Presence in ‘The God of Small Things’
Authors
Vinita Sharma
Abstract
“The God of Small Things” is novel rich in symbolism, and the Meenachal River is a recurring element that is woven into the narrative quite adroitly by the writer Arundhati Roy who successfully bagged the much-coveted Booker Prize for her maiden novel.
The river is a powerful and symbolic force in the story, representing both life and death. It is associated with the tragic events surrounding Velutha and the forbidden love story between him and Ammu. The river becomes a witness to the unfolding events, and its flow seems to parallel the turbulent and uncontrollable nature of the characters' lives.
Velutha, as a lower-caste individual, faces discrimination and oppression in society. His connection with the Meenachal River might be interpreted symbolically, suggesting a link between his fate and the larger currents of societal norms and prejudices. However, this connection is more metaphorical than explicitly spiritual.
While there are spiritual and cultural elements in the novel, and the river itself holds cultural significance, the spiritual ties between Velutha, the titular character, and the Meenachal River are not explicitly explored in the text but understated. The novel primarily delves into social, political, and personal aspects, using symbolism to convey the complexities of the characters' lives and the society in which they live.
Keywords
Symbolic, Associated, Discrimination, Oppression, Societal, Forbidden, Metaphorical.
Citation
Meenachal: A Silent, Symbolic Presence in ‘The God of Small Things’. Vinita Sharma. 2022. IJIRCT, Volume 8, Issue 6. Pages 1-4. https://www.ijirct.org/viewPaper.php?paperId=2403030