The God of Small Things

Lesson 18
icon/ela/white

ELA

Unit 3

12th Grade

Lesson 18 of 37

Objective


Interpret the effect of the power dynamics developed in the airport scene.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy  pp. 130 – 140

Fishtank Plus

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

Target Task


Multiple Choice

It can be reasonably inferred from p. 134 that upon their return to India, the newly returned Indians are experiencing both

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

Which piece of evidence below best supports the answer to number 1?

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

Writing Prompt

What is the power dynamic developed in today’s reading between Indians returning from the West and Indians living in India? How does this power dynamic play out in Estha and Rahel’s family? Use evidence from the text to support your answer.

Key Questions


  • Note the setting.
  • Note the use of color in the descriptions throughout the chapter. What is the significance of these colors? How do you know?
  • Why is it surprising that Chacko is wearing a suit? Why might he make this decision? How does it relate to theme?
  • What does Baby Kochamma mean when she refers to the twins as “Ambassadors for India”?
  • Describe Rahel’s mood as conveyed here. Estha’s? (pp. 133–134)
  • What does the phrase “with an end to grinding poverty in their Aristocrat suitcases” convey about what the returnees represent to those waiting for them at the airport? (p. 134) And how does she convey the returnees’ feelings about India and about those waiting? 
  • What does the narrator mean on p. 136 when she says, “…at times like these only the Small Things are ever said…”?
  • The childlike, light-hearted narration helps us to understand Estha and Rahel’s perspective. Rahel seems frightened about losing Ammu’s love. What does the author do on pp. 135–140 to convey Rahel’s fears.
  • How do the twins act when introduced to their relatives? Compare this with how they were expected to act.
  • What does the word “LayTer” represent to Estha and Rahel?
  • There is a power dynamic established in today’s excerpt between the newly arrived (such as Margaret Kochamma) and the people who live in Kerala. Describe that power dynamic.

Notes


  • Students will need to know that a mundu (p. 131) is a traditional garment worn by men in Kerala.
  • This section of text describes the arrival of Sophie Mol and Maragaret Kochamma. If pressed for time, this could be read at home.
icon/arrow/right/large copy

Lesson 17

icon/arrow/right/large

Lesson 19

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?

Effective Instruction Made Easy

Effective Instruction Made Easy

Access rigorous, relevant, and adaptable ELA lesson plans for free