Game Of Thrones vs. 1984
Three weeks ago, Game Of Thrones returned to televisions all over the globe with its premiere of season 8, shattering viewership ratings. Many have asked why so many people watch this show. The answer to this is simple: a combination of incredible cinematography and acting, and arguably the best dystopian world ever crafted.
First, some background. Game of Thrones is based in a realistic world on 2 continents: Westeros and Essos. Westeros is where the real dystopia is. The continent is run by seven families, one of which is always on top. Every house is constantly vying for the throne, and as such, any given character can die at any time. The unpredictability of Thrones makes it unlike any other show.
I think that the society of Westeros is very similar to that of Oceania in 1984. The Inner Party of Westeros consists of the nine ruling families (Starks, Targaryens, Lannisters, Tyrells, Baratheons, Martells, Tullys, and Greyjoys), who are all constantly being monitored by the spy master’s “little birds.” They, at any time could be assassinated if the King, or any other person, doesn’t like them The outer party consists of the “banner men” of the houses. The Banner men still live in castles, but are not nearly as powerful as the ruling families. Each is expected to help their ruling family in time of need. They too can be assassinated at any point. Everyone else living in Westeros can be considered proles. They are the vast majority of people, but have no power at all. For the majority of them, it is impossible to rise up and become powerful. All of the common people are expected to serve their ruling house, and most do so compliantly.
The only major difference is that in 1984, we are not exactly sure of the ruling structure; we are only aware of the entity known as “Big Brother.” Am I off target on this comparison? What do you all think?
-Steven
First, some background. Game of Thrones is based in a realistic world on 2 continents: Westeros and Essos. Westeros is where the real dystopia is. The continent is run by seven families, one of which is always on top. Every house is constantly vying for the throne, and as such, any given character can die at any time. The unpredictability of Thrones makes it unlike any other show.
I think that the society of Westeros is very similar to that of Oceania in 1984. The Inner Party of Westeros consists of the nine ruling families (Starks, Targaryens, Lannisters, Tyrells, Baratheons, Martells, Tullys, and Greyjoys), who are all constantly being monitored by the spy master’s “little birds.” They, at any time could be assassinated if the King, or any other person, doesn’t like them The outer party consists of the “banner men” of the houses. The Banner men still live in castles, but are not nearly as powerful as the ruling families. Each is expected to help their ruling family in time of need. They too can be assassinated at any point. Everyone else living in Westeros can be considered proles. They are the vast majority of people, but have no power at all. For the majority of them, it is impossible to rise up and become powerful. All of the common people are expected to serve their ruling house, and most do so compliantly.
The only major difference is that in 1984, we are not exactly sure of the ruling structure; we are only aware of the entity known as “Big Brother.” Am I off target on this comparison? What do you all think?
-Steven
Great Post! Having never seen or read game of thrones I have no idea how accurate your comparison is. I didn't even know it was a dystopia. However at least from what it sounds like, it is a pretty good comparison: with people being constantly watched and controlled by the government--and without any chance to escape.
ReplyDeleteI would disagree. To me the show seems to be a medieval/fantasy and not at all like the hyper controlive state of Oceania. However I do think that in both cases there are people who are abused by the larger power structure around them. Also the kind/lord does have to be somewhat accountable to the people around them and lead their people (although most of them are bad at it). In both cases there is an extreme abuse of power.
ReplyDelete- Anna
I haven't seen Game of Thrones, but I do think that most Sci-fi/Fantasy shows have to have some dystopian aspect to them in order to be interesting, so I would not be at all surprised if your comparison was accurate. It is a frequent theme to have a controlling and abusive power & people suddenly dying in t.v. shows, so I am a bit skeptical of how "unique" Game of Thrones is. Rather, I think it is so popular because it takes the tropes that everybody loves and puts it all together in one season.
ReplyDeleteEven though I haven't seen Game of Thrones, I'm sure there are numerous similarities between the show and 1984. Every dystopian novel we have read so far has an abusive authority accompanied with a very identifiable power structure. Like you stated, in Game of Thrones this system is visualized with the ruling families (Inner party), Banner men (Outer Party), and peasants (proles). I think this is no coincidence as it seems these aspects are what define a dystopia, which is why we see a variation of them in BNW and the Handmaid's Tale as well.
ReplyDeleteI also have never seen Game of Thrones, but everything that you described seems really similar, especially the power hierarchy, and the constant vying for and shifting of power. Also, the possibility of being assassinated at any time sounds like the possibility of disappearing randomly in 1984. Really interesting!
ReplyDeleteI disagree. I feel like GOT is more chaotic as a whole. The possibilites within its story are not really bound by any structure. Within 1984, there is no possibility of some prole working his/her way into the inner-party via assasination or conquest. Everyone is loyal to one intangible concept, not many different houses. The spy system is much more unified in its loyalties to one thing; it is not a system answering to one person, who then relays information to the main power. Etc. Because of all these factors, I think in terms of a dystopia, 1984 is much better organized. However, GOT is a million times better than anything we have read in any english class at uni, so even though it is not as perfect of a dystopia as anything else we've read about, it is still definitely worth the watch.
ReplyDeleteI haven't watched Game of Thrones but this is a really good analysis. From what is sounds like, the show and the book 1984 seem very much alike. Many dystopias tend to have social classes and a power hierarchy, with people fighting over who gets the position of power. It sounds like both Game of Thrones and 1984 are the same in this sense.
ReplyDeleteI have a very small understanding of Game of Throne, but I know the plot from various YouTube videos I have watched. GoT seems to have a lot of similarities with 1984, most of which you stated, however, I wouldn't consider it a Dystopia. With 1984, the authority tries to make the population as ignorant as possible, and from what I can tell, the people of Westeros seem to be aware of what's going on. It seems more of a bad reality than a failed utopia.
ReplyDeleteI sadly haven't watched game of thrones (though maybe I'll binge watch it this summer), but I think your connection could be valid from what I've heard. However, I wonder if big picture any type of dictatorial or authoritarian regime today could have the same connection.
ReplyDeleteEven as a person who hasn't watched game of thrones, I am aware of the show's infamy for killing off many characters, and I think the comparison with 1984 with spies and excessive violence is a good one.
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