Silenced Voices, Unheard Stories: Unpacking the Lives of Women in “The God of Small Things”

Abstract

This paper presents a feminist critique of Arundhati Roy’s influential novel, The God of Small Things, using the framework of subaltern studies. By exploring the intersections of gender, caste, class, and power, it reveals how Roy’s storytelling challenges dominant narratives and amplifies the voices of marginalized women. The paper examines the novel’s female characters, particularly Ammu, Rahel, and Velutha, to highlight how Roy contests patriarchal norms, exposes the brutality of caste discrimination, and underscores the agency and resistance of subaltern women. By situating Roy’s work within Indian feminist and subaltern studies, this paper illustrates how The God of Small Things offers a powerful critique of established power structures and is a testament to subaltern voices’ enduring strength.