In the realm of fantasy literature, few names resonate as deeply as Terry Pratchett. His Discworld series has captured the hearts of countless readers worldwide, and “Mort,” the fourth installment, is particularly noteworthy. This article explores the audiences who are likely to relish this unique blend of humor, philosophy, and fantasy. From fans of witty satire to lovers of profound existential themes, “Mort” (1987) offers a captivating reading experience. Whether you’re a dedicated Pratchett fan or a curious newcomer to his work, join us as we delve into the fascinating world of Discworld and discover why “Mort” might just be your next favorite read.
What’s the Plot of Mort (1987)?
Mort is a novel by Terry Pratchett and is part of the Discworld series. In the story, the main character, Mortimer, known as Mort, is a young, clumsy, and unremarkable boy. Until one day, Death comes to him, not to take his life, but to offer him a job. Mort becomes Death’s apprentice, learning the ropes of the family business. He starts to enjoy his new role, especially when he saves Princess Keli’s life, altering reality in the process. However, as Mort becomes more and more involved in the human world, he starts to neglect his duties, causing the fabric of reality to slowly unravel. Meanwhile, Death, free from his duties, tries to understand what it means to be human, engaging in activities like fishing and drinking. In the end, Mort must fix the reality he disrupted and faces a duel with his boss, Death, to save his love, Princess Keli, and restore balance to the universe.
Main Characters
“Mort” is the fourth book in Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series. The main characters in this novel are Mort, Death, Ysabell, and Princess Keli.
1. Mort: The title character, Mortimer (Mort) is a lanky, awkward young man who begins the novel in search of employment. His unusual nature makes it difficult for him to find a traditional job, leading to his apprenticeship to Death. Mort is kind-hearted, curious, and has a strong sense of justice, which often leads him into trouble.
2. Death: A recurring character in the Discworld series, Death is a skeletal figure who speaks in capital letters. Despite his terrifying appearance, Death is not evil; rather, he is a neutral figure tasked with maintaining the balance of life and death. He takes Mort on as his apprentice, teaching him the ways of his duty. Death’s character is often marked by dry humor and a peculiar fascination with humanity.
3. Ysabell: Ysabell is Death’s adopted human daughter. She lives in Death’s domain, a place where time stands still, and has been sixteen years old for thirty-five years when she meets Mort. Ysabell is initially portrayed as petulant and spoiled, but she reveals a more compassionate side as the story progresses.
4. Princess Keli: Princess Keli becomes a ghost after a failed assassination attempt. She is a strong-willed character who refuses to accept her death and hire Mort to reverse it. Keli is determined to secure her rightful place as queen, displaying courage and ingenuity in the face of adversity.
Each character in the book “Mort” is unique and adds depth to the story, making it a delightful and compelling read.
Main Themes of Mort (1987)
“Mort” (1987) by Terry Pratchett is a part of the Discworld series, and like other books in the series, it explores various themes that are deeply philosophical yet presented with a layer of humor and satire.
One of the central themes of “Mort” is the concept of Death and our perception of it. The character of Death is presented not as a terrifying figure, but as an entity trying to understand the complexities of human nature. Pratchett uses the character of Death to provoke thoughts about the inevitability of our mortality and the various ways individuals perceive and deal with it.
Another significant theme is the nature of reality and the idea of alternate realities. This is depicted through the concept of “Death’s Domain,” a place that exists outside of normal space and time. The alteration of reality is also shown when Mort, the main character, saves Princess Keli from death, thus creating a separate reality where she’s alive.
Identity and self-discovery are explored through the journey of Mort. Mort, as an apprentice to Death, learns about himself, matures, and gradually finds his place in the world. His transformation offers insights into the universal human quest for purpose and identity.
The idea of free will versus destiny is also a recurring theme. While the Discworld operates under a system of predestination, Mort’s actions disrupt the established order, raising questions about the power of individual choice and its impact on predetermined paths.
Lastly, Pratchett presents a satirical critique of societal norms and institutions. He uses humor and wit to challenge and mock various aspects of society, from politics and royalty to social hierarchy and the concept of heroism. This satirical perspective encourages the reader to question and reassess commonly accepted beliefs and conventions.
If you enjoyed this, Try these.
If you’re a fan of Terry Pratchett’s “Mort” and its splendid mix of fantasy, humor, and philosophical musings, there are several other books that you might enjoy.
1. “Good Omens” by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman: A delightful blend of humor, horror, and the surreal. This story of an angel and a demon teaming up to prevent the apocalypse features Pratchett’s signature wit and Gaiman’s knack for mythology.
2. “Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” by Douglas Adams: Like Pratchett, Adams is known for his satirical humor and imaginative sci-fi world-building. If you enjoy the absurdity and cleverness of “Mort”, you’ll likely appreciate Adams’ work.
3. “Stardust” by Neil Gaiman: A romantic adventure story with a healthy dose of fantasy, “Stardust” showcases Gaiman’s ability to combine whimsy and darkness in a way that’s reminiscent of Pratchett’s style.
4. “Piers Anthony’s Xanth” series: This series of fantasy novels is known for its humor and clever wordplay, much like “Mort”. Each book in the series takes place in the magical land of Xanth and features a cast of quirky characters.
5. “The Colour of Magic” by Terry Pratchett: This is the first book in the Discworld series, and if you enjoyed “Mort”, it’s worth going back to the start and seeing where it all began.
6. “Neverwhere” by Neil Gaiman: This urban fantasy novel is packed with the same kind of imaginative world-building and dry humor that makes “Mort” such a delight.
7. “Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell” by Susanna Clarke: This book offers a blend of historical fiction and fantasy, centering around two magicians in 19th-century England. It’s filled with wit, charm, and magical happenings, much like “Mort”.
8. “The Eyre Affair” by Jasper Fforde: Much like Pratchett, Fforde is known for his humorous and imaginative storytelling. This book, which follows a literary detective named Thursday Next, is a fun and clever adventure through literature and time.