The Representation of Female Subject Oppressions in George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire: A Game of Thrones

Abstract

The theory of representation by Stuart Hall (1997) and the discursive approach by Michel Foucault are used as the main theory to find the discourse of female subject oppressionss in the novel. The theory of oppression by Iris Marion Young is used as the supporting theory to simplify the classification of the forms of oppression. There are two kinds of data that are used in this research. The first one is the primary data which are taken from the dialogues and narratives in A Game of Thrones. Then, the secondary data are the data that are taken from books, journals, webs, interviews, and other sources that are related to the topic of this research. In the analysis process, first, I do the textual analysis. The theory of representation by Stuart Hall and the discursive approach by Michel Foucault are used to find the discourse of female subject oppressionss in the novel. The form of oppression that is argued by Iris Marion Young is used to help the classification and identification of forms of oppression that happen to female subjects. In doing textual analysis, I also connect it with the contextual background of the story. The analysis of contextual background is also aimed to uncover the critical positions of the author whether the author supports or resists the issue of women’s oppression. This research shows that the oppressions of female subjects are represented in A Game of Thrones. The patriarchal society of the medieval era as the background causes the oppression of female subjects to appear in the novel. In the medieval era, women are put in the second class. Thus, they get marginalized, violated, exploited, and being powerless. Through the resistance of Danaerys and Arya, Martin tries to show his point of view of the issue of women’s oppression. In conclusion, he stands for gender equality.