J.R.R. Tolkien

2007-07-04T14:41:12Z

210.13.105.23: Replacing page with '=Analyses'

=Analyses

Terry Pratchett

2007-07-04T06:34:36Z

210.13.105.23:

Creator of the ''Discworld'' series, has also written several children's books and early works which are unrelated to the Discworld, or contain embryonic Discworld features only.

'''* The Discworld:'''

The Discworld is a flat world carried on the back of four elephants, who in turn ride upon a giant turtle swimming through space. It is populated with archetypes, parodies and myths garnered from 'our' world made literal - for example, on the Disc, Death really ''is'' a skeleton carrying a scythe. It is a series which began as a light-hearted comic look at science-fiction and fantasy conventions such as wizards and witches, and moved into a much deeper analysis of folk myths and archetypes. The most recent books in the series have shown a new social criticism which creates ironic parallels between 'our' world and the Discworld as a means of satirizing modern politics and current events. Pratchett has always been a social commentator/observer, but his humour and wit now focuses on current events rather than generalities.

'''* Feminist agenda:'''

Pratchett's female characters, like his writing style, have evolved tremendously, and while they never suscribed to the 'token bimbo love interest' stereotype - indeed, this is one stereotype Pratchett parodies - they have moved beyond a refutation of the bimbo stereotype and into a class of their own. His women are typically strong, independent, often unconventional (in both looks and mentality), and span a wide age range. Notable recurring characters include:
* [[Granny Weatherwax|Esmerelda (Esme) 'Granny' Weatherwax]], Lancre 'head' witch, expert in 'headology' and 'borrowing'
* [[Agnes Nitt]], one-time opera singer, ex-goth (as 'Perdita X Dream'), now Lancre witch and a fat girl with a thin girl (her alter-ego, Perdita) and a lot of chocolate inside
* [[Lady Sybil|Lady Sybil Vimes]] (nee Ramkin), dragon-breeder, also runs the Sunshine Sanctuary for sick dragons, has a magnificent bosom, and is one of the 'Ladies who Organise'
* [[Mrs Palm|Mrs Rosemary 'Rosie' Palm]], a lady of 'negociable affection', now runs the euphemistically-named Seamstresses' Guild in Ankh-Morpork
* [[Cherri Littlebottom|Corporal Cheery Littlebottom]], works in the Ankh-Morpork Watch, one of the first to defy dwarf tradition and assert her female sexuality (and to wear boots sporting welded-on high heels)
* [[Tiffany
1000
Aching]], a student witch near Lancre
As well as these recurring characters, individual books in the series also feature feminist issues such as the right to equal education (''[[Equal Rites (novel)|Equal Rites]]'') and the issue of women in the armed forces (''[[Monstrous Regiment (Pratchett novel)|Monstrous Regiment]]'').

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[[category:1948 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Writers]]
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J.R.R. Tolkien

Terry Pratchett