Mark Reads ‘Hogfather’: Part 5

In the fifth part of Hogfather, Susan confronts her grandfather. Intrigued? Then it’s time for Mark to read Discworld. 

So, I’ll admit that I think the placement of certain scenes still doesn’t make a lot of sense to me. If the surprise is that Death is the Hogfather, then why not move his scene where we watch him be the Hogfather to a point after this? It would feel less jarring to the reader. Of course, I’m providing feedback from a limited place. I could easily get to the end of Hogfather and realize this was all for a point, but I react based on what I know.

This section, however, is not at all confusing. Oh, y’all, it’s such a treat to read, and the dialogue here is sharp, funny, and illuminating. So much is confirmed, yet it never feels like an info dump or exposition-heavy sludge. Pratchett allows the conversation to flow naturally, complete with interjections from Albert. But the whole thing help solidify why Susan was so resistant to helping. It really is about normalcy for her. The contradiction, of course, comes from the fact that she’ll never be normal. Ever. And yet, she’s managed to find something that may be the closest she’ll ever get to stability and humanity. Why would she give that up?

I’d say that also explains her reaction to learning that Death is the Hogfather. In her mind, it’s a perversion; he’s taken something that is “normal” to others and made it… well, actually, he’s still done the job. He hasn’t ruined anything, has he? He and Albert have perfectly substituted themselves for the real thing, so it’s not like Susan has a grievance beyond her own bias. Really, that’s what this comes down to, doesn’t it?

I don’t want to simplify this. Susan has totally fair reasons for not wanting to get involved, for wanting stability, and for complaining about Death’s possible destruction of an important holiday for other people. (Not for Susan, of course.) But the whole thing is so WEIRD. The Hogfather is dead! Somehow, Teatime killed Hogfather. How??? And why is it that Pratchett keeps this a secret from the reader, too? Death hints that he knows how it happens, and he outright confirms that he took over the job once he found out. So… WHAT HAPPENED. The whole bit where Albert and Death discuss this after leaving Susan didn’t help me feel any closer to understanding the story. Why can’t a human be involved? Does Susan count as one since she’s special? If Death knows the Auditors caused this, then how is he repairing it? What happens after Hogswatch? Is this all occurring because the Auditors consider the Hogfather “sloppy thinking”?

BUT LET’S TALK ABOUT SUSAN VISITING DEATH’S HOUSE. First of all: Death upgraded! He technically redecorated! I find this very sincere and 100% adorable, and you can’t convince me otherwise. Why? BECAUSE HE COLLECTS CATS NOW. THAT IS THE BEST IMPROVEMENT POSSIBLE. Ever. Automatically refilling bowls of cream! Tons of furry friends to hang out with! I better get one scene with Death covered in cats.

Anyway, there is a moment here that’s important beyond my love of cats, I promise. Susan discovers the room where gods’s lifetimers are kept, but I don’t think Death broke the Hogfather’s timer. It doesn’t make sense to me! Maybe that is what Teatime did? Sort of? Hmmmm, okay, that’s not the best theory ever. How is that tower connected to this?

WHO WAS THAT GNOME SPEAKING WITH JACK FROST??? This part left me with so many questions, y’all. But that’s a good thing, I promise!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MAmnEFZw3o

Mark Links Stuff

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