Money motif
Money plays a large role in this fantasy novel and its role is shown in a surprisingly realistic manner. Differences in social classes, in differently developed places, like the example of Twoflower and the change of his social status from a beggar in Agatean Empire to the richest man in Ankh-Morpork solely based on the perception of money in those places, as well as greed and malintent accompanying money are vividly portrayed in the novel.
Death
Death is personified in the novel, taking on the cliché form of a cloaked figure holding a scythe. The role of death is shown to have opposite effects, as a feared certainty, but also as a relief or blessing for those cursed with dreadful fate.
Magic
Magic is one of the main motifs, but the role of magic is portrayed from a somewhat realistic (as realistic as a fantastical nonsense novel can get) point of view. Magic is shown to have an immediate effect and is dependent on the strength and mental abilities of the wizard. It doesn’t just come from nowhere, but it takes a long time and a lot of effort to learn.
Optimism and Pessimism
The two main protagonists are clear representations of two opposing viewpoints on life. Rincewind is an easily frightened character who sees doom in every step he takes. He represents a pessimistic view on life, doesn’t want to take chances out of fear of consequences and always expects the worst. His counterpart, Twoflower, is the complete opposite. He is a perfect tourist who wants to explore the world at every chance he gets, foolishly naïve and optimistic, always expecting something to come up to prevent the worst-case scenario.
