Raising Steam by Terry Pratchett is a humorous yet incisive exploration of innovation and cultural clashes, following the creation of the steam engine in Discworld and the far-reaching consequences it brings to the lives of wizards, dwarfs, and Ankh-Morpork's many unique inhabitants.
Book Details
Book Title: Raising Steam
Author: Terry Pratchett
ISBN: 978-0385538268
Genre: Fantasy, Comedy, Satire
Published Year: 2013
Introduction
Raising Steam, the 40th novel in Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series, combines Pratchett’s hallmark satire and wit with a captivating story about progress and its impact on society. This book introduces the invention of the steam engine, an innovation that transforms Discworld’s city of Ankh-Morpork and has profound effects on its politics, social order, and even its mythological fabric. Through the eyes of characters like Moist von Lipwig, Dick Simnel, and Lord Vetinari, Pratchett humorously examines the benefits and dangers of technological advancements, all while keeping readers deeply engaged in a fast-paced, fantastical journey.
Main Characters
Moist von Lipwig: The brilliant, quick-witted protagonist and Ankh-Morpork’s official “reformed” con man. Moist takes on the challenge of promoting the steam engine, making him the ultimate salesman for progress in a city teetering on the edge of modernization.
Dick Simnel: The inventor and engineer behind the steam engine, also known as “Iron Girder.” Simnel brings a sense of grounded, engineering expertise to Discworld, though his naivety sometimes blinds him to the sociopolitical impact of his invention.
Lord Havelock Vetinari: The powerful Patrician of Ankh-Morpork who sees the potential—and the risks—of the steam engine. As always, Vetinari’s involvement is carefully calculated, subtly guiding the city’s destiny.
Mr. Harry King: Known as the “King of the Golden River,” he’s a businessman dealing in waste management who becomes a financial backer of the railroad and plays a crucial role in bringing the steam engine to the masses.
Dwarf Fundamentalists: A group of conservative dwarfs who view the steam engine as a threat to traditional ways and an affront to their culture. Their opposition to change introduces conflict and serves as a cautionary note on the dangers of fanaticism.
Plot Summary
The Arrival of Iron Girder
The story begins with young engineer Dick Simnel, a lad from Sto Lat who has invented the steam engine, affectionately named “Iron Girder.” Unlike previous Discworld technologies, this invention is both effective and reliable. Dick dreams of connecting cities and transforming transportation, though he has no idea of the cultural shockwaves his creation will cause. After seeing the potential in Dick’s invention, the Patrician Vetinari, ever the opportunist, decides that this invention will propel Ankh-Morpork into a new era.
“She’s a beauty, she is. A marvel. Iron Girder will change the world. Just wait and see.”
Moist von Lipwig Takes Charge
Lord Vetinari tasks Moist von Lipwig, the former con artist now working as a respectable civil servant, with the job of managing this new venture. Although Moist prefers schemes with a bit more flair, he is soon captivated by the potential of the railway and the transformative power of steam. Moist becomes the public face of the railroad project, handling everything from logistics and marketing to public relations, all while navigating the complex politics of Ankh-Morpork and the resistance of conservative groups.
Resistance from the Dwarfs
Not everyone is thrilled about Iron Girder and the prospect of progress. The traditionalist dwarfs see the steam engine as a threat to their customs and values. They fear that it will undermine their culture, turning the railways into a symbolic battleground. As Moist and Simnel work tirelessly to expand the railway, dwarf fundamentalists launch a series of attacks aimed at halting progress. These fanatical factions are willing to go to great lengths, even violence, to prevent the train from unifying the cities and disrupting their way of life.
“Some fear change like they fear fire, but once the fire is lit, it cannot be ignored.”
Building the Railroad
Moist’s project quickly transforms from a single rail line to an ambitious network of tracks designed to connect Ankh-Morpork with distant regions. With Harry King’s financial support and the labor of a vast team of trolls, goblins, and humans, the railroad begins to take shape. Each track laid and bridge built symbolizes more than physical progress; it represents a shift in the way people think about connection, distance, and the power of community.
As the railroad grows, Moist faces numerous obstacles: from engineering challenges to social unrest, including protests and sabotage by the dwarf fundamentalists. Each hurdle only strengthens his resolve, pushing him to turn the project into a symbol of unity and resilience.
The Rise of Goblins and Trolls in Society
One of the remarkable side effects of the steam engine is the role it plays in raising the status of Discworld’s marginalized populations, especially goblins and trolls. Pratchett uses the inclusion of these characters to highlight themes of inclusivity and social progress. Goblins, often viewed as the lowest rung of society, become valuable workers in the construction of the railroad, symbolizing the potential for technology to disrupt social hierarchies and offer new opportunities for underrepresented groups.
“To many, they’re still creatures. But I tell you, anyone who can work a spanner deserves a place on the team.”
The Climax: A Race Against Sabotage
The climax of Raising Steam revolves around a particularly ambitious venture: a rail line extending all the way to Uberwald, where tensions between the dwarfs are highest. Moist, Simnel, and their team race against time, knowing that success would cement the railway’s place in Discworld’s history but also that failure could lead to catastrophic backlash.
As they near Uberwald, the dwarf extremists escalate their efforts, placing the lives of the passengers—and the future of the railroad—in peril. Moist, using his wits and quick thinking, manages to overcome the obstacles, but not without casualties. The journey’s conclusion highlights both the transformative potential and the costs of progress, underlining the challenges of embracing innovation in a resistant society.
Resolution and Acceptance
After a tense journey and many close calls, the railway successfully reaches Uberwald. This achievement is celebrated as a victory for innovation, and Moist’s persistence earns him admiration, even among skeptics. The dwarf rebellion loses steam (pun intended), and the majority of the population, including many dwarfs, come to appreciate the value of the new railway system.
Lord Vetinari’s gamble has paid off: Ankh-Morpork has entered a new era, and the train has become a symbol of progress that crosses racial, cultural, and social lines. Through the trials, the citizens of Ankh-Morpork and beyond learn that change, though intimidating, can lead to a brighter and more connected world.
Themes and Analysis
Innovation vs. Tradition
The book explores the tension between innovation and tradition, emphasizing the struggles that come with adapting to new technologies and the resistance from those who feel their identity is threatened.Social Mobility and Inclusion
By employing marginalized groups like goblins and trolls in the building of the railroad, Pratchett illustrates the capacity of progress to break down social barriers and create new opportunities, echoing themes of inclusivity.Power and Politics
Vetinari’s strategic support for the railway project underlines the subtle ways that leaders wield power and manipulate events to foster change, even as they balance competing interests.Humor and Satire
Pratchett’s unique brand of humor shines throughout, using satire to explore how society grapples with progress, the absurdity of bureaucracy, and the complexity of human nature in a comedic yet insightful way.
Notable Quotes
- “There’s something magnificent in a well-laid track. It says, ‘We’re going somewhere, and you can either join us or stay behind.’”
- “Sometimes, steam’s the answer. Other times, it’s just more hot air.”
- “You can put the world on a schedule, but you can’t force it to enjoy the ride.”
Conclusion
In Raising Steam, Terry Pratchett delivers a story that is both hilarious and thought-provoking, examining the challenges of progress, the fear of change, and the power of innovation. Through memorable characters and clever storytelling, Pratchett demonstrates how one invention—a steam engine—can serve as a vehicle for unity and social transformation, all while poking fun at the peculiarities of bureaucracy and cultural conservatism. Moist von Lipwig’s journey from reluctant railway promoter to visionary leader exemplifies Pratchett’s belief in the potential for individuals to drive change in even the most entrenched societies.
Final Summary
Raising Steam is a witty, insightful novel that uses the steam engine as a metaphor for progress, portraying how societies evolve and adapt despite resistance. Through unforgettable characters and satire, Pratchett underscores the importance of inclusivity, resilience, and humor in facing the inevitability of change.