As the 22nd novel of the humorous and satirical Discworld series, “The Last Continent” (1998) by Terry Pratchett continues to explore the fantastical universe on the backs of four elephants standing on a giant turtle. This novel, like the others in the series, is a layered confection of wit, humor, and clever jabs at real-world issues and stereotypes. But who exactly might appreciate this book? Well, fans of fantasy, satire, and comedy, certainly. But there’s a wider audience who may find themselves captivated by Pratchett’s unique brand of storytelling. This article will delve deeper into the type of reader who might get the most enjoyment out of “The Last Continent”.
What’s the Plot of The Last Continent (1998)?
“The Last Continent” is a fantasy novel by Terry Pratchett, set in the Discworld series. The plot focuses on the wizard Rincewind, who is unwillingly sent to the barren and dangerous continent of XXXX (EcksEcksEcksEcks, a parody of Australia) by the Unseen University’s magical device, the Librarian. The Librarian is suffering from a mysterious disease, and the only cure lies in this unknown continent.
Meanwhile, the other wizards also travel to the same land, but in a different time. They are trapped in a time paradox on an island with the God of Evolution, who is experimenting with creating new creatures. They try to manipulate time to get back home but instead end up in the past, inadvertently shaping the development of the continent.
Rincewind’s adventures involve encounters with talking kangaroos, deadly creatures, and the unique culture of XXXX. He discovers the continent is facing an impending doom of never-ending drought. The plot deepens as Rincewind learns that he is the ‘chosen one’ who must find the continent’s missing rain to save it.
The narrative is filled with satire, humor, and Pratchett’s classic wit, as it explores themes of time travel, evolution, and cultural stereotypes. The wizards’ misadventures with time and Rincewind’s quest to find the rain culminate in a thrilling climax, where they must all come together to prevent the destruction of the last continent.
Main Characters
“The Last Continent” by Terry Pratchett is filled with quirky, interesting characters, each with their own unique personalities and roles.
1. Rincewind: The main protagonist of the story, Rincewind is a hapless wizard who seems to frequently find himself in troublesome situations. Despite his ineptitude at magic, he often manages to save the day, usually by accident. He is characterized by his sarcastic wit, pessimism, and knack for survival.
2. The Luggage: Rincewind’s loyal and seemingly indestructible companion, The Luggage, is a sentient suitcase made from magical sapient pearwood. It follows Rincewind everywhere, often intervening in dangerous situations to protect its owner.
3. The Librarian: The Librarian is a wizard who was transformed into an orangutan in a magical accident and decided to stay that way because it was more convenient for climbing bookshelves. He communicates with a series of “ook” and “eek” noises and is fiercely protective of his library.
4. Ponder Stibbons: Ponder is a young, overworked and underappreciated wizard who serves as the reader’s guide to the inner workings of Unseen University. He is the head of Inadvisably Applied Magic and is often the voice of reason among the senior wizards.
5. The Senior Wizards: The bickering group of wizards includes Archchancellor Mustrum Ridcully, who is known for his loud voice and brash demeanor, and several other eccentric characters such as the Bursar, who suffers from “dried frog pills” induced hallucinations, and the Dean, who is characterized by his rebellious nature.
6. The God of Evolution: A unique character who is constantly experimenting with life forms on the Discworld, trying to perfect his creations. He is portrayed as somewhat clueless and detached from his creations’ realities.
7. The Death: As with most Discworld novels, Death makes an appearance in “The Last Continent”. He is represented as a skeletal figure who communicates in capital letters and has a dry sense of humor. Despite his grim role, Death is often one of the most compassionate characters in the series.
Main Themes of The Last Continent (1998)
The Last Continent by Terry Pratchett is rich in themes, including time and reality, culture and identity, and the role of knowledge.
One of the book’s major themes is the concept of time and reality. This theme is expressed through the character of Rincewind, who is transported back in time and is tasked with shaping the history of XXXX, a continent that closely resembles Australia. The author uses this theme to explore the idea of the fluidity of reality and how our actions can alter the course of history.
Culture and identity is another dominant theme in the book. Pratchett uses satirical depictions of Australian culture and landmarks to address this theme. For example, the city of Bugarup is a satirical representation of Sydney, featuring a parody of the Sydney Opera House. The theme of culture and identity is also explored through the character of Rincewind, who is an outsider in the continent of XXXX and must navigate its unique culture and customs.
The theme of the role of knowledge is also central to the narrative. The wizards of the Unseen University, in their quest to understand the nature of the mysterious continent, are portrayed as embodiments of the pursuit of knowledge. The book presents knowledge as a tool for survival, as the wizards must use their understanding of their surroundings to navigate the challenges they encounter.
Lastly, the book also discusses the theme of destiny versus free will. This is depicted in the storyline of Rincewind, who finds himself in a series of events beyond his control. The theme questions whether we are mere puppets of fate or if we have the power to influence our own destiny.
Through these themes, The Last Continent provides a humorous and thoughtful commentary on the nature of reality, the importance of cultural identity, the pursuit of knowledge, and the debate between destiny and free will.
If you enjoyed this, Try these.
If you enjoy Terry Pratchett’s “The Last Continent,” there are a number of other books you might also enjoy. For starters, if you haven’t already dived into Pratchett’s other Discworld novels, you should definitely do so. Some notable recommendations are “Mort,” “Guards! Guards!” and “Going Postal”. Each book in this series blends humor, fantasy, and social commentary in a unique way, just like “The Last Continent”.
Douglas Adams’ “Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” series is another option. This series shares Pratchett’s unique blend of humor, fantasy, and science fiction, along with his knack for satirizing societal norms.
Neil Gaiman’s “American Gods” and “Good Omens,” co-written with Pratchett, are other great choices. Both books offer a blend of fantasy, humor, and mythology that fans of “The Last Continent” should appreciate.
If you enjoy the satirical elements of “The Last Continent”, you might also enjoy books by Christopher Moore, such as “Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ’s Childhood Pal” or “A Dirty Job”. Moore’s books are known for their humor, satire, and unique takes on familiar stories.
Finally, for a slightly different take on fantasy and humor, consider Jasper Fforde’s “Thursday Next” series, starting with “The Eyre Affair”. This series is set in an alternate version of England where literature is taken very seriously, and the lines between fiction and reality are often blurred.
Meta: Explore the whimsical world of The Last Continent, Terry Pratchett’s 1998 Discworld novel. Dive into its humor, satire, and unique storyline.