Quiz questions
The God of Small Things
Arundhati Roy
Reading comprehension quiz questions for The God of Small Things — use them as a reading-check starter, a self-study tool, or a quick assessment. Answers are included below each question.
**Quiz Question — *The God of Small Things* by Arundhati Roy** Which of the following best describes the narrative structure of *The God of Small Things*? A) A straightforward chronological account of the Ipe family across three generations B) A non-linear narrative that shifts between 1969 and 1993, gradually uncovering the tragic events involving Ammu and Velutha C) A collection of letters exchanged between Rahel and Estha following their reunion in Ayemenem D) A frame narrative narrated by an all-knowing voice set in colonial British India **Correct Answer: B** *Explanation: Roy's novel intentionally disrupts its timeline, moving back and forth between the twins' childhood in 1969 — leading up to Sophie Mol's death and Velutha's tragic outcome — and Rahel's return to Ayemenem in 1993. This non-linear approach enhances suspense and highlights the novel's themes of memory, trauma, and the unspoken truths that linger.*
ap_lit · ib_lang_lit · aqa · common_core
**Quiz Question: *The God of Small Things* by Arundhati Roy** Which of the following best describes the structural technique Arundhati Roy uses to tell the story in *The God of Small Things*? A) A straightforward chronological narrative that follows Rahel and Estha from childhood to adulthood B) A non-linear narrative that shifts between 1969 and 1993, gradually revealing the tragic events surrounding Sophie Mol's death C) A series of letters exchanged between the twin protagonists, Rahel and Estha D) An omniscient narrator who reveals all events in the order they occurred **Correct Answer: B** *Explanation: Roy uses a non-linear structure, moving back and forth between two key time periods — 1969, when the main tragedy occurs, and 1993, when Rahel returns to Ayemenem. This fragmented timeline creates suspense and highlights the lasting psychological effects of the past on the characters.*
ap_lit · ib_english · a_level_english · aqa
**Quiz Question — *The God of Small Things* by Arundhati Roy** Which of the following best describes the narrative structure of *The God of Small Things*? A) A simple chronological story about the Ipe family over three generations B) A non-linear narrative that shifts between 1969 and 1993, gradually revealing the tragic events involving Ammu and Velutha C) A frame narrative told from Rahel's adult perspective as she reflects on her childhood D) An epistolary novel made up of letters exchanged between Ammu and Velutha **Correct Answer: B** *Explanation: Roy's novel features a non-linear narrative, moving between two key time periods — 1969, when the main tragedy occurs, and 1993, when Rahel returns to Ayemenem. This fragmented approach creates suspense and reflects the emotional burden of repressed memories.*
ap_lit · ib_lang_lit · aqa · general_secondary
These quiz questions are part of Storgy's free teacher toolkit for The God of Small Things. For a full study guide with chapter summaries, characters, themes, and key quotes, visit the The God of Small Things study guide. To browse quiz questions for other works, return to the Quiz Questions hub.