SB on Episodes 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, & 3.10 (For 3/22/16)

SB on Game of Thrones: Blog Entry Number Nine

Perceptions of Trust 

            In this set of episodes, two different viewpoints towards human kindness were explored. One of these perspectives was explicated (in episode 3.9) when the Hound Dog told Arya that, one day, she will be killed because she is too kind.  Later on in this same episode, a different perspective was endorsed when Daario told another character that people who have suspicious minds are usually deceptive people, themselves. 

These are two different ideas about the connections between trust, honesty, kindness, well-being, and functionality that were presented in this set of Game of Thrones episodes.  I will not make a judgment about these two perspectives based on the characteristics or the actions of the characters who stated them. I will not make a judgment about these two perspectives based on an analysis of any single character.  However, it seems safe to declare that the Hound Dog is correct in this debate and a fair degree of skepticism, or (as put by Daario) “suspicion,” is not only desirable, but is required in order to survive the Game of Thrones.

     For example, consider the Red Wedding scene at the end of episode 3.9 where a number of major characters (like Catelyn and Robb) had their guards down, were betrayed, and were brutally murdered.  Another instance of an act of violence that was, arguably, caused by characters being “too trustworthy” of each other from this set of episodes was when Ygritte shot Jon in episode 3.10.

Throughout the series, many characters have unexpectedly betrayed and/or taken advantage of the kindness of other characters.  As mentioned by Anglberger and Hieke in “Lord Eddard Stark, Queen Cersei Lannister: Moral Judgments from Different Perspectives,”   the series seems to communicate that even virtuous characters (like Eddard Stark) can have unfortunate fates. 

It seems that being too kind to others in the Game of Thrones universe, as suggested by the Hound Dog, can result in one’s death.  It seems quite clear that one must have his or her guard up in order to even have a mere chance at survival in the Game of Thrones.  This is why I endorse the Hound Dog’s “suspicious mind” (insert Elvis song) position, rather than Daario’s position.

Gilly and Samwell’s Journey

            I really enjoy the scenes that cover the adventures of Gilly, her baby, and Samwell.  The development of Samwell’s character was fascinating.  I was not expecting Samwell to destroy the White Walker that was approaching Gilly, her baby, and Samwell’s cabin in episode 3.9.  The development of Gilly and Samwell’s relationship is interesting.  Gilly suggesting “Sam” as a name for the baby was not expected.  I am excited to see what happens with Gilly and Samwell’s relationship.

Comedy in Game of Thrones.  It must be mentioned that Samwell’s comic relief was really appreciated in this particularly dramatic set of episodes (which included the “Red Wedding,” sexual torture, and the deaths of major characters).  Even though many of Samwell’s characteristics, including his sense of humor, may seem quite “modern” or “contemporary,” I really appreciated his wit in these episodes.  For instance, I thought the interaction where Gilly referred to Samwell as a “wizard” was funny and I found humor in (the delivery of) some of Samwell’s baby name suggestions.  

Importance of Music and Lack of Music in Episode 3.9

            In the final moments of episode 3.9, music played an important role in communicating the drama of this episode.  Before the famous Red Wedding scene began, the wedding band’s slower instrumental folk song served as a kind of signal to begin the gory and intense attack where a number of major characters (including Catelyn and Robb) were killed.  Further, immediately after the brutal murder of Catelyn, this dramatic scene (and this episode) ended and the credits rolled without any music.  It is unusual when there is no music to accompany the ending credits of episodes of Game of Thrones.

This concluding massacre scene contained music and sounds of many kinds (with screams and sounds of violence) that added to the intensity and drama of the scene.  However, the lack of sound and complete silence that came after was such a sudden contrast to this particularly loud concluding scene. This contrast made the conclusion of the episode even more dramatic.

Works Cited

Anglberger, Albert F. F. & Hieke, Alexander. “Lord Eddard Stark, Queen Cersei Lannister:         Moral Judgments from Different Perspectives.” Game of Thrones and Philosophy:Logic        Cuts Deeper Than Swords. Eds. William Irwin and Henry Jacoby. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley &        Sons, Inc., 2012. 87-98. Print.