Titus Groan

Main Ideas

• Isolation and Tradition: Gormenghast Castle symbolizes isolation and traditions that dominate the lives of its inhabitants. Characters live in a world where rituals and customs are of utmost importance, and any deviation from them is seen as a threat.
• Power and Ambition: The book explores themes of power and ambition through characters like Sepulchrave and Steerpike. Their quest for power and manipulation of those around them demonstrate how ambition can destroy and change lives.
• Individuality and Rebellion: Characters like Fuchsia and Steerpike represent individuality and rebellion against the established order. Their inner conflicts and desire for freedom reflect the struggle for self-determination in a world where everything is predetermined.
• Dark Atmosphere and Gothic Style: Mervyn Peake creates a dark and gothic atmosphere that permeates the entire novel. The description of the castle, its inhabitants, and the surrounding world emphasizes a sense of hopelessness and confinement.
• Psychological Depth of Characters: The book pays great attention to the inner world of the characters, their thoughts, feelings, and motivations. This allows the reader to gain a deeper understanding of their actions and see how they cope with the pressures of the surrounding world.