What does the author have to says about class (caste) in Chapter 2?

Caste and class are an obsession throughout the novel. Even Ammu, who has married “beneath” herself by marrying a Hindu, is obsessed with not being low class. She doesn't want her children to betray any of her aspirations. She feels this way in spite of the fact that she is a pariah herself, as a divorcee. Velutha and his father are Untouchables, and though they too are Syrian Christian, this has not washed away all the traditions associated with that caste status. Vellya Paapen remembers what it was like when he was treated little better than dirt. He is very concerned that his son’s disregard for his status will cost him in the end. We know as readers that it will, but we don’t know exactly how he pays the price for stepping above his station.