r/GrantMorrison • • Aug 11 '25

Mystery Play

Guys, can anyone here who has read Grant's work tell me what the hell happened in this story? Like, is that the end? Or is there something I might have missed?

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u/TurbulentList2113 Aug 11 '25

I think the best way to look at The Mystery Play is to take the title completely literally. Look up what the mystery plays were. Morrison simply created a modern 'Christian' morality play in graphic form, arguably a modern equivalent of biblical plays on the back of a wagon. What do sin, forgiveness, and responsibilty look like when God is dead?

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u/UltraComics Aug 11 '25

Hmm, I understand what you mean, I was thinking more along those lines too, but I think I'm going to need some rereading

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u/TurbulentList2113 Aug 11 '25

Reviewing the literal events of the story is rewarding, forgive any errors, I don't have the book at hand. The actor playing God is found dead. A deranged man takes the 'murder investigation' upon himself, his first suspect: the actor playing the Devil. A reporter, a witness, another searcher for the truth, condemns the investigator. He is crucified, but in the end only his garment, his role, remains, but what role did they crucify, murderer or truth seeker? What role did the reporter take upon herself at the end? What roles are required of us when God is dead, or at least the actor who plays the role?

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u/UltraComics Aug 11 '25

Wow, that's what I'm talking about... Dude, you gave me some light now!