In this paper I want to analyze interdependences of George R. R. Martin’s "Game of Thrones" with focus on gender diversity and sexism as well as on the political and economic situation that has created such a world mastered by paternalism and capitalism and governed by a peculiar and institutional kind of gender imbalance, sexual subjection and hierarchical structure.
After watching the first five Seasons of HBO’s TV series "Game of Thrones" full up with the foreseeable female nudity I was remembered that this is still a big thing in our modern society as well. In fact, when George R. R. Martin is writing about his imaginings about family relationships, economic depressions and individual distress, it is tough not to think about sexuality, which is definitely connected to it. Relating to the series nudity and sexuality is universal and the show is rotating around a “fuck them all” mentality, whereas this sexual fetishism is both ubiquitously and forcing. The revenant use of bareness is arbitrary and stimulating, but when along with agony it appears often as too provoking. It shows a world full of suppression and patricide, misogyny and neutering, decruitment and bondage.
Especially, for female actors, who are exposed to male desires with diverse showings for intercourse - propagation, desecration, rape and incest. There are plenty graphic embodiments of sex and sadistic torment. Particularly, violence occurs with sexual actions, since female showrunners are repetitively slated and humiliated, for example when Sansa Stark was raped by her mentally ill husband Ramsay Bolton. This illustrates that the destiny of high-born ladies is depending on the nature of her husband, a hazardous allegation in a society where forced marriages are daily fare. Another scene where Sansa was nearly raped is displayed as a natural outcome of gorgeous females when they are not sheltered by men. The tried violation is shown as both as an ordinary event and as an acknowledgement that women can get hurt by men without consequences, since all of that is ostensibly legitimate.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Abstract
- The Night is Dark and Full of Brothels
- A Game of Sex and Lust
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper analyzes sexism and its political and economic ramifications within the fictional world of George R.R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" and its HBO adaptation, "Game of Thrones." It examines how the show's portrayal of sexuality, violence, and power dynamics reflects broader societal issues. The analysis focuses on the first five seasons of the series.
- The portrayal of sexism and misogyny in "Game of Thrones."
- The intersection of sexuality, violence, and power.
- The economic and political context of gender inequality in the show's fictional world.
- The show's use of nudity and sexual violence, and its impact on viewers.
- The potential for the show to spark conversations about trauma and gender-based violence.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The Night is Dark and Full of Brothels: This chapter introduces the overarching theme of sexism within the world of Game of Thrones, depicting a Hobbesian reality where gendered conflict is pervasive and the lines between victim and perpetrator blur. The author points to instances of sexual assault and mutilation suffered by both male and female characters, highlighting the show's unflinching depiction of violence and its connection to a pervasive sexualized power dynamic. The chapter questions the show's fascination with sexuality and violence, analyzing its appeal to viewers' voyeuristic tendencies alongside its exploration of complex political and economic issues. The chapter also briefly touches upon social issues reflected in the show, such as gender diversity, downward social mobility and economic disparity, drawing parallels to real-world concerns.
A Game of Sex and Lust: This chapter delves into the controversial depiction of female nudity and graphic sex and violence in Game of Thrones, using specific examples from the show such as the forced sexual encounter between Jaime and Cersei Lannister. The author explores how this depiction generates debate and discussion, examining the potential for such portrayals to raise awareness of previously silenced experiences of trauma. A key point of analysis is the scene where Jaime rapes his sister near their son's coffin, a scene analyzed for its normalization of sexual violence and the presentation of female characters as mere sexual objects. The discussion emphasizes the show's portrayal of male desire as overpowering and beyond control, and how this reinforces the degradation of female characters. The chapter also addresses the responses of the producers to criticism of this scene, revealing the further issues around justifying violent acts, as in their response that Cersei was kissing Jaime back before being forced.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Sexism, Game of Thrones, A Song of Ice and Fire, Gender Inequality, Sexual Violence, Power Dynamics, Political Intrigue, Economic Systems, Nudity, Voyeurism, Trauma, HBO.
Frequently Asked Questions: Analysis of Sexism in Game of Thrones
What is the main topic of this academic paper?
This paper analyzes sexism and its political and economic ramifications within George R.R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" and its HBO adaptation, "Game of Thrones," focusing on the first five seasons. It examines how the show's portrayal of sexuality, violence, and power dynamics reflects broader societal issues.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
Key themes include the portrayal of sexism and misogyny, the intersection of sexuality, violence, and power, the economic and political context of gender inequality in the show's fictional world, the show's use of nudity and sexual violence and its impact, and the potential for the show to spark conversations about trauma and gender-based violence.
What are the main chapters and their focus?
The paper includes chapters titled "The Night is Dark and Full of Brothels" and "A Game of Sex and Lust." The first chapter introduces the pervasive theme of sexism and gendered conflict, highlighting instances of sexual assault and mutilation and questioning the show's fascination with sexuality and violence. The second chapter delves into the controversial depiction of female nudity and graphic sex and violence, analyzing specific scenes and the show's responses to criticism.
Which specific scenes are analyzed in detail?
The analysis includes a detailed examination of the forced sexual encounter between Jaime and Cersei Lannister, particularly focusing on the scene where Jaime rapes Cersei near their son's coffin. This scene is analyzed for its normalization of sexual violence and the presentation of female characters as mere sexual objects.
What is the paper's approach to analyzing the show's content?
The paper employs a critical analysis of the show, examining its depiction of violence, sexuality, and power dynamics in relation to broader societal issues of sexism and gender inequality. It considers the show's potential to raise awareness of trauma and gender-based violence while also acknowledging its problematic aspects.
What are the keywords associated with this analysis?
Keywords include Sexism, Game of Thrones, A Song of Ice and Fire, Gender Inequality, Sexual Violence, Power Dynamics, Political Intrigue, Economic Systems, Nudity, Voyeurism, Trauma, and HBO.
What is the overall goal or objective of this academic work?
The paper aims to analyze how "Game of Thrones" portrays sexism and its consequences, exploring the show's complex relationship with violence, sexuality, and power, and considering its potential impact on viewers and the conversations it sparks about gender-based violence and trauma.
- Quote paper
- Thomas Streimetweger (Author), 2016, Game of Thrones. Sexism and Politics in "A Song of Ice and Fire", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/337107
