Questions About Titus Groan (Gormenghast, #1)

Reader Q&A

To ask other readers questions about Titus Groan, please sign up.

Answered Questions (6)

Is this one of those books that is technically good but so tongue in cheek and academic that it is divorced from an organic relation to the folk sensitivities of people, as opposed to say... the work of Tolkien with its huge epic, religious, mystic and traditional representations in earnest? Is this also the sort of book people criticize negatively based on their own ineptitude (e.g. "hard to read")?

The Usual Crikey!
I'm not even going to try to answer the first part of the question because:
1/ It would probably take an entire essay to do the job properly. …moreCrikey!
I'm not even going to try to answer the first part of the question because:
1/ It would probably take an entire essay to do the job properly.
2/ I don't subscribe to Tolstoy's notions of what constitutes "good" and "bad" art. And
3/ I strongly suspect I'm not bright enough to understand what you're driving at.
This brings me to part 2.
To me, Titus Groan is a delight to read, which is more than I can say for Tolkien. Whilst I would never accuse my fellow readers of ineptitude (reserving that for certain best-selling writers), it is a quite densely written book. and does require a decent vocabulary. Presumably this does put a few people off, as does the claustrophobic atmosphere, and the way that the plot is really just something to hang the (frankly gorgeous and deliciously overwritten) descriptive passages on.
It's one of those books that you either love or hate depending on whether you "get it" or not. (less)

flag

What is the significance of specific chapter headings having quotation marks?

Daniel Bristow-Bailey I think the chapter headings with quotation marks are quotes from the text of the chapter.

flag

This question contains spoilers... (view spoiler)

James Griffiths

This answer contains spoilers… (view spoiler)

flag

Why do some of the chapters switch to present tense all of a sudden?

The Scribbling Man I think it's to build tension for the inevitable disaster that is the first breakfast ritual. It also serves as a precursor or "easing in" to "The Rev…moreI think it's to build tension for the inevitable disaster that is the first breakfast ritual. It also serves as a precursor or "easing in" to "The Reveries". Here the thoughts of each character are laid bare, so the present tense is very appropriate, a sort of "train of thought" approach. At least, that's my take. (less)

flag

Should I start this book even if english is not my native language ? I don't mind checking the dictionary 3 times per page on average...