The Shakespearean Ending of Game of Thrones

A BLEND OF GENRES

The two structural forms of Shakespearean tragedy and history interlock throughout Game of Thrones, feeding off of each other and weaving a masterful tapestry of storytelling. Complex tragic characters are thrust into “the great game” where they must constantly justify their own agendas by arguing what is best for Westeros.

Consider Ned, who enforced his policy of mercy in King’s Landing and tried to spare the lives of children. Even though Ned was an honorable man, he was politically short-sighted, arguably as a result of the emotional trauma he experienced in Robert’s Rebellion.

Consider Stannis who, in many ways, was Ned’s ideological antithesis—he demonstrated willingness to sacrifice a child for the sake of a realm, yet truly believed what he was doing was merciful and right.

Then consider Daenerys. Dany’s wide, sweeping character arc spanned the length of the series, a constant presence from the first episode to the last—and yet her concept of mercy was as variable as fire. Sometimes her character echoed Ned’s gentleness, but ultimately she demonstrated a tyrannical view of mercy that would make even Stannis shudder.

These characters, threaded together with a common theme of mercy, can each be examined as Shakespearean tragic heroes; deeply flawed protagonists within their own tragedies. But, as in a Shakespearean history, they are supporting figures to a heroic realm which endures beyond them.

In other words, psychological, individual-focused storytelling folds into sociological, ensemble-focused storytelling. The audience experiences perspectives of larger-than-life characters who grapple with rich themes like mortality, mercy, fate and free will, but who ultimately bow before the world’s great wheel of fortune.

How much is that great wheel influenced by a single person? A question for all time. But as Varys said, “Power resides where men believe it resides,” and even the most powerful individuals and families cannot exercise perfect control over a country forever. They die so that Westeros may live.