Mervyn Peake is one of the most influential representatives of such science fiction genre as steampunk. He is mostly renowned for his Gormenghast series. In this article, I would like to discuss its novel Titus Alone which eloquently illustrates the conflict between modernity and conservatism.
The main character of this story Titus is accustomed to living in Gormenghast Castle which shields him from the outside world. Yet, he eventually decides to leave this medieval place and goes on a journey. After long years of wandering he returns home but he finds drastically changed. Gormenghast is surrounded by skyscrapers, factories, and canals. Apart from that, Titus notices changes in the structure of society; it becomes more technocratic and stratified. However, the most important theme, explored by Mervyn Peake is the shift in moral values of people. Titus encounters a young woman named Cheeta. Although Cheeta appears to him witty and free from prejudices, later Titus realizes that she is also cruel and self-centered. To a great extent, this unhappy affair makes the main character very disappointed with the future which earlier appealed to him.
Mervyn Peake will undoubtedly remain the history of science fiction genre. I learned about this author when I was writing several custom essays and buy essays about steampunk. I decided to read his Gormenghast series and his novels proved to be real page-turners for me. If you are interested in steampunk and alternative history, you should definitely read his books.
