Why Ramsay Bolton"s Brutality Stands Out While Daenerys Burning People Was Defended
In the vast fabric of Game of Thrones, Ramsay Bolton and Daenerys Targaryen stand out as polar opposites, yet their actions are perceived through distinctly different lenses by the audience. This phenomenon highlights the intricate interplay between characterization, narrative framing, and contextual understanding in shaping our perception of characters and their actions.
Context, Characterization, and the Plight of Game of Thrones
The world of Game of Thrones, as well as its fictional counterpart, A Song of Ice and Fire, is one of grey morality. The absence of true saints mirrors the reality where the most saintly and holy figures, such as the High Sparrow, are ultimately driven by power and spite. This dark and morally ambiguous landscape makes it difficult to establish unequivocal evil or good. A character like Ramsay Bolton is often seen as irredeemably evil, while Daenerys Targaryen is more complex, her actions wavering between heroism and tyranny.
Ramsay Bolton: A Villain Without Redemption
Ramsay Bolton is portrayed as a sadist, with his uestions of ution such as feeding people to his dogs being purely for his amusement or to instill fear. His actions lack any strategic or political justification, making them seem gratuitously cruel. The story frames Ramsay as a monster, emphasizing his villainy through a narrative that often emphasizes his brutality over any moral complexity. This consistent portrayal makes it difficult for the audience to see Ramsay as anything other than a pure villain.
Daenerys Targaryen: From Hero to Controversial Leader
On the other hand, Daenerys Targaryen is a complex character. Her use of fire through her dragons, particularly when burning people, is often framed as a means to achieve justice, liberate the oppressed, and reclaim her family's throne. Her motives are presented as noble, even if her methods are brutal. The narrative also aims to show the consequences of war, where harsh decisions are sometimes necessary to gain power. The context is crucial in understanding Daenerys's actions, as they are often portrayed within a larger narrative of struggle and liberation.
Character Arc and Narrative Framing
Daenerys undergoes a significant character arc, evolving from a sympathetic character into a more complex figure. While her later actions become increasingly controversial, the narrative often emphasizes her intentions to create a better world, leading some viewers to view her as a tragic hero rather than a tyrant. This framing allows for a more nuanced interpretation of her character, highlighting the intricacies of her moral calculus and the challenges she faces in a world where power and violence are often the currency of rule.
The Influence of Narrative Framing on Perception
The difference in perception largely stems from how the characters are developed and the context surrounding their actions. Ramsay Bolton is consistently shown as a sadistic villain, while Daenerys Targaryen’s actions, despite their brutality, are often framed within a larger narrative of struggle, liberation, and moral complexity. This framing contributes to a more nuanced interpretation of her character, making it easier for audiences to see her as a complex, if flawed, individual rather than a one-dimensional villain.
Ultimately, the world of Game of Thrones is a testament to the power of narrative framing and character development in shaping our understanding of complex characters and their actions. The contrast between Ramsay Bolton and Daenerys Targaryen underscores the importance of context in navigating the morally ambiguous landscapes of fictional and real worlds alike.