Assignment:

South Asian literature;

Submitted to miSS Hina Rafique
‘’ The God of Small Things’’ by Arundhati Roy
Question: Relationship between Estha and Rahel
Relationships are necessary for humans not only to have somebody by
their side but also to make themselves firm in the storm of life. The God
of Small Things is the novel about an Ipe family and the relationships
among the family members, caste and political system of India. In this
novel we find complicated relationships among Ipe family members and
how dysfunctional families snatched peace and happiness and pushed
them toward dark pit. The twins, Rahel and Estha are attached to each
other so closely that they appear as one soul in two bodies. The
fragmentation of family harms twins not only physically but also
emotionally and mentally; their erstwhile memories haunted them,
which torn Estha in "Quietness" and Rahel in "Emptiness. Estha and
Rahel are fraternal twins who share an extraordinary bond throughout
the novel. From a young age, they develop a deep connection and
understanding of each other, often communicating without words.
Their relationship is marked by a sense of unity and a shared history, as
they navigate the complexities of their family and the world around
them.
‘’ Esthappen and Rahel thought of themselves together as Me, and
separately, individually, as We or Us. As though they were a rare
breed of Siamese twins, physically separate, but with joint identities.’’
One of the key aspects of their relationship is their ability to find solace
and comfort in each other's presence. They rely on one another for
support and companionship, especially in the face of their tumultuous
family dynamics. They create a private world of their own, where they
can escape the harsh realities of their lives and find refuge in their
shared experiences. However, their relationship is not without its
challenges. Estha and Rahel face numerous obstacles that test their
bond, including societal expectations, cultural norms, and the tragic
events that unfold in their lives. These challenges often strain their
relationship and leave them grappling with feelings of guilt, confusion,
and a sense of betrayal. Arundhati Roy skillfully explores the
complexities of their relationship, delving into the impact of trauma
and the weight of societal pressures on their connection. Through her
vivid and evocative storytelling, Roy captures the nuances of their
emotions, allowing readers to deeply empathize with Estha and Rahel's
struggles. The narrative structure of the novel, with its nonlinear
timeline and shifting perspectives, adds another layer of depth to their
relationship. Roy reveals the intricacies of their bond through
fragmented memories and flashbacks, highlighting the lasting impact of
their shared experiences. In addition to their intimate connection, Estha
and Rahel also represent larger themes within the novel. Their
relationship serves as a metaphor for the broader social and political
issues in India, reflecting the complexities of caste, gender, and class
divisions. Roy uses their story to shed light on the oppressive systems
that shape their lives and the lasting effects of colonialism. The
relationship between Estha and Rahel is the strongest of the book, as
the two are so close as to almost consider themselves one person.
‘’They were strangers who had met in a chance encounter.
They had known each other before Life began.
Roy emphasizes the “Love Laws” early and often, foreshadowing the
importance she will give to love that crosses boundary of society and
tradition. In the novel, their physical connection is portrayed as a
deeply intimate and forbidden bond. It represents their longing for
love, freedom, and escape from the societal constraints imposed upon
them. Their relationship is complex and filled with both love and guilt,
which adds to the tension and emotional depth of the story. Their bond
is characterized by a mix of love, trauma, and a sense of being trapped.
They share a deep connection as siblings, but their experiences and the
events surrounding them create a tumultuous dynamic. Their
relationship is affected by the weight of societal expectations, family
secrets, and the consequences of their actions. It's a complex portrayal
of the complexities and challenges that can arise within family
relationships. The narrative also emphasizes the closeness of the twins,
a closeness that even Ammu cannot understand, and she advises them
as she dread their future.
“Promise me you’ll always love each other,” she’d say, as she drew
her children to her. “Promise,” Estha and Rahel would say. Not finding
words with which to tell her that for them there was no Each, no
Other.’
Roy ends the novel with Estha and Rahel’s incestuous union, the poetic
descriptions and juxtaposition of these scenes against violence and
death gives them greater impact, and through them Roy shows that
love can cross divides of politics and hatred. Even though such love can
lead to tragedy, it is still incredibly valuable

Overall, the relationship between Estha and Rahel in "The God of Small
Things" is a poignant and complex portrayal of sibling love, resilience,
and the lasting impact of trauma. Arundhati Roy's masterful storytelling
draws readers into their world, allowing us to witness the profound
bond between these two characters. It's a beautifully written novel that
explores themes of love, loss, and the struggle for life. Prepared by
Esha Qamar (roll no 13)