Language and the creation of characters in Arundhati Roy's The God of small things
- UNCW Author/Contributor (non-UNCW co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Emily Stockdale (Creator)
- Institution
- The University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW )
- Web Site: http://library.uncw.edu/
- Advisor
- Joyce Hollingsworth
Abstract: This thesis will demonstrate how Arundhati Roy uses language psychologically,
typographically, structurally, and culturally in her debut novel The God of Small Things. For the
purposes of this thesis “language” should be understood to mean not only the spoken or written
word but also the way cultural groups understand and communicate to one another through
customs and traditions. Roy’s use of language throughout the novel helps the reader better
understand her various complex characters, most importantly Estahappen and Rahel, the sevenyearold
twins who are most affected by the events that take place within their family and
community in 1969. Discussion will focus on the characters’ manipulation of the English
language coupled with Malayalam (the twins’ native language) to bring meaning into the
confusing context of their lives. In addition, this thesis will explore the power dynamics found in
language as it relates to gender. Finally, the use of silence as a language will be discussed in
both Velutha and Esthappen. These topics will be analyzed not only in linguistic terms but in
postcolonial
terms as well.
Language and the creation of characters in Arundhati Roy's The God of small things
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Created on 1/1/2009
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Thesis
- A Thesis Submitted to the University of North Carolina Wilmington in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts
- Language: English
- Date: 2009
- Keywords
- Linguistics in literature, Personality development in literature , Roy Arundhati--Literary style , Roy Arundhati God of small things--Criticism and interpretation , Silence in literature
- Subjects
- Roy, Arundhati. God of small things -- Criticism and interpretation
- Roy, Arundhati -- Literary style
- Silence in literature
- Personality development in literature
- Linguistics in literature