"Thud!" - Terry Pratchett

When cultures collide, and innocent bystanders are caught in the middle, how far does the right to hold separate beliefs extend? Does one culture have a right to infringe on those beliefs, if its people are in danger? In "Thud!", through his use of Commander Vimes as a catalyst, Terry Pratchett illustrates his belief that the freedoms of individuals supercede those of cultural identity. Reminiscent of the race riots in our country's history, the trolls …

…those with level heads are constantly attempting to keep everyone alive and happy. In this way it is a direct comparison and criticism of our own society. By removing his readers from the situation, and allowing them to be outside observers, Pratchett has managed to portray it in such a way that the problems, and solutions, are clearly visible, while revealing the details of a culture very alien and yet quite similar to our own.