If you’re a fan of witty, satirical writing with a bit of fantasy and suspense thrown in, then Terry Pratchett’s 1997 novel, ‘Jingo’, could be an enjoyable read for you. This book, the 21st installment in the beloved Discworld series, has garnered a diverse following from different walks of life. From ardent fantasy enthusiasts to lovers of political wit, anyone looking for a mix of humor, intrigue, and thought-provoking themes might find themselves engrossed in the pages of ‘Jingo’. In this article, we’ll delve into the various aspects of the book and discuss why it appeals to such a broad spectrum of readers.
What’s the Plot of Jingo (1997)?
Jingo is the twenty-first novel in Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series. The story revolves around the sudden emergence of a new island in the sea between Ankh-Morpork and Al-Khali, causing a dispute between the two cities about its ownership. This situation brings the cities to the brink of war. Sam Vimes, Commander of Ankh-Morpork’s City Watch, wants to prevent the war, as he believes it is a result of political manipulation and has nothing to do with the common people. Meanwhile, his subordinate, Sergeant Colon, has been appointed as the Ambassador of Ankh-Morpork and is sent to Al-Khali for peace talks. Parallel to this, there is a subplot involving a plot to assassinate the Klatchian prince, which Vimes investigates. The novel explores themes of war, diplomacy, racism, and nationalism through satire and humor.
Main Characters
Jingo, a novel by Terry Pratchett, features an array of prominent characters who contribute to the development of the story.
1. Commander Samuel Vimes: The Commander of the Ankh-Morpork City Watch, Vimes is a central figure in the novel. His commitment to truth and justice underlines many of the book’s key themes. Despite his gruff exterior, Vimes is a deeply moral character, guided by a strong sense of duty, fairness, and an innate distrust of authority.
2. Corporal Carrot Ironfoundersson: Adopted by dwarves, Carrot is technically the rightful king of Ankh-Morpork but has no interest in claiming the throne. His naïve demeanor hides his innate intelligence and leadership qualities. His unique ability to unite people from different backgrounds and species plays a vital role in the storyline of Jingo.
3. Sergeant Fred Colon and Corporal Nobby Nobbs: These are two long-serving members of the City Watch. Colon is a simple-minded and somewhat lazy character, while Nobbs is a cunning rogue with a good heart. Their banter and antics provide much of the comic relief in Jingo.
4. Lord Havelock Vetinari: The Patrician of Ankh-Morpork, Vetinari is a cunning and highly intelligent character who rules the city with a subtle hand. He is known for his Machiavellian tactics and dry wit.
5. Leonard of Quirm: A genius inventor who is kept under lock and key by Vetinari due to his dangerous inventions. His brilliant yet naive mind is put to use in the war efforts in Jingo.
6. Captain Leonard da Quirm: A genius inventor who is incredibly creative but lacks common sense. His inventions often cause chaos and destruction, leading to humorous situations throughout the novel.
7. 71-Hour Ahmed: A representative from Klatch who has spent enough time in Ankh-Morpork to understand its people and politics. His nickname comes from a Klatchian saying about how long one can go without sleep under extreme conditions.
Each character in Jingo contributes to the novel’s exploration of themes such as war, xenophobia, and the nature of power. Their unique personalities and perspectives help to create a rich and engaging narrative.
Main Themes of Jingo (1997)
Jingo, the 21st novel in Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series, explores several key themes, including jingoism, nationalism, prejudice, and the absurdity of war.
Jingoism, the extreme patriotism that includes an aggressive foreign policy, is the primary theme of this novel, as suggested by the title itself. It is portrayed through the city-state of Ankh-Morpork and its rivalry with Klatch over the newly emerged land. Pratchett uses this scenario to critique the irrational fervor that often accompanies nationalism and the tendency to resort to conflict over diplomacy.
The theme of nationalism is also prevalent in Jingo. Pratchett uses the citizens of Ankh-Morpork to depict how national identity can be manipulated by those in power to justify acts of aggression. He also illustrates how nationalism can lead to an us-versus-them mentality, which further fuels prejudice and xenophobia.
Prejudice is another significant theme explored in the novel. The book examines the deep-rooted prejudices that exist between Ankh-Morporkians and Klatchians. Pratchett uses humor to expose the irrationality of such prejudices and highlights the importance of understanding and tolerance in overcoming them.
The absurdity of war is another central theme in Jingo. The novel satirizes the political and social circumstances that lead to war, as well as the futile and destructive outcomes of such conflicts. It emphasizes how those in power often manipulate patriotic sentiments to wage war for their own interests.
Through these themes, Jingo provides a witty yet profound commentary on the complexities of nationalism, the dangers of jingoism, and the irrationality of war and prejudice.
If you enjoyed this, Try these.
If you enjoyed reading ‘Jingo’ by Terry Pratchett, a part of the hilarious and thought-provoking Discworld series, you may also enjoy the following books:
1. ‘Good Omens’ by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman: This book combines Pratchett’s humor and wit with Gaiman’s mastery of fantasy. The End of the World is near, and the armies of Good and Evil are amassing. Everything appears to be going to Divine Plan, except for an angel, a demon, and an 11-year-old Antichrist.
2. ‘Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy’ by Douglas Adams: This classic science fiction comedy shares Pratchett’s sense of humor and unique perspective on life, the universe, and everything. It follows the adventures of Arthur Dent, a hapless Earthling, through space.
3. ‘Going Postal’ by Terry Pratchett: Another brilliant installment in the Discworld series. Moist von Lipwig, a con artist, is given a second chance at life and must restore the city’s post office.
4. ‘The Color of Magic’ by Terry Pratchett: The first book in the Discworld series and a great read for anyone who enjoyed ‘Jingo.’ The story follows Rincewind, a hapless wizard, as he tries to guide a naive tourist through the perils of Discworld.
5. ‘Neverwhere’ by Neil Gaiman: This urban fantasy novel shares Pratchett’s ability to create complex, fantastic worlds that mirror our own in strange and humorous ways. It follows Richard Mayhew, a young man who becomes embroiled in the hidden world of London Below.
6. ‘The Long Earth’ by Terry Pratchett and Stephen Baxter: This novel combines Pratchett’s humor and wit with Baxter’s science fiction prowess. It explores a series of parallel Earths and the journey of one man who can ‘step’ between them.
All of these books share Pratchett’s humor, distinctive characters, and imaginative world-building, making them good choices for fans of ‘Jingo.’