Podcast
Questions and Answers
When and where does the story take place?
When and where does the story take place?
Summer of 1992 in small town, Ayemenem of Kerala, India
Who is Rahel?
Who is Rahel?
Spent her childhood in Ayemenem, but returned to Ipe family at 31
When is Rahel most flooded with memories?
When is Rahel most flooded with memories?
During the funeral and burial of Sophie Mol, the twin's cousin who died while visiting the family
What is the present setting like?
What is the present setting like?
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What is Estha like?
What is Estha like?
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How do Rahel and Estha respond to traumatic events differently?
How do Rahel and Estha respond to traumatic events differently?
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What was Baby Kochamma like when she was younger?
What was Baby Kochamma like when she was younger?
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What couples have been divorced?
What couples have been divorced?
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What is the significance of the title?
What is the significance of the title?
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What are the small things?
What are the small things?
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What other significant narrative elements are present in the story?
What other significant narrative elements are present in the story?
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What is the other info regarding the novel?
What is the other info regarding the novel?
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Study Notes
Setting
- Takes place during the summer of 1992 in Ayemenem, Kerala, India.
- The family home is in decay, symbolizing the generational decline and lost opportunities.
Rahel
- Childhood spent in Ayemenem, returning to the Ipe family at the age of 31.
- Experiences an emotional flood during the events surrounding Sophie Mol's funeral.
Sophie Mol
- Cousin of Rahel and Estha, whose death becomes a pivotal moment in their lives.
Estha
- Characterized by his silence and introversion; tries to minimize his presence.
- Spends his days walking in Ayemenem, reflecting his internal struggle.
Family Dynamics
- Baby Kochamma, Rahel's great aunt, and Kochu Maria, the housekeeper, are the only inhabitants of the dilapidated home.
- Rahel and Estha exhibit different coping mechanisms for trauma; Rahel rebels, while Estha withdraws.
Baby Kochamma
- In her youth, she fell in love with a priest and attempted to join a convent but ultimately ended up as the caretaker of the family's estate.
Divorced Couples
- Ammu and Baba, Chacko and Margaret Kochamma (parents of Sophie Mol), and Rahel and Larry McCaslin are noted for their divorces, highlighting themes of familial strife.
Narrative Structure
- The novel functions as a detective story, encouraging readers to piece together events through characters' memories.
- Uses letters and capitalized phrases to signify importance and emphasize characters' internal thoughts.
Title Significance
- The title refers to a family-run factory producing various food items, symbolizing the connection between everyday life and deeper truths revealed gradually throughout the narrative.
The Concept of "Small Things"
- Small things refer to seemingly trivial details that, collectively, reveal essential truths about life, relationships, and the characters' experiences.
Studying That Suits You
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Description
Test your knowledge on Chapter 1 of 'The God of Small Things' through these flashcards. Explore important events, characters, and settings that shape the narrative. Perfect for a quick review or deeper understanding of the text.
