A PORTRAYAL OF MEMOIR IN ARUNDHATI

ROYS THE GOD OF SMALL THINGS

DISSERTATION SUBMITTED TO ANNAMALAI UNIVERSITY, IN
PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE
AWARD OF THE DEGREE OF

MASTER OF PHILOSOPHY
IN
ENGLISH
By
K. PADMINI
4010600258
Under the Guidance of
Dr. M. MICHAEL SCUDDER, M.A., M.Phil. Ph.D

Annamalai

University

DIRECTORATE OF DISTANCE EDUCATION

ANNAMALAINAGAR
2009

Dr. M. MICHAEL SCUDDER, M.A., M.Phil., Ph.D

Principal,
R.T.G. Arts and Science College,
Polur, T.V. Malai District.

CERTIFICATE
Certified that the dissertation CHILDHOOD MEMOIR IN THE
SELECT NOVELS OF ARUNDHATI ROY is a record of research work
done by Mrs. K. PADMINI, during the period of her study under my guidance,
and that the dissertation has not previously formed the basis for the award of
any degree, diploma, associateship, fellowship or similar other titles and that it
is an independent work done by her.

Signature of the Guide

Place: POLUR

Name: Dr. M. MICHAEL SCUDDER

Date:
Official Address with Seal:

Mrs. K. PADMINI,
M.Phil. Scholar in English,
En.No: 4010600258,
Annamalai University,
Annamalai Nagar, Chidambaram.

DECLARATION
I hereby declare that the dissertation entitled CHILDHOOD MEMOIR
IN THE SELECT NOVELS OF ARUNDHATI ROY submitted for the
award of the Degree of Master of Philosophy in ENGLISH is my original work
and the dissertation has not formed the basis for the award of any degree,
diploma, associateship, fellowship or similar other titles. It has not been
submitted to any other University or Institution for the award of any degree or
diploma.

Signature of the Scholar

Place: PANAPAKKAM

Name: K. PADMINI

Date:

En. No: 4010600258.

CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
ABSTRACT
ABBREVIATIONS
CHAPTER

TITLE

INTRODUCTION

II

THE GOD OF SMALL THINGS

- A CRITICAL STUDY

III

20

UNTOUCHABILIY IN
THE GOD OF SMALL THINGS

IV

PAGE NUMBER

41

FEMINISM IN
THE GOD OF SMALL THINGS

52

CONCLUSION

78

BIBLIOGRAPHY

84

ABBREVIATION

GOD The God of Small Things

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
It is with real pleasure that I acknowledge my sincere gratitude to all
those who helped me in the preparation of this thesis. First of all, I would like
to thank God, the Almighty for his grace and blessings for keeping me
physically well and guiding me throughout this work.
I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks and
gratitude to my academic Guide, Dr. M. MICHAEL SCUDDER, M.A.,
M.Phil., Ph.D, for his valuable guidance and constant support throughout the
process of writing my thesis.
I am thankful to Mr. M. KANDASWAMY, M.A., M.Phil. Professor of
English, Thirumalai Engineering College, Kilambi, Kanchipuram for his
valuable support to finish the dissertation.
I am also thankful to Mrs. V.N. MYTHILI, M.Sc., M.Phil., M.Ed.,
Professor, Govt. College of Education, Katpadi for her precious support to
complete this thesis.
I am highly indebted to my parents Mr. T.T. KANDASWAMY and Mrs.
K. AZHAGAMMAL for their love and blessings.
I would like to thank my husband Mr. M. VELAYUDHAM, M.A.,
B.Ed, (CCC Ltd, Chennai) for his moral support.

I feel really happy to convey my heartfelt thanks to my sister

Miss. K.VENDA, B.Sc., D.T.Ed., (SG Teacher) and my brother
Mr. K. SENTHIL, B.Sc., B.Ed., (BT Assistant) for their support.
I would like to thank my friend Mr. T. PUSHPANATHAN, M.A.,
M.Phil., B.Ed., for his kind support to finish my thesis.
Finally, I owe my deep sense of thanks to my colleagues and my friends
for their constant encouragement and support.

ABSTRACT
This thesis is divided into five chapters.
The Introduction gives an overall view about the life and works of
Arundhati Roy and her themes in the novels.
Chapter II studies the critical analysis of the novel The God of Small.
Chapter III depicts the tragedy of a fragmented married life of Sita in
Where Shall We Go This Summer?
Chapter IV illustrates the portrayal of Nanda Kaul and other women
characters in Fire on the Mountain.
Chapter V justifies chapter II, III, IV and concludes the dissertation by
presenting the sufferings of women in real life.