The God of Small Things

Lesson 23
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ELA

Unit 3

12th Grade

Lesson 23 of 37

Objective


Mid-unit writing assessment #2

Readings and Materials


  • Book: The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy  pp. 178 – 183

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Target Task


Writing Prompt

How does Roy develop the theme of love 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.

  • characterization (particularly character motivation and character relationships)
  • narration
  • nonlinear plotline

Key Questions


  • Note the setting.
  • Note the return of the phrase “No Locusts Stand I.” Who does it refer to now?
  • What is Rahel thinking about the “silver bowl” on the roof on p. 179? What is she daydreaming about as she looks at it?
  • Rahel has a flashback to a memory with Sophie Mol and Estha on p. 180. Track how the twins’ feelings about her have developed in this memory and why. What does this change in feeling reveal about the twins’ fears and their hopes?
  • Who are Mrs. Pillai, Mrs. Eapen, and Mrs. Rajagopalan? How did Velutha treat them? Why is his treatment significant according to Rahel? What does the author’s choice of chapter title convey?
  • What is “The Terror”?
  • The novel has been told in a nonlinear way to this point. Where are we in time in this particular scene? 
  • Note the change in setting on p. 181.
  • The narrator suggests that Estha and Rahel would be better off if they could recognize that they, too, are victims. But to them, who is the “victim” in this “play”?
  • The final paragraph in this chapter reminds us that we do not know where Estha was during the events described on pp. 173–177. What can we infer about what he was doing based on the author’s repeated use of the color red (scarlet) in the final sentences?

Notes


  • As students read this chapter, they should think about how the author conveys the idea of love and lack of love and the impact that it has on people.
  • Today’s reading is short and could be assigned for homework on the night prior to this lesson. The bulk of the lesson should be students brainstorming and writing a short response to the prompt.
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Lesson 22

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Lesson 24

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