Memory, Trauma, and Marginality in Arundhati Roy’s The God of Small Things

Abstract
Arundhati Roy’s The God of Small Things offers a powerful examination of memory,
trauma, and the societal forces that confine individuals to the margins of contemporary Indian
life. This chapter explores the complex interplay between memory and identity in the novel,
analysing how personal experiences intersect with collective histories shaped by caste, gender,
and socio-economic inequalities. Through a non-linear narrative approach, Roy reflects the
fragmented nature of memory, illustrating how it both reveals and obscures the truth of lived
experiences. As the characters grapple with the weight of historical trauma and societal
expectations, the novel uncovers the politics of memory-how the act of remembering can
empower yet also oppress. Ultimately, this chapter argues that remembering is not merely a
personal act but a collective one, challenging entrenched power structures and fostering hope
for marginalized voices.
Keywords
Memory, Marginality, Trauma, Caste, Gender, Nonlinear Narrative, Socio-Political
Constructs.