The Theme of Conformity

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A comparison of the theme of conformity in "The God of Small Things" by Arundhati Roy and "Housekeeping" by Marilynne Robinson.

2,170 words () | 3 sources | MLA | 2008 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper compares the themes in two novels - "The God of Small Things" by Arundhati Roy and "Housekeeping" by Marilynne Robinson. It focuses on the themes that these two books share - those of the restrictiveness of conformity and what happens when these confinements are broken. The paper then looks at the negative consequence on the characters in the novels as a result of breaking out of their confinements.

From the Paper:

"It is apparent through these two books that once rules and conformities are broken, chaos or some sort of disorder ensues. What is similar from these two books is that it is always the community around them that gives the families grief. Whether it be death or separation, it has been acknowledged that "it is a terrible thing to break up a family." The consequences for breaking laws and conformities in God of Small Things is the death of Velutha, banishment of Ammu, and separation of Estha from his mother. This all result in the breakup of an entire family. The consequence for breaking conformities in Housekeeping is the threat of having a family separated and the wipeout of one's identity. Sylvie and Ruth are dead to the people of Fingerbone now because they have chosen to live a life of their own. Perhaps these two authors are suggesting that society will always win regardless. It is useless to fight the rules because doing so will result in tragic endings."

Sample of Sources Used:

Arundhati, Roy. The God of Small Things. Penguin Books, 1997
Khurshid Alam M.Phil, "Untouchables in The God of Small Things", The Postcolonial Web, 2005
Robinson, Marilynne, Housekeeping. New York: Farrar, 1980