Postcolonial Ecofeminism in Arundhati Roy’s <i>The God of Small Things</i>

Abstract

Arundhati Roy’s The God of Small Things illustrates ecofeminism by creating hierarchical dualisms and identifying the victims within these structures. Ecofeminism in a postcolonial context analyses the intertwined systems of oppression that arise from the intersection of colonialism, patriarchy, and environmental exploitation. It explores how patriarchal domination and capitalist patriarchy together impact the postcolonial environment and its people. Thus, both ecological and feminist issues highlight the locus of the ‘Other’ or the ‘Subaltern,’ who are exploited by the ‘Superior Self’ in terms of class, caste, race, and gender in postcolonial society. Arundhati Roy exposes how the patriarchal structure of Syrian Christian society exacts a heavy toll on the protagonist Ammu, her children Estha and Rahel, and the untouchable Velutha. She also illustrates how capitalist patriarchy impacts the nature and environment of Ayemenem. Based on Roy’s novel, this essay will discuss concerns and consciousness against various injustices in postcolonial Indian society.