Pratchett and patriarchy: A ‘masculinity studies’ reading of Terry Pratchett’s City Watch series

Abstract

Despite gender being a key focus of academic discussion on Discworld, there is minimal scholarly engagement with Pratchett’s masculine spheres. The aim of this thesis is to address the gap in scholarship that discusses Terry Pratchett’s Discworld and apply a ‘masculinity studies’ lens to Discworld. However, this is not an aim easily accomplished. Masculinity presents a theoretical space that is complicated and difficult to navigate. Although ‘masculinity studies’ is no longer a new theoretical lens (having been established for more than 30 years at the time of writing), scholarship that seeks to engage with the complexities of masculinity is frequently ineffective. ‘Masculinity studies’ thrives on decrying patriarchy and critiquing toxic masculinity, but the discipline still struggles to explore more positive readings of masculinity without slipping into conservative rhetoric that calls for a return to more ‘traditional’ modes of masculinity. I embrace the problems of masculinity in all their complexity. This thesis does not shy away from applying the harshest critiques of men in its analysis of the men of Discworld. It takes on the nigh impossible task and attempts to move towards a rhetoric that enables a greater understanding of the tools of transgression available to men that are firmly embedded within the dominant positions of patriarchy. The first half of the thesis will establish the foundational theories of masculinity and gender. It will then draw these frameworks into conversation with the theoretical composition of genre. This marriage between theoretical frames will reveal that Discworld is perfectly situated to identify subversive masculinities, creating a strong foundation for the close readings of Pratchett’s work that follow. Despite Discworld’s relationship to genre, making it the ideal space for subversive masculinities to thrive, previous scholarship has been unable to effectively apply a ‘masculinity studies’ perspective to the series. Before I attempt my own reading of subversive masculinities within Discworld it is necessary to unpack why previous Discworld scholarship has been so ineffective at engaging with masculinity. The second half of this thesis will explore how Samuel Vimes of the City Watch sub-series is able to operate as a subversive masculinity. This will be done in two steps. The first will explore how he is able to deliver a subversive performance of masculinity within his personal life, operating within the genres of fantasy and romance. I will demonstrate that these subversions within his personal life are largely enabled by his cynicism. The second step will be testing the limits and sustainability of his subversions. This investigation will find that Vimes’ role as a policeman comes with a set of obligations to patriarchal systems that inhibit his ability to be subversive. However, he is still able to deliver a subversive performance of gender in marginal situations where the law is in flux.