Thematic Similarities in Macbeth, and A Song of Ice and Fire
Macbeth and a Song of Ice and Fire
By: Janahan Selvanayagam
June 14, 2013
“That is part of the beauty of all literature. You discover that your longings are universal longings, that you 're not lonely and isolated from anyone. You belong.” This quotation by F. Scott Fitzgerald explains that the best literature will always reflect on human nature and so will be immortal and universal. Literature has many aspects that are reused and refined to create modern stories. Some themes like forbidden love or mortality and some character aspects like corrupting ambition are universal and timeless for they will always be part of the human condition. The Shakespearean play “Macbeth” shares many themes, setting and many characters with similar traits with the fantasy series “A Song of Ice and Fire” by George R. R. Martin. Although the play “Macbeth” and the series “A Song of Ice and Fire” were written almost 500 years apart, they are actually quite similar.
There are similar themes in the series “The Song of Ice and Fire” and the play “Macbeth”. One similar theme is the conflict over a monarchical position of power. “[Macbeth and A Song of Ice and Fire] are both about the constant struggle for the throne and power … Though this is not the only theme of both stories, they do play key parts.” (Macbeth=Game of Thrones? 2012). In the fantasy series “The Song of Ice and Fire”, we see many kings that lay claim for the throne after the previous king Robert Baratheon dies. Stannis Baratheon, the brother of Robert says, “The Iron Throne is mine by right. All those who deny it are my foes.” (Martin – Clash of Kings, 177) Another example is Daenerys Targaryen. Ser Jorah tells her, “…you will not win your father’s throne with sweepings from the Free cities…” (Martin – Clash of Kings, 365) Similarly, “Macbeth” contains a battle and conflict for the throne. Macbeth is planning to usurp the throne from Duncan and Malcolm being instated Prince, leads him to the
By: Janahan Selvanayagam
June 14, 2013
“That is part of the beauty of all literature. You discover that your longings are universal longings, that you 're not lonely and isolated from anyone. You belong.” This quotation by F. Scott Fitzgerald explains that the best literature will always reflect on human nature and so will be immortal and universal. Literature has many aspects that are reused and refined to create modern stories. Some themes like forbidden love or mortality and some character aspects like corrupting ambition are universal and timeless for they will always be part of the human condition. The Shakespearean play “Macbeth” shares many themes, setting and many characters with similar traits with the fantasy series “A Song of Ice and Fire” by George R. R. Martin. Although the play “Macbeth” and the series “A Song of Ice and Fire” were written almost 500 years apart, they are actually quite similar.
There are similar themes in the series “The Song of Ice and Fire” and the play “Macbeth”. One similar theme is the conflict over a monarchical position of power. “[Macbeth and A Song of Ice and Fire] are both about the constant struggle for the throne and power … Though this is not the only theme of both stories, they do play key parts.” (Macbeth=Game of Thrones? 2012). In the fantasy series “The Song of Ice and Fire”, we see many kings that lay claim for the throne after the previous king Robert Baratheon dies. Stannis Baratheon, the brother of Robert says, “The Iron Throne is mine by right. All those who deny it are my foes.” (Martin – Clash of Kings, 177) Another example is Daenerys Targaryen. Ser Jorah tells her, “…you will not win your father’s throne with sweepings from the Free cities…” (Martin – Clash of Kings, 365) Similarly, “Macbeth” contains a battle and conflict for the throne. Macbeth is planning to usurp the throne from Duncan and Malcolm being instated Prince, leads him to the
Cited: "The Old Gods and the New". Game of Thrones. HBO, 2012. Television. 31 May 2013. F. Scott Fitzgerald. n.d. Web. 25 May 2013. . Hanson, Beth. Shakespeare Meets A Song of Ice and Fire. 6 November 2012. Blog. 13 June 2013. . Imber, Ray. Lady Macbeth Vs. Queen Cersei Lannister from Game of Thrones. 11 July 2011. Web. 13 June 2013. . Macbeth = Game of Thrones? 6 May 2012. Blog. 13 June 2013. . Martin, George R. R. A Game of Thrones. maelstrom385, 25 April 2010. PDF. 10 June 2013. Martin, George R. R. Clash of Kings. maelstrom385, 25 April 2010. PDF. 10 June 2013. Martin, George R. R. Storm of Swords. maelstrom385, 25 April 2010. PDF. 10 June 2013. Shakespeare, William. Macbeth. 2nd. Harcourt Shakespeare, n.d. Print. 3 June 2013.