Westmark: Resisting Tyranny

[markgritter]

Marissa's supplemental reading for the Westmark book discussion was Teckla and Night Watch, but I think she picked the wrong Pratchett. She ought to have read The Truth and Going Postal--- and not just for the obvious connection with Theo's trade.

Comments

[mrissa]

Good stuff, hon. Thanks.

[swan_tower]

I like the way you bring those points back to Mickle in the end.

[aedifica]

I mostly agree with you, but I disagree that Las Bombas is acting in response to abuse of power. I think he'd be much the same under any reign. I'd be interested to hear why you think otherwise, though.

[markgritter]

I don't think the text will bear a straightforward "response", but maybe I can fall back on "resistance". Las Bombas would certainly view the legitimate ruler as just as much an interference to his trades. In that way he is closer to the revolutionaries than to anybody else.

The book certainly invites us to view him as one of the good guys. Is it merely because he's a comic figure? Or is it because of the context?

But, when Las Bombas actually faces Cabbarus--- and this is when the responses are most strongly delineated--- he tries his medicinal flim-flam first and the truth about his ghost-raising only second.

[mrissa]

Also, a less authoritarian system would have been less likely/able to let him get away with hiding Theo under the cloak of the Count's General costume, because who cares if you're a general, who's that you've got?

[mkille]

It is Mickle's background in thievery and fraud that puts her in a position to bring about justice.

And indeed is reflected in the way she brings about justice, theatrically/performatively.

[pameladean]

What an elegant analysis.

P.