Feet of Clay – Summary
Feet of Clay is the 19th novel in Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series, blending fantasy, satire and mystery. The story centres on the City Watch of Ankh-Morpork, led by Commander Samuel Vimes, as they investigate a series of peculiar murders and the poisoning of Lord Vetinari, the city’s ruler. The narrative also explores the plight of golems – clay creatures bound to serve humans without question—and their quest for freedom.
The plot unfolds with the discovery of two murders: a priest and a museum curator. Simultaneously, Lord Vetinari falls mysteriously ill after being poisoned by candles made in a factory employing golems. The golems, who are typically obedient and incapable of independent thought, have secretly created a “king” golem named Meshugah in an attempt to gain autonomy. However, Meshugah becomes unstable due to conflicting instructions and begins a violent rampage.
As the Watch investigates, they uncover a conspiracy involving Ankh-Morpork’s nobility, who aim to replace Vetinari with a puppet ruler. They even consider elevating Nobby Nobbs, a low-ranking member of the Watch with dubious noble lineage, to the throne. Meanwhile, forensic expert Cheery Littlebottom introduces scientific methods to aid the investigation, marking her journey toward embracing her identity as a female dwarf in a traditionally male-dominated culture.
The climax sees Captain Carrot and Dorfl – a golem who gains self-awareness – confronting Meshugah in the candle factory. Dorfl sacrifices himself but is later revived with newfound autonomy. The conspiracy is thwarted when Nobby refuses kingship, and Vimes exposes the nobles’ schemes. The novel concludes with themes of justice prevailing over elitism and societal change taking root in unexpected ways.
Key Themes
- Freedom and Autonomy: The golems’ struggle mirrors broader questions about free will and self-determination.
- Social Justice: The story critiques class inequality and explores how societal structures oppress marginalised groups.
- Identity: Characters like Cheery challenge traditional norms, highlighting themes of gender identity and self-acceptance.
- Corruption and Power: The novel examines how power can corrupt and how justice can dismantle entrenched hierarchies.
Character Details
Samuel Vimes
Role: Commander of the City Watch
Vimes is pragmatic, fiercely moral, and deeply suspicious of authority. A working-class man at heart, he despises corruption and champions justice for all, regardless of status. His sharp instincts and relentless determination make him an exceptional leader.
Carrot Ironfoundersson
Role: Captain of the City Watch
Carrot is an earnest and honourable dwarf-raised human with an uncanny ability to inspire loyalty. His straightforward nature contrasts with Ankh-Morpork’s cynicism, making him a moral compass for the Watch.
Angua von Überwald
Role: Watch Constable (and werewolf)
Angua grapples with her dual nature as a werewolf while serving in the Watch. Her sharp instincts and courage make her invaluable in investigations, though she struggles with societal prejudice against her kind.
Cheery Littlebottom
Role: Forensics Expert (dwarf)
Cheery breaks dwarfish tradition by openly identifying as female. Her expertise in forensic science revolutionises crime-solving in Ankh-Morpork while her personal journey highlights themes of identity.
Dorfl
Role: Golem member of the Watch
Initially bound by his programming, Dorfl gains autonomy and becomes a symbol of liberation for his kind. His transformation challenges notions of what it means to be alive.
Lord Vetinari
Role: Patrician of Ankh-Morpork
A master manipulator and ruler who values stability above all else, Vetinari’s poisoning sets much of the plot in motion. His survival ensures continuity for the city’s delicate balance.
Nobby Nobbs
Role: Corporal in the Watch
Nobby provides comic relief but also serves as an unlikely candidate for kingship due to his questionable noble lineage. His refusal to accept power underscores his self-awareness.
Dragon King of Arms
Role: Heraldry Expert (and vampire)
A manipulative figure involved in the conspiracy against Vetinari. His elitist views clash with Vimes’ sense of justice.
Meshugah
Role: “King” Golem
Created by other golems to lead them to freedom, Meshugah becomes unstable due to conflicting instructions. His tragic arc underscores the dangers of imposing impossible ideals.
Reader Fit
This book will appeal to:
- Fans of satirical fantasy who enjoy humour mixed with social commentary.
- Mystery lovers intrigued by complex plots involving conspiracies and investigations.
- Readers interested in themes like identity, freedom, and societal change presented through a fantastical lens.
Quick Facts
- Genre: Fantasy / Mystery / Satire
- Publication Year: 1996
- Reading Time Estimate: ~10 hours
- Notable Awards: Prometheus Hall of Fame Award (2010).
Related Books
- “Men at Arms” by Terry Pratchett – Another City Watch adventure exploring themes of race, technology and justice within Discworld’s comedic framework.
- “The Sword-Edged Blonde” by Alex Bledsoe – A noir-inspired fantasy detective story blending mystery with sword-and-sorcery elements.
- “Too Many Magicians” by Randall Garrett – A mix of alternate history and magic featuring Sherlock Holmes-style investigations.
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