Dismantling Oppressive Family Dynamics through the Study of Memory in Arundhati Roy’s The God of Small Things

This article analyses oppressive familial dynamics through memory in The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy. The research employs Antonio Gramsci’s notion of cultural hegemony and Sigmund Freud’s concept of repression to analyse the dynamics of power inside the family unit. The Ipe family exemplifies a microcosm of society wherein caste, gender roles, and social expectations shape individual conduct and interpersonal dynamics. The article examines the experiences of Estha and Rahel, illustrating how childhood trauma influences their adult lives. Estha’s quiet is examined as a consequence of suppression and mental anguish, but Rahel’s recollections signify loss, separation, and psychological distress. Their reactions to trauma illustrate the impact of memory and silence on identity and relationships.


The article highlights how figures, characters like Baby Kochamma and Mammachi endorse patriarchal and caste-based dominance within the home structure. Into the bargain, Comrade Pillai's role illustrates how political power perpetuates social injustice. This contrast underscores the relationship between home and governmental power structures. The study contends that oppression in the novel transcends individual actions, being fundamentally embedded in social institutions and cultural values. The novel elucidates how memory, trauma, and silence collectively influence identity and perpetuate unequal power dynamics across generations within family and societal contexts.