Ecocriticism and Environmental Imagery in Arundhati Roy's 'The God of Small Things'

Abstract:This paper explores the intersection of ecocriticism and environmental imagery in Arundhati Roy's The God of Small Things. Through a nuanced analysis, the study examines how the novel’s portrayal of the natural world reflects and critiques socio-environmental issues in post-colonial India. By applying ecocritical theory, the research highlights the symbolic and thematic roles of the Kerala landscape, its flora and fauna, and how these elements are interwoven with the novel's narrative structure and character development. The paper argues that Roy’s depiction of the environment transcends mere backdrop, functioning instead as an active, dynamic force that influences the characters’ lives and the socio-political commentary of the novel. It further investigates how the novel's environmental imagery critiques the effects of colonialism, globalization, and class divisions on ecological systems. Through this analysis, the paper contributes to a deeper understanding of how The God of Small Things employs environmental imagery to engage with pressing ecological and socio-political themes, offering a critical perspective on the interplay between human and non-human elements in literature.