This thesis discusses the representation of chivalric ideals in A Game of Thrones and A Clash of Kings from George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series. The focus is laid on the...Show moreThis thesis discusses the representation of chivalric ideals in A Game of Thrones and A Clash of Kings from George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series. The focus is laid on the representation of chivalric ideals in the depictions of the Kingsguard and the Night’s Watch. The thesis compares the similarities and differences of their conduct, and analyzes their conduct in comparison to medieval chivalric ideals. Moreover, the thesis attempts to delineate medieval chivalry through discussion of academic studies and Geoffroi de Charny’s Livre de chevalerie. Furthermore, the thesis discusses the influence of post-medieval reproductions of medieval history on the representation of chivalry, and attempts to delineate a more historically accurate representation of medieval chivalry.Show less
This thesis investigates the participation of George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire (1996-2011) in a tradition of nominally feminist fantasy literature that challenges patriarchal values...Show moreThis thesis investigates the participation of George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire (1996-2011) in a tradition of nominally feminist fantasy literature that challenges patriarchal values commonly found in the genre. By close-reading the characters of Arya, Sansa, and Brienne, this thesis argues that the novels act as a subversion of common fantasy tropes while at the same time standing in opposition to nominally feminist fantasy literature that centers on female protagonists overcoming the patriarchy through skill at arms. By emphasizing the struggle of everyone living under the patriarchy, Martin's series instead highlights the need for cultural revolution in attitudes towards gender.Show less
