arundhti roy - the god of small things - the meaningless of existence?

Question

I remember when I read this book, I came across a passage in which it was explained how vast the universe was in terms of space and time, and that really, a human being takes up hardly any significance at all. I remember it was quite a moving and intelligent passage, but can i find it again? Not a chance! ALthough have been searching diligently for it. Can anyone help me, does anyone know this passage that I refer too? can anyone tell me what chapter it occurs in? I really want to find it again.

Answer 1

I think the section you are referring to is on pages 52-3. (First edition Harper Perennial 1998.)

To summarize, Chacko gives Estha and Rahel "a sense of Historical Perspective" by explaining comparing the Earth to a woman, and explaining to them how long humans have existed during the Earth Woman's life.

What a great book. Enjoy!

Answer 2

I read the novel a few years ago but I do recall the passage you refer to. Does this ring a bell?

- Vellya Paapen told the twins that there was “no such thing” as a back cat, only “black cat-shaped holes in the
universe.” Roy lists other “stains” and “holes in the universe.” What do you make of these descriptions of absence?
Does death have such clear boundaries and shapes in the book? Why might she be simplifying?

Try to search chapter 2: Pappachi’s Moth




good luck

Answer 3

Are you referring to chapter one when Estha stopped talking as a child and learned to blend into his surroundings so that he "occupied very little space in the world," and lived a withdrawn and insignificant life?