There's a shifting demographic in George R. R. Martin's fandom, as readers and viewers alike have developed a fascination with the tormented character, Sansa Stark. While many sympathize with her character, this isn't a universal standpoint, and Sansa-bashing has become a prevalent trend. This piece isn't a treatise against Sansa, but a dynamic observation of her flaws that many have noted in the A Song of Ice and Fire series.
1. Exploitive of Beauty
The legend of a beautiful maiden is a common narrative across cultures, and Sansa is no exception. But beauty can be a double-edged sword. Sansa's beauty often comes across as a manipulated tool, a tool she cunningly uses to gain favor and manipulate others.
Additionally, the striking overemphasis of her beauty paints a stark representation of Sansa as a delicate, hollow character who only shines on the surface. This facet, rather than adding depth, diminishes her potential and ironically undermines her attractiveness because it eclipses her other abilities.
2. Pattern of Blind Trust
Sansa's pattern of blind trust and naivety is another undeniable flaw. Her immaturity is understandable considering her age, but her naïveté continues to evoke trouble not only for herself but for others around her.
She puts her faith in people with questionable motives without considering the potential repercussions. This blind faith sets off a chain of events that has tragic consequences for her family. Although this gullibility diminishes as Sansa matures, the damage has already been inflicted.
3. Insufferable Snobbery
Snobbery is another trait that many have taken issue with. It is as if her noble birth has given her a reason to look down upon others. Her treatment of Arya, her own sister, speaks volumes about her character. By consistently placing herself above her sister, Sansa reveals a distinct lack of empathy.
Even the way she treats her household staff paints her as slow to understand the basic principles of humility. Although circumstances force her to adapt, the initial arrogance constructs an unfavorable depiction of Sansa's character.
4. Betrayal of Family
The base for most Sansa bashing begins with her perceived betrayal of her family. When she discloses her father's plans of sending them back to the North to Cersei, it unfolds the gruesome turn of events bringing turmoil and an unfortunate fate to the Stark family. It is this act that fans have had a hard time forgiving.
The duplicity persists even at a later stage when she fails to reveal Littlefinger's true intentions to Jon and instead continues to trust him. This generates a feeling of treachery, reinforcing her disloyalty to her family.
Common Q&A
Q: Is Sansa the real treacherous character in A Song of Ice and Fire series?
A: Sansa's character might have shades of treachery but labeling her as a traitor would be unfair. Her actions were driven by her naivety and misplaced trust in people who intended to exploit it.
Q: What is Sansa bashing?
A: Sansa bashing is the act of criticizing or berating Sansa Stark's character from the series A Song of Ice and Fire, often highlighting her flaws and mistakes.
Q: Why is Sansa bashing so prevalent?
A: Sansa's character has made some grave mistakes and questionable choices in the series which have resulted in tragic consequences for her family. This has led to a significant amount of Sansa-bashing among fans.
While Sansa's character has much to be criticized for, it is crucial to remember that she, like all the characters in the A Song of Ice and Fire series, is multidimensional and has strengths and weaknesses. Perhaps, the bashing might decrease as Sansa matures and learns from her past mistakes, only time will tell.
References
Martin, George R. R. A Game of Thrones. Bantam Books, 1996.
Martin, George R. R. A Clash of Kings. Bantam Books, 1998.
Martin, George R. R. A Storm of Swords. Bantam Books, 2000.
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