Otherness in George R. R. Martin's fantasy novel A game of thrones

master's thesis

Andraž Gradišnik (Author), Victor Kennedy (Mentor)

Abstract

The thesis explores otherness in A Game of Thrones, a fantasy novel written by George R. R. Martin. The research is possible because of the cultural and social diversity incorporated into the novel. Furthermore, the attention is paid not only to male but also female characters. Martin portrays otherness through exotic cultures, illegitimate children, untypical female and male characters, disability, etc. In A Game of Thrones, the story unfolds from the point of view of several characters. Since the majority of these characters are members of one (or more) out-groups, it is possible to analyze outsiders' position in a fantasy world governed by the norms set by the dominant society. The thesis begins with the theory of fantasy, focusing on the origins of the term and its use in literature. The authors that contributed to the fantasy genre are mentioned and their actions discussed. A connection is established between fantasy and history, followed by a short summary of the events in the Middle Ages. The literary term 'otherness' is introduced. Several types of otherness are listed and explained - national, ethnic and cultural otherness; gender; and disability. A short summary of the events in the novel is added. In the second part of the thesis, the otherness within the novel is analyzed. The emphasis is on how the out-groups and their members react to the norms set by the dominant society.

Keywords

master theses;fantasy;fantasy novel;otherness;history;A game of thrones;Martin;George R. R.;1948-;

Data

Language:	English
Year of publishing:	2018
Typology:	2.09 - Master's Thesis
Organization:	UM FF - Faculty of Arts
Publisher:	[A. Gradišnik]
UDC:	821.111(73)-312.4.09(043.2)
COBISS:	24034312
Views:	1203
Downloads:	208
Average score:	0 (0 votes)
Metadata:

Other data

Secondary language:	Slovenian
Secondary title:	Podobe tujega in drugačnega v fantazijskem romanu Igra prestolov Georgea R. R. Martina
Secondary abstract:	Magistrsko delo raziskuje podobe tujega in drugačnega v fantazijskem romanu Igra prestolov, katerega avtor je George R. R. Martin. Raziskava je možna zaradi kulturne in socialne pestrosti v romanu ter posvečanju ne le moškim likom, temveč tudi ženskim. Drugačnost je prikazana v obliki eksotičnih kultur, nezakonskih otrok, netipičnih ženskih likov, netipičnih moških likov, gibalne oviranosti ipd. Roman Igra prestolov je zasnovan tako, da se zgodba odvija z vidika več oseb. Ker je veliko teh oseb pripadnikov ene (ali več) marginaliziranih skupin, je mogoče analizirati, kako se izobčenci odzivajo na pravila, ki jih postavlja dominantna kultura v Martinovem fantazijskem svetu.
Secondary keywords:	magistrska dela;fantazija;fantazijski roman;podoba tujega;podoba drugačnega;zgodovina;Igra prestolov;
URN:	URN:SI:UM:
Type (COBISS):	Master's thesis/paper
Thesis comment:	Univ. v Mariboru, Filozofska fak., Oddelek za anglistiko in amerikanistiko
Pages:	56 f.
ID:	10949609