The God of Small Things

Lesson 12
icon/ela/white

ELA

Unit 3

12th Grade

Lesson 12 of 37

Objective


Analyze the author’s development of the theme of history.

Mid-unit writing assessment #1

Readings and Materials


  • Book: The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy  pp. 78 – 83

Fishtank Plus

Unlock features to optimize your prep time, plan engaging lessons, and monitor student progress.

Target Task


Multiple Choice

The main purpose of the list at the top of p. 79 (“There were so many stains on the road…Feathers. Mangoes. Spit. All the way to Cochin.”) is to

Create a free account or sign in to view multiple choice options

Sample Response

Upgrade to Fishtank Plus to view Sample Response.

The phrase from Kochu Maria on p. 80 (“These aren’t your beds. This isn’t your house.”) and Chacko’s description on p. 82 of the twins as “millstones around his neck” both serve to 

Create a free account or sign in to view multiple choice options

Sample Response

Upgrade to Fishtank Plus to view Sample Response.

Writing Prompt

How does Roy develop the theme of history and/or memory in these pages? In your answer, consider how the author has used one or more of the features listed below and use evidence to support your answer.

  • allusions
  • figurative language
  • nonlinear plotline

Key Questions


  • Note the setting on p. 78.
  • What was Baby Kochamma’s “public humiliation”? Why is she blaming it on Velutha?
  • What is the significance of Rahel’s watch in this scene?
  • What does she mean by a Miss Mitten–shaped stain? What is the significance of the author’s repetition of this idea of a stain? What is the message?
  • What is Ammu’s point in telling the twins about Julius Caesar according to p. 79?
  • What does “The backs of Rahel’s legs went wet and sweaty” convey on p. 82? Why is she feeling this way?
  • What happens to Estha’s puff? What does this symbolize?
  • On p. 82, the train has finally moved on. Recall what has happened in the moments that the family was sitting and waiting for the train. What impact does Roy’s decision to spread these minutes over almost 50 pages have on the reader?
  • What is the mood in the car by the end of the chapter? Why? Who tries to change the mood? Does it work? 

Notes


  • The teacher should ensure that students have enough background information to interpret the allusions to Julius Caesar and Mutiny on the Bounty.
  • Today’s reading is short, and the teacher should preserve enough time for students to write a substantial answer in response to question 3. It is designed to be a brief practice for the thinking and analysis required to answer the essay question on the unit test.

Next

Analyze the author’s use of juxtaposition to characterize adult Estha.

Lesson 13
icon/arrow/right/large

Lesson Map

A7CB09C2-D12F-4F55-80DB-37298FF0A765

Request a Demo

See all of the features of Fishtank in action and begin the conversation about adoption.

Learn more about Fishtank Learning School Adoption.

Contact Information

School Information

What courses are you interested in?

ELA

Math

Are you interested in onboarding professional learning for your teachers and instructional leaders?

Yes

No

Any other information you would like to provide about your school?

We Handle Materials So You Can Focus on Students

We Handle Materials So You Can Focus on Students

We've got you covered with rigorous, relevant, and adaptable ELA lesson plans for free