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Question about Terry Pratchett's Night Watch

Discussion in 'Booktalk' started by Faraaz, Oct 12, 2006.

  1. Faraaz Gems: 26/31
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    Hi...this might seem a bit duh but I was reading Nightwatch yesterday and there's mention of this song called "All the Angels" or something like that. Now, it is portrayed as having a very significant emotional impact on Vimes in multiple instances, but I never really got what the song was about.

    If someone else who's read the book could explain what it means exactly, I'd appreciate it.

    I had another question about Nightwatch...but I can't seem to remember it OTOH at the moment. I made a note of it someplace, so I'll get back on that.

    Cheers!

    [ October 12, 2006, 08:19: Message edited by: Faraaz ]
     
    Faraaz, Oct 12, 2006
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  2. Abomination Gems: 26/31
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    The "All the Angles" song strikes an emotional cord with Vimes because it was the song he associates with the revolution and when hearing the song he remembers all the friends he lost during the revolution.

    When he hears the song he sees the faces of his friends that died.
     
    Abomination, Oct 12, 2006
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  3. Faraaz Gems: 26/31
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    Oh okay...

    But whats with mentioning the different body parts when they are singing it?? I thought that had some significance, but I couldn't figure out what exactly...
     
    Faraaz, Oct 12, 2006
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  4. Fabius Maximus Gems: 19/31
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    Well, here's the text of the song (thanks to L-Space):


    The relevant passage from the books is this one:
    It's the "dirty bits" that are important. Go figure. :D
     
    Fabius Maximus, Oct 12, 2006
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  5. Enagonios Gems: 31/31
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    Night Watch was the most moving Discworld book imo :cry:
     
    Enagonios, Oct 12, 2006
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  6. Faraaz Gems: 26/31
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    @Enagonios: Yep...the scene at the ending, where Vetinari and Vimes are talking in the Graveyard...WOW! Who says Pratchett is only good at satire? The man's a genius...

    Nightwatch was the only book in the Discworld series which has been able to oust Small Gods from the top spot for me! :D

    Edit: What I wanted to know, why are they rising?? :p Is there anything symbolic about it or is it just random song which has emotional impact on Vimes just because of his memories regarding it?
     
    Faraaz, Oct 14, 2006
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  7. Tiana Gems: 3/31
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    Every time I think of the song I think of dead soldiers being pulled off the battlefield like puppets. Like a string being attached to each part, and being tugged up. Kinda grim, but still.
     
    Tiana, Dec 5, 2006
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