Equal Rites (1987), penned by the formidable Terry Pratchett, is the third novel in his iconic Discworld series. This whimsical and witty narrative explores the fascinating world of magic, witches, and wizards, and challenges traditional gender roles within these mystical realms. In this article, we will delve into the distinctive characters, captivating plot, and sharp, humorous writing style of Equal Rites to help potential readers identify whether this book aligns with their literary tastes. Whether you’re a fantasy enthusiast, a fan of feminist narratives, a comedy aficionado, or simply someone who appreciates a cleverly constructed story, Equal Rites may just be the perfect addition to your bookshelf.
What’s the Plot of Equal Rites?
Equal Rites is the third novel in Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series. The story introduces Eskarina Smith, a young girl who is destined to become a wizard. However, the Discworld is not ready to accept a female wizard. The dying wizard, Drum Billet, mistakenly passes on his wizarding powers to Eskarina, believing she was a newborn boy. Granny Weatherwax, a powerful witch, becomes her reluctant guardian and mentor, realizing the girl’s extraordinary magical abilities.
Together, they embark on a journey to the Unseen University in Ankh-Morpork, the city of wizards, to fight the ingrained prejudice against female wizards and to ensure Eskarina gets the education she needs. Along the way, they encounter various magical phenomena and creatures, and Eskarina learns to control her powers.
The climax of the story involves a fierce magical battle between Eskarina and an ancient, malevolent entity trying to enter the Discworld. After defeating the entity, Eskarina proves her worth and challenges the stereotypes of the Discworld, showing that regardless of gender, anyone can excel in magic. In the end, she chooses to become a witch, seeing more value in witchcraft’s practicality and connection to the world.
Main Characters
Equal Rites is a novel by Terry Pratchett, the third in his Discworld series. The main characters are:
1. Eskarina Smith (Esk): She is the main protagonist of the novel. Esk is the eighth child of an eighth son and, according to tradition, should have been a wizard. However, she is born a girl and is instead trained as a witch by Granny Weatherwax. She is highly intelligent, stubborn, and possesses powerful magical abilities that she struggles to control.
2. Granny Weatherwax: An experienced and powerful witch known for her wisdom and toughness. She becomes Esk’s mentor and guides her through the challenges of learning magic. Granny is known for her no-nonsense attitude, sharp wit, and a deep understanding of human nature. She is also a recurring character in Pratchett’s Discworld series.
3. Simon: He is a wizard-in-training at the Unseen University. Simon is highly intelligent but lacks the practical understanding of magic. He becomes a friend and ally to Esk, who helps him understand the more practical aspects of magic.
4. Archchancellor Cutangle: He is the head of the Unseen University and represents the traditional wizarding world’s views on gender roles. Despite this, he is open-minded enough to recognize Esk’s potential and allows her to attend the University.
5. Drum Billet: He is an old wizard who anticipates his death and plans to pass on his wizarding powers to the eighth son of an eighth son. However, due to a mix-up, he ends up passing his powers to Esk. His ghost occasionally appears in the book, watching over Esk.
The characters in Equal Rites are well-developed and each plays a crucial role in addressing the book’s central themes of gender equality, the value of knowledge, and the power of self-belief.
Main Themes of Equal Rites (1987)
Equal Rites, the third book in Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series, presents several themes that challenge societal norms and provoke thought about gender roles, equality, and the power of belief.
One of the primary themes in Equal Rites is gender equality. The book centers on Eskarina Smith, a girl who, against all odds and societal norms, is born with the ability to do wizardry. In the Discworld universe, wizardry is traditionally a male domain, and women are expected to be witches. This challenges the deeply ingrained belief that only men can be wizards and women can only be witches. By focusing on Esk’s journey to become a wizard, Pratchett explores the limitations society places on individuals based on their gender and emphasizes the importance of challenging and defying such restrictions.
Another crucial theme in Equal Rites is the power of belief. Throughout the book, the characters’ beliefs – whether about magic, gender roles, or themselves – greatly influence their behaviors and the events that unfold. For example, Granny Weatherwax, a witch who becomes Esk’s mentor, is skeptical of Esk’s potential as a wizard, primarily because of her traditional beliefs about gender roles in magic. However, as she witnesses Esk’s abilities, Granny’s belief changes, highlighting how belief can shape reality.
The book also plays with the theme of tradition versus change. It showcases the struggle between the old ways of thinking and the necessity of adapting to new ideas and circumstances. While the Unseen University, the wizards’ school, is steeped in tradition and resistant to change, Esk’s arrival challenges these traditions and forces the wizards to reconsider their long-held beliefs.
In conclusion, Equal Rites deftly explores themes of gender equality, power of belief, and tradition versus change, using humor and wit to challenge societal norms and provoke critical thinking.
If you enjoyed this, Try these.
If you enjoyed Equal Rites (1987), there are several other books you might also enjoy. These books share similar themes, humor, and fantastic world-building as seen in Equal Rites.
1. “The Color of Magic” by Terry Pratchett: If you enjoyed Equal Rites, you might enjoy other novels from the Discworld series. The Color of Magic is the first book in the series and introduces readers to the unique and hilarious universe of Discworld.
2. “Good Omens” by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman: This book combines Pratchett’s humor and knack for creating fantastical worlds with Gaiman’s darker, more dramatic storytelling. The result is a humorous yet thought-provoking tale about the apocalypse.
3. “Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” by Douglas Adams: This book also combines humor with fantastical elements to create a unique and entertaining story. The humor is similar to Pratchett’s, making it a great choice for fans of Equal Rites.
4. “Neverwhere” by Neil Gaiman: This book shares Pratchett’s knack for creating unique and detailed worlds. The story is a bit darker than Equal Rites, but still contains elements of humor and whimsy.
5. “Stardust” by Neil Gaiman: Like Equal Rites, Stardust is a fantastical adventure with a fair share of humor and wit. The story takes place in a magical world filled with witches, unicorns, and falling stars.
6. “The Eyre Affair” by Jasper Fforde: This book is the first in a series that combines humor, fantasy, and mystery. It’s set in an alternative 1980s England where literature is taken very seriously, and the line between fiction and reality is blurred.
7. “Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell” by Susanna Clarke: This book, like Equal Rites, features magic in a non-traditional setting. It’s a blend of historical fiction and fantasy, with a good dose of British humor.
These books all share similar elements with Equal Rites, making them great options for anyone looking for their next fantasy read.