The Shakespearean Basis of Game of Thrones: Tracing the Bard’s Influence on a Modern Fantasy Epic
The television series Game of Thrones, based on George R.R. Martin’s acclaimed series *A Song of Ice and Fire*, captivated audiences with its intricate plotlines, morally complex characters, and sprawling political struggles. While the landscape of Westeros is finely crafted with its own unique lore and mythology, a closer examination reveals that the brilliance of storytelling is often rooted in the classical works of literature, including those of William Shakespeare. In this post, we will delve into the Shakespearean plays that echo throughout the realms of Westeros and explore the timeless themes of power, betrayal, ambition, and tragedy that connect these two worlds.
## The Influence of Shakespeare on Epic Narratives
Shakespeare’s works are steeped in themes of power, ambition, revenge, and the human condition. These universal motifs resonate throughout *Game of Thrones*, as well as Martin’s writings, which highlight the complexities of morality in the quest for power. The interwoven plots of Shakespeare’s tragedies and histories offer a rich tapestry that has inspired a new generation of storytellers, including Martin. Below, we will outline key Shakespearean plays that find their echoes in *Game of Thrones*.
### 1. **Macbeth**
One of the pillars of Shakespeare’s exploration of unrestrained ambition, *Macbeth* portrays the tragic consequences of the lust for power. The titular character, spurred on by prophecy and his own wife, embarks on a murderous path to the throne of Scotland, reflecting the rise and fall that characterizes many figures in the basis of the Game of Thrones.
The character of *Cersei Lannister* mirrors Lady Macbeth in her ruthless ambition and willingness to eliminate anyone who stands in her way. Just as Lady Macbeth manipulates her husband to achieve their goals, Cersei exerts power over her children and plots against her enemies. Both characters are deeply corrupted by their desires, leading to their ultimate downfalls. The themes of prophecies and ambition interwoven in both narratives create a rich ground for contemplation on the nature of power and its consequences.
### 2. **King Lear**
The themes of familial betrayal and the consequences of pride are central to Shakespeare’s *King Lear*. The story revolves around Lear, who divides his kingdom among his three daughters based on their flattery, leading to tragic consequences marked by betrayal and madness. This echoes the familial strife and power struggles seen within the Stark and Lannister families.
Much like Lear’s struggle with the disloyalty of his children and his journey into madness, *Game of Thrones* features characters such as *Eddard (Ned) Stark* and his children, who endure betrayals that disrupt the balance of power in the North and beyond. The tragic disintegration of the Stark family parallels Lear’s own descent, emphasizing themes of loyalty, justice, and the chaos that ensues when familial ties are severed by ambition.
### 3. **Hamlet**
Shakespeare’s *Hamlet* explores a young prince navigating complex issues of revenge and morality following his father’s murder. Hamlet’s indecision, internal conflict, and quest for truth resonate particularly well with *Game of Thrones* characters like *Jon Snow* and *Daenerys Targaryen*.
Jon’s journey centers around navigating his identity while grappling with the legitimacy of his lineage, akin to Hamlet’s struggle with understanding his father’s death and the implications of vengeance. Daenerys, in her own right, battles with the burdens of legacy and ambition, much like Hamlet strives to honor his father’s ghost while contending with his own moral compass. The interplay of revenge, identity, and the quest for justice underscores the tragic dimensions in both Shakespeare’s play and Martin’s saga.
### 4. **Richard III**
In *Richard III*, Shakespeare examines the rise of a manipulative character willing to commit heinous acts to ascend the throne. Richard’s ruthless pursuit of power and elimination of enemies mirrors the actions of several *Game of Thrones* characters, particularly *Petyr Baelish (Littlefinger)* and *Cersei Lannister*.
Just as Richard embodies the archetype of the cunning, power-hungry villain, Baelish’s scheming orchestrations contribute to the chaos in Westeros, manipulating battles and relationships for personal gain. Both characters serve as cautionary tales of ambition without moral restraint, highlighting the dark underbelly of political maneuvering.
### 5. **Othello**
In *Othello*, Shakespeare explores themes of jealousy, manipulation, and betrayal. The play’s tragic hero, Othello, falls prey to deception at the hands of Iago, leading to devastating consequences. This theme of manipulation found in personal relationships can be paralleled in *Game of Thrones* through the relationship between *Sansa Stark* and *Littlefinger*, as well as various characters undermining one another through subterfuge and lies.
Othello’s tragic story resonates with Sansa’s development and her navigation of betrayal and manipulation as she grows from a naive girl to an astute player in the dangerous game of political intrigue. The exploration of trust and betrayal within these relationships emphasizes the dangerous consequences that accompany misplaced faith and vulnerability.
## Conclusion: The Timeless Dance of Power
The echoes of Shakespeare’s plays throughout *Game of Thrones* depict the shared themes of ambition, betrayal, familial strife, and the consequences of power. The intricate characters and morally ambiguous decisions reflect a rich lineage of tragic storytelling that has continued to inspire writers through the centuries.
George R.R. Martin’s ability to weave these elements into his epic fantasy series showcases the timeless relevance of Shakespeare’s themes. Just as the struggles in Shakespeare’s plays resonate with audiences, so too does the saga of Westeros, reminding us that the dance of power and the complexities of the human condition remain as relevant today as they were in the days of the Bard.
In weaving these Shakespearean threads into his narrative, Martin creates a tale that not only entertains but also invites larger questions about humanity, politics, and the often tumultuous nature of power—questions that echo through time and remain pertinent both on stage and screen. Basis of Game of Thrones
