Mythological Overtones in Arundhati Roy's 'The God of Small Things': A Critical Exploration

Abstract

   Myths and symbols of cultures worldwide have been the fundamental elements of literature since time immemorial. They impart narratives with layers of multiple meanings that help people understand the world and individuals at different levels. They serve as a framework for expressing complex emotions, abstract thoughts, and a society's cultural and moral values. They also help address specific universal themes related to the creation and destruction of the human world, the nature of good and evil, the relationship between human existence and divinity, etc. Scholars have repeatedly adopted various myths to have penetrating and meaningful insights into the unexplored realms and unveil several mysterious and multi-dimensional facets of human existence. They facilitate shaping the stories we know today and provide us with modern stereotypes. Symbols and myths serve as the building blocks of storytelling and impact readers’ interpretation of the narratives. They transcend time and shape narratives by representing abstract ideas and complex emotions.

Keywords-  The God of Small Things, Mythological Overtones, Arundhati Roy's, Critical Exploration