Game of Thrones, one of the hottest series on television, leaves hundreds of critics divided on how "feminist" the show really is. Certainly the female characters, strong and weak, embody a variety of archetypes—widow queens, warrior women, damsels in distress, career women, priestesses, crones, mothers and maidens. However, the problem is that most of them play a single role without nuance—even the "strong women" have little to do besides strut about as one-note characters. This book analyzes the women and their portrayals one by one, along with their historical inspirations. Accompanying issues in television studies also appear, from the male gaze to depiction of race. How these characters are treated in the series and how they treat themselves becomes central, as many strip for the pleasure of men or are sacrificed as pawns. Some nude scenes or moments of male violence are fetishized and filmed to tantalize, while others show the women's trauma and attempt to identify with the scene's female perspective. The key is whether the characters break out of their traditional roles and become multidimensional.
Always available
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Creators
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Publisher
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Release date
April 4, 2014 -
Formats
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Kindle Book
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OverDrive Read
- ISBN: 9781476615547
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EPUB ebook
- ISBN: 9781476615547
- File size: 790 KB
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Languages
- English
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Reviews
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Starred review from June 15, 2014
Amid the passionate fervor that surrounds the popular HBO show, this text highlights a crucial point of contention with fans of the original source material: the treatment of its female characters. Readers will find deeper insight into the program's hotly debated use of gratuitous nudity, the damaging male gaze, and the excessive instances of violence against women. Pop culture critic Frankel (Buffy and the Heroine's Journey) expertly details the vast--and tragic--differences among the complexly layered and relatable characters George R.R. Martin initially imagined in his books and the cliched archetypes portrayed on the show, easily fitting them into tired television tropes. Frankel explores the characters one by one, highlighting the ways in which their nuances have been stripped down in favor of one-note, male-centered representations. The book is also peppered with intriguing anecdotes of women throughout history and possible influences for Martin's depictions, including pirates, duelists, and warriors. VERDICT Thoroughly researched and impressively analyzed, this is highly recommended reading for fans of both book and small-screen series who are interested in valid criticisms and the feminist viewpoint.--Kate DiGirolomo, Library Journal
Copyright 2014 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
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