The Sand Child and the God of Small Things Comparative Study

Comparative Seminar: The Sand Child, The God of Small Things, Kehinde

Seminar focuses:  Speak concisely (wordiness is overrated). o Eliminate: I think, I feel, I believe, I mean, in my opinion, like, um/uh. Working on this NOW will save you points later when those things count against you.  Remain focused.  Use specifics: literary terms, passages from the text. Address the HOW (techniques) as well as the WHY (purpose).  Make an effort to speak/let others speak.

1. “Not rounding off, but opening out.” Comment upon the way the writers of the novel and short story deal with the ending in relation to the whole. In your answer you should refer to two or three novels or short stories you have studied.

2. Some novels draw attention to the fact that they are inventions or constructions of the writer; others seek to conceal this artifice. Consider chosen novels in the light of this distinction, and say what the procedures adopted add to the effect of underlining or concealing the fictional status of the writing.

3. Authors use the portrayal of characters who are somehow trapped or imprisoned as a means to criticize society. Referring closely to at least two of the works from your study, show to what extent and in what ways this statement is true.