The Portrayal of Disability and the Quest for Identity in George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69513/jnfh.v2.n4.en7Keywords:
الإعاقة، الهوية، التهميش، الصورة النمطية, اغنية الجليد والنارAbstract
This paper examines George R.R. Martin’s series of epic fantasy sagas, A Song of Ice and Fire (hereinafter indicated as Ice and Fire). The books are A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords, A Feast for Crows, A Dance with Dragons, The Winds of Winter, and A Dream of Spring. The paper aims to investigate the depictions of ethical, cultural, and social issues of disabled characters by redefining their cognitive capabilities and physiques in different cultural contexts that represent various literary conventions. Henceforth, the paper explores the disabled characters’ quest for identity and the ways in which Martin has thoroughly modified and recreated their image. The stereotype is that people with either physical or cognitive inferiority are emasculated or impotent, that having a disability is a sign of heavenly retribution, and that people with disabilities are outrageous or monstrous. These cultural fantasies all shaped the marginalisation of their identity. Therefore, the attention in this paper is paid explicitly to investigate how Martin’s characters are portrayed, exposed, suffered, and excluded by their ‘abled’ society. In addition, the emphasis is on how these characters have survived and reacted to the typical image set by the dominant society despite their diverse impairments. However, considering the popularity of Martin’s sagas and the fact that characters’ choices for their disabilities can scarcely be episodic, this paper endeavours to reverse the negative attitudes of society and build positive attitudes towards these individuals.
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