In "The God of Small Things," Arundhati Roy explores the complexities of family dynamics, highlighting how closely family members can understand each other's vulnerabilities. Families possess an intricate knowledge of one another's pain points, akin to doctors who can pinpoint ailments. This insight often leads to emotional turmoil, as they can hurt one another deeply, knowing exactly which wounds to prod.

Roy suggests that the intimate familiarity within families can be both a source of comfort and conflict. The intricate ties that bind family members also make them adept at causing emotional hurt. This duality reflects the struggle for connection and the pain that often accompanies it, exposing the darker sides of love and loyalty in familial relationships.