Essay Questions

What does Arya’s sword, Needle, symbolize?

Arya’s sword is more than just her weapon; it is also symbolic of her identity and personal history. The sword is a gift from her brother and after the tragedy that befalls House Stark it is one of the few keepsakes that tie her to her family, noble lineage, and her identity as Arya Stark. This is also the reason that she found it so difficult to dispose of it when she was about to undergo training as an assassin with the Faceless Men.

How is the theme of gender discrimination discussed in the novel?

Misogyny and rigid gender differentiation are frequently encountered themes in the novel. Women are treated by men in power mostly as instruments for building political ties and alliances through marriages. Women are also seen as a means for growing and preserving one’s lineage---beyond that however there is little else. The characters Cersei and Brienne are good examples of how this particular theme is tackled. Cersei is the real power behind the throne as her sons, Joffrey and Tommen, are ineffective rulers. Other advisers however constantly challenge her decisions. Brienne cannot be given the title of knight because she is a woman, even if she is exceptionally skilled with a sword as well as big and strong enough to fight in armor.

What is the significance of Iron Throne as a symbol in the story?

More than being a symbol of authority of the king the Iron Throne is also supposed to be a symbol of unity. Gathering swords of the kings defeated by Aegon Targaryen, the swords were then melted by dragon fire symbolizing the union of several different factions under the rule of one leader. It is also a thinly veiled threat for anyone that might think of usurping the king’s authority as the throne was created by dragon fire, a terrible weapon that the king would not hesitate to use to quell any uprisings.