The contrasting illustrations of the river reflect its meaning to others and the secrets it holds. The transition of feelings shows growth for her knowledge of her surroundings. A slow, rotting death is depicted in the river as it no longer has the ability to move as menacing as it once did.

In the present day, Rahel sees the river as a “green ribbon lawn,” that “smell of shit,” (119) on warm days. The foreboding nature of the river is made apparent with Sophie Mol’s death two weeks later. Although seemingly calm, the river appears ominous to the twins because it isn’t what it normally is - transparent and cold.

They picture the river as “warm” and “graygreen,” (116).

The beauty of the river is continued in the twins’ dream of the river after Estha was molested. The omniscient view of the river is described in the opening lines as it shrinks in the summer as it does every year. The imagery of the river is noteworthy as its appearance changes when described in the eyes of the various characters. Besides Estha and Rahel, the river is the only one to know about how Sophie Mol died making it again the holder of all secrets. The river had “accept the offering,” (257) carrying Sophie Mol’s body away. Sophie Mol was almost nine when she drowned in the river while crossing the river with Estha and Rahel. Once again, this reveals that river holds one of the many secrets of the river.įurthermore, Sophie Mol's death is the most crucial event of the novel which creates the domino effect that changes the lives of everyone who knew Sophie Mol. Because their affair takes place in proximity to the river, it also rebirths Ammu as she finds true love that completely contrasts her seemingly one sided relationship with Larry. When Velutha and Ammu met, the river and the night are the only ones to witness their 'dance' (317). The following telegraphic sentences describe Veltha as a 'log' and a'serene crocodile,' (315) making him a part of nature rather than a product of society’s expectations. In a way, Velutha is cleansing himself of all the standards of society as his affair with Ammu removes the caste system. Before Velutha meets Ammu, he is floating in the river. The river can be considered the holder of all secrets as well as its typical symbolism of death and rebirth.Īmmu and Velutha's secret affair takes place right next to the river. These events include: Ammu and Velthua's secret affair and Sophie Mol's death. Almost all of the monumental events are associated with the river.

The river can arguably be considered the most important symbol of the novel.

The god of small things pages