 First edition cover - 1950 |
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| Author | Mervyn Peake |
|---|---|
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Series | Gormenghast |
| Genre(s) | Gothic, Fantasy |
| Publisher | Eyre & Spottiswoode |
| Publication date | 1950 |
| Media type | Print (Hardback & Paperback) |
| ISBN | NA |
| Preceded by | Titus Groan |
| Followed by | Titus Alone |
Gormenghast is a novel by Mervyn Peake, and is the second book in his Gormenghast series of novels (sometimes known as The Titus Books).
Plot summary
The second book follows the story of Titus from the age of seven to seventeen. Titus, as the 77th earl and lord of Gormenghast, dreads the life of pre-ordained ritual that stretches before him. Steerpike, as Master of Ritual, is seen by Titus as the embodiment of all he wants to rebel against. Steerpike, however, is in reality a dangerous traitor to Gormenghast, and is eventually unmasked as a murderer, and later killed by Titus. At the end of the novel, Titus leaves Gormenghast to explore a wider world.
Another major plot is the unusual romance between Irma Prunesquallor and Titus' headmaster, Professor Bellgrove.
An important development for Titus is his brief meeting with his "foster sister" the Wild Girl, daughter of Titus' wet-nurse Keda of the Bright Carvers. The Wild Girl, being an illegitimate child, is exiled by the Carvers and lives a feral life in the forests around Gormenghast. Titus is entranced by her wild grace, and sets out to meet her. He does so, and holds her briefly, but she flees him and is fatally struck by lightning. However, her fierce independence inspires Titus, and gives him courage to leave his home.
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