The God of Small Things

Lesson 11
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ELA

Unit 3

12th Grade

Lesson 11 of 37

Objective


Analyze the author’s characterization of Velutha.

Describe how Velutha’s character is used to reveal conflict in India.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy  pp. 68 – 78

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Target Task


Multiple Choice

The word “should” in the paragraph below from p. 73 is most likely italicized for what purpose?

“While these were qualities that were perfectly acceptable, perhaps even desirable, in Touchables, Vellya Paapen thought that in a Paravan they could (and indeed should) be construed as insolence.”

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It can be reasonably inferred from p. 74 that

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Which piece of evidence from pp. 74–75 best supports the answer to number 2?

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Writing Prompt

How does the character of Velutha help to develop the class conflict that is present in India in 1969? Explain using evidence from the text.

Key Questions


  • At last we learn more about Velutha, a character whose name has appeared several times but with very little introduction to who he is. Track Roy’s characterization of Velutha.
  • Why does Roy emphasize neck veins when describing both Velutha and Rahel?
  • What do we learn about their relationship on p. 68?
  • How does Ammu respond to Rahel? Why is Rahel confused? What does the phrase “How Pappachi’s Moth whispered in his children’s veins” on p. 69 suggest about Ammu? (Veins again!) 
  • Note the setting change on p. 69 – flashback.
  • What is the tone of the flashback? What does the metaphor about memory mean? 
  • On p. 70 note the brief paragraph that returns to 1969 and then the flashback to Velutha’s past.
  • What do we learn about the history between Velutha’s family and Rahel and Estha’s family?
  • What do we learn about the Paravan in India on p. 71? About their relationship to Christianity?
  • What does Mammachi notice about Velutha?
  • What does the phrase “impenetrable Touchable logic” suggest? (p. 72) What is the tone here? (sarcastic)
  • Why did Vellya Paapen fear for his son, Velutha? (p. 73) Compare this to what Ammu felt about the twins on p. 42.
  • Track the Biblical imagery—Velutha as Prodigal Son and as Christ figure—on pp. 72–74.
  • Who is Kuttappen?
  • What is “The Terror” according to Vellya Paapen? Why is it so terrible to him?
  • What is Baby Kochamma’s reaction? How does the author use sarcasm to characterize Baby Kochamma on p. 75?
  • Note the setting changes back to 1969 on p. 75.
  • Describe the scene as the family still sits in the car. What is the mood in the car? Outside the car? What diction develops this mood?
  • Did Rahel see Velutha? Why is she hesitating to say that she did?

Notes


  • Students will need to know about the caste system, and specifically what “Paravan” means for today’s reading.
  • There are two biblical allusions in today’s reading: the Prodigal Son and Christ as a carpenter. Both refer to Velutha, who appears as a Christ-figure in today’s reading.
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Lesson 10

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Lesson 12

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