The Hangman's Noose Tightens

Moist von Lipwig, a notorious conman, finds himself on the brink of execution under the alias Albert Spangler. As he contemplates his fate, he attempts a desperate escape, only to be thwarted by the guards. This escape attempt is revealed to be a test orchestrated by Lord Vetinari, the ruler of Ankh-Morpork, who has other plans for Moist. Instead of dying, Moist is brought to Vetinari's office, alive but not free, setting the stage for a new chapter in his life.

A Deal with the Devil

Lord Vetinari presents Moist with a choice: become the Postmaster General of the defunct Ankh-Morpork Post Office or face certain death. The position is perilous, as the last four postmasters met mysterious ends. Vetinari's offer is a strategic move to revitalize the postal service, not an act of mercy. Moist, realizing he has no real choice, reluctantly accepts, knowing that Vetinari will have him watched by a golem named Mr. Pump, who will ensure he fulfills his duties.

The Post Office's Ghostly Past

As Moist takes charge of the Post Office, he is confronted with its dilapidated state and the mountains of undelivered mail. The building is filled with whispers and the weight of history, as letters from decades past cry out to be delivered. Moist learns about the tragic fates of his predecessors and the mysterious Sorting Engine, a contraption that once sorted mail but now seems to have a life of its own. The Post Office is more than just a building; it is a tomb of words, haunted by the past.

The Golem's Purpose

In his quest to revive the Post Office, Moist enlists the help of golems, clay creatures who are tireless workers. He meets Adora Belle Dearheart, who runs the Golem Trust, and secures the services of several golems, including the ancient Anghammarad. These golems, with their unwavering dedication to their tasks, become invaluable assets in Moist's plan to deliver the backlog of mail. Despite public unease about golems, Moist sees their potential to transform the Post Office.

The Power of Words

As Moist delves deeper into the Post Office's operations, he becomes attuned to the voices of the letters, which seem to communicate with him. He learns from Professor Pelc that words have power, and the accumulation of undelivered letters has created a kind of magical energy. This revelation drives Moist to commit to delivering every letter, believing that doing so will not only fulfill his duty but also release the trapped energy and restore balance.

The Race Against Time

Moist von Lipwig, the newly appointed Postmaster, boldly challenges the Grand Trunk semaphore system to a race, promising to deliver a message to Genua faster than the clacks. The city buzzes with excitement, and bets are placed on the outcome. Moist, ever the showman, uses the opportunity to captivate the public and undermine the clacks' reputation. However, behind the bravado, he has no concrete plan, relying instead on his ability to improvise and the hope that something will turn up.

The Smoking Gnu's Secret

Moist discovers the Smoking Gnu, a group of former clacks engineers who have been secretly sabotaging the semaphore system. They reveal a plan to disrupt the clacks using a code known as the Woodpecker, which could bring the entire system to a halt. Moist, however, realizes that destroying the clacks would not serve his purpose. Instead, he devises a plan to expose the corruption within the Grand Trunk while keeping the infrastructure intact, ensuring a future for both the clacks and the Post Office.

The Message of the Dead

As the race unfolds, a mysterious message is transmitted across the clacks, purportedly from the spirits of deceased clacks workers. The message accuses the Grand Trunk's board of embezzlement and negligence, leading to the deaths of many employees. This revelation causes an uproar, and the public demands accountability. Moist's plan to use words as weapons succeeds, as the message undermines Gilt's authority and credibility, turning the tide in favor of the Post Office.

The Fall of Reacher Gilt

With the public and authorities now scrutinizing the Grand Trunk, Reacher Gilt's empire begins to collapse. Lord Vetinari, the city's ruler, seizes the opportunity to investigate the allegations, leading to the arrest of Gilt's associates. Gilt himself disappears, leaving behind a legacy of greed and corruption. Moist's cunning and strategic use of information have brought down a powerful adversary, securing the future of the Post Office and restoring balance to the city's communication networks.

A New Era Dawns

With the Grand Trunk in disarray and the Post Office revitalized, Moist von Lipwig finds himself at the helm of a new era in Ankh-Morpork. He is tasked with overseeing both the Post Office and the clacks, ensuring their cooperation and efficiency. Despite his past as a conman, Moist has proven himself a capable leader, using his skills for the greater good. As he looks to the future, he is determined to continue his work, driven by the thrill of the challenge and the promise of redemption.

Characters

Moist von Lipwig

Moist is a master of deception, skilled in the art of persuasion and disguise. Initially self-serving, he is forced into a position of responsibility as the Postmaster General. Throughout his journey, Moist grapples with his past and the moral implications of his actions, slowly evolving from a self-interested trickster to a man with a sense of duty and purpose.

Lord Vetinari

Vetinari is a shrewd and calculating leader who sees potential in Moist's cunning. He orchestrates Moist's near-execution and subsequent appointment as Postmaster General, viewing it as a strategic move to revitalize the postal service. Vetinari's motives are complex, and he remains an enigmatic figure who manipulates events from the shadows.

Mr. Pump

Mr. Pump is a golem assigned to ensure Moist fulfills his duties. He is literal-minded and unwavering in his loyalty to Vetinari's orders. Despite his imposing presence, Mr. Pump represents the potential for redemption and change, as he embodies the idea of a tool gaining autonomy and purpose.

Adora Belle Dearheart

Adora Belle, known as Miss Dearheart, is a strong-willed woman who runs the Golem Trust. She is skeptical of Moist but recognizes his potential to effect change. Her relationship with Moist is marked by tension and mutual respect, and she becomes an important ally in his efforts to reform the Post Office.

Anghammarad

Anghammarad is one of the oldest golems, having served countless masters over millennia. His presence in the Post Office symbolizes the enduring nature of duty and the passage of time. Anghammarad's history and wisdom provide a unique perspective on the challenges Moist faces.

Tolliver Groat

Groat is a long-serving postman who clings to the traditions of the Post Office. He is both a source of comic relief and a repository of institutional knowledge. Groat's dedication to the postal service is unwavering, and he becomes a key supporter of Moist's efforts to revive it.

Stanley Howler

Stanley is a young postman with an intense passion for pins. His peculiar interests and enthusiasm make him an endearing character. Despite his quirks, Stanley is a diligent worker who contributes to the Post Office's revival.

Professor Pelc

Pelc is a wizard who studies the power of words and the effects of accumulated letters. He provides Moist with crucial insights into the magical nature of the Post Office and the potential consequences of leaving the mail undelivered.

Sacharissa Cripslock

Sacharissa is a reporter who takes an interest in Moist's efforts to revive the Post Office. Her probing questions and keen observations challenge Moist to articulate his vision and defend his actions. She plays a role in shaping public perception of the postal service.

Reacher Gilt

Gilt is a powerful figure in the clacks industry, representing the competition to the Post Office. His unscrupulous methods and disregard for ethics make him a formidable adversary for Moist, who must navigate the challenges posed by Gilt's influence.

Plot Devices

The Post Office

The Post Office is more than just a building; it is a repository of undelivered letters and untold stories. Its haunted past and the voices of the letters drive the narrative, compelling Moist to confront the weight of history and the power of words.

The Golems

Golems, as tireless workers, represent the potential for change and the importance of purpose. Their involvement in the Post Office's revival highlights themes of autonomy and the value of labor, challenging societal perceptions of what it means to be a "person."

Stamps

The introduction of stamps revolutionizes the way mail is handled, making it more efficient and accessible. This plot device underscores Moist's ingenuity and determination to adapt the Post Office to a changing world, positioning it as a viable alternative to the clacks.

The Clacks

The clacks system represents both the potential for technological advancement and the pitfalls of corporate greed. Its role in the story highlights the tension between innovation and exploitation, as well as the importance of ethical leadership in guiding progress.

The Woodpecker

The Woodpecker is a code capable of crippling the clacks, symbolizing the power of information as both a weapon and a tool for change. Its potential for destruction forces Moist to consider the broader implications of his actions, ultimately choosing a path that preserves the system while exposing its flaws.

The Message of the Dead

The ghostly message serves as a turning point in the story, galvanizing public opinion against the Grand Trunk. It underscores the theme of accountability and the enduring impact of those who have been wronged. The message's power lies in its ability to transcend death, demanding justice and driving the narrative towards resolution.

Analysis

"Going Postal" by Terry Pratchett is a satirical exploration of redemption, progress, and the power of communication. Through the character of Moist von Lipwig, Pratchett examines the potential for personal transformation and the impact of ethical leadership. The novel critiques corporate greed and the unchecked pursuit of profit, embodied by Reacher Gilt and the clacks system. It highlights the importance of words and stories, both as a means of connection and as tools for change. Ultimately, "Going Postal" is a celebration of ingenuity, resilience, and the enduring power of the written word in a rapidly evolving world.

Last updated: February 3, 2025