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.
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.
I agree that there were two different viewpoints on kindness presented in these episodes. When I saw the Hound tell Arya that her kindness will get her killed on day, I thought that these were wise words. If you try to be kind to everyone that you meet, you will end up burning yourself out or in the medieval era letting your guard down and being taken advantage of. I think that Arya will be alright because she has a lot of sorrow and anger in her soul. The Hound shouldnt need to worry about her.
ReplyDeleteYes, I really appreciated the choice of refraining from music during the credit roll. The action sets the audience up for an emotional high - and then the lack of music leaves them right where they ended up emotionally. It doesn't encourage an "ending" where the audience can slowly re-enter real life. Instead, it leaves us hanging in the bloody world we'd been living in for the past hour. I appreciated the decision. I know I've seen this done in other shows...but can't remember which one(s) off hand. However, I know that each time this happens, it happens after an especially emotional and poignant moment in a storyworld narrative. And it fascinates me how emotional music is. Especially when we've been conditioned to hear it - its absence speaks volumes.
ReplyDeleteInteresting that you contrast the Hound with Dario. The Hound is typed as one of the ugly characters who because of his disfigurement may have a sensitivity and personal code that is hidden beneath his disturbing exterior. This all comes out as he protects Sansa and Arya. Dario, on the other hand, seems cast to look like the coverboy for a bodice-ripping Romance novel--rippling muscles, long hair, cocksure smile, yecch! He makes these rather gallant gestures towards Dany--chopping the heads of his sexist colleagues--but what an egoist! I will take the Hound's morality system over this pretty boy any day--which seems to be how the entire series is set up. In the end I think it's going to be crippled Bran defeating glamorous, fireproof Dany.
ReplyDeleteThe interesting part about Ygritte shooting Jon is that you know she is a good enough archer to have killed him with one arrow but she obviously has feelings for him and is not willing to end his life. Jon's comment, "you always knew who I was" was a bit dramatic for my taste but I think he is completely right. I preferred him telling Orell that he was right when he shoved his sword through him as more believable in the narrative. The romantic side of the series is something I would like to learn more about when it comes to the books.
ReplyDelete