That Time George R.R. Martin Responded To Criticisms His Female Characters In Game Of Thrones Experienced Too Much Violence: ‘I Take Issue’

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That Time George R.R. Martin Responded To Criticisms His Female Characters In Game Of Thrones Experienced Too Much Violence: 'I Take Issue'

As a fan with a background in history and a keen eye for character development, I can’t help but admire George R.R. Martin‘s boldness in portraying the harsh realities of war and its impact on women in his epic saga, Game of Thrones. While some scenes may have been hard to watch, they were undeniably realistic and served as a stark reminder that even in fantastical worlds, the struggles and resilience of our heroines echo the battles faced by women throughout history.

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve gotta say, the ladies in Game of Thrones were nothing short of incredible. Arya and Brienne could give any foe a run for their money with those swords, while Sansa and Daenerys played the political game like pros. But let’s not forget, these strong women also faced some tough times on HBO that had fans up in arms.

On “Game of Thrones,” female characters endured extensive violence, some scenes of which continue to elicit strong reactions. A particularly controversial moment occurred in Season 6 when Sansa was sexually assaulted on her wedding night by her husband, Ramsay Bolton. Critics argued that the scene disproportionately emphasized Theon Greyjoy’s emotional response instead of Sansa’s, and it wasn’t depicted in the source material. U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill stopped watching the series after this episode, while The Mary Sue news outlet decided to cease coverage of it.

In 2017, George R.R. Martin, whose popular books serve as the basis for the Emmy Award-winning TV series, discussed with Time magazine the criticisms about the violence inflicted on female characters in his work. The renowned author confessed that he was taken aback by the negative response from fans towards those violent scenes: he hadn’t expected such a reaction.

Indeed, it does hold true for my account, and I find myself at odds with certain aspects of it. I question the validity and relevance of some of the criticisms levied against it. Regardless of personal perspectives, everyone is entitled to their own opinions. However, allow me to clarify that I am embarking on a narrative centered around conflict – specifically, the Wars of the Roses and the Hundred Years’ War. The very titles of these historical events suggest warfare, and it’s crucial to acknowledge that rape has been an unfortunate reality in all wars, from the past to the present. To omit this aspect from a war story appears to me as a dishonest portrayal of the brutal truth of conflict.

George R.R. Martin appears to have drawn upon historical accounts of warfare to create a realistic portrayal in his books, which may explain why the kingdoms in his series are portrayed as being unfriendly towards women. Given that he amplifies historical moments significantly, it’s not surprising that this is reflected in the narrative. The American author defended the culture in Westeros by stating that its misogyny was comparable to that of a similar era in actual history. While it may be distressing to witness, it’s worth noting that genuine accounts of historical wars were far from lacking in violence towards any gender.

In a departure from the book series that sparked debate, an alteration in the portrayal of Game of Thrones saw Khal Drogo’s actions towards Daenerys on their wedding night take a disturbing turn. George R.R. Martin disclosed that the original wedding night scene, as filmed by the initial actress playing Daenerys, Tamzin Merchant, in the pilot episode, differed significantly from what eventually appeared on screen.

It’s worth mentioning that Daenerys’ wedding night depicted in the show differs from how it is described in the books, especially if you’ve followed both. The initial pilot for the series had a different actress playing Daenerys (Tamzin Merchant), and the scene was more faithful to the book version. However, during the transition from the original pilot to the later ones, changes were made to this scene. If you have questions about these alterations, I’d recommend reaching out to David and Dan, the show creators.

As reported by Business Insider, the initial portrayal of Daenerys and Drogo’s wedding night in the first book of “A Song of Ice and Fire” series was presented as technically consensual. However, showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss believed that transitioning from fear to a happy relationship too swiftly for television would seem unrealistic. Emilia Clarke herself had reservations about the original depiction of the wedding night scene, feeling it was not suitable for her character. To address these concerns, the adaptation’s showrunners decided to present Daenerys’ abusive relationship with Drogo from the start and let the transformation unfold over time.

Although some fans of “Game of Thrones” might have criticized the portrayal of violent experiences endured by the female characters in Westeros, these formidable characters refused to be defined as victims. For instance, despite the harrowing events following her wedding night not being fully delved into, Daenerys Targaryen gradually gained control over Khal Drogo, deepening their relationship. By the series end, Sansa Stark emerged as a powerful figure, becoming Lady Stark and Queen in the North. Although it was distressing to witness these strong women suffer through traumatic violence, it is reassuring to know they ultimately found the resilience and bravery to regain control over their lives.

You can watch all eight seasons of Game of Thrones on your Max subscription.

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2024-09-17 15:37