In "The God of Small Things," Arundhati Roy explores the complexities of societal power dynamics and the impact of colonialism on identity. The quote highlights a psychological phenomenon where individuals start to glorify their oppressors while harboring feelings of self-loathing. This reflects how deep-rooted structures of power can shape perceptions of self-worth and value in oppressive societies.

Roy's narrative suggests that this war is both external and internal, where individuals grapple with the reverence for authority figures at the expense of their own humanity. This theme is central to understanding how colonial legacies can distort relationships, leading to a cycle of admiration for the conquerors that perpetuates a cycle of oppression and self-despair among the subjugated.