Can you ever fully understand Daenerys' descent into madness?
By Sophia Patel | Can you ever fully understand Daenerys’ descent into madness?
Daenerys Targaryen’s transformation from a heroic dragon queen to a genocidal maniac has left fans reeling in the world of Game of Thrones. Her shocking turn was expertly crafted by showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, who masterfully wove together themes of trauma, power, and the blurred lines between good and evil.
One cannot help but draw parallels to the cinematic masterpiece that is The Shining (1980) directed by Stanley Kubrick. Like Danny Torrance’s gradual descent into madness in Overlook Hotel, Daenerys’ unraveling mirrors a classic case of trauma-induced psychosis. As she witnesses the atrocities committed by her enemies – including the Unsullied massacre and the destruction of King’s Landing – Daenerys becomes increasingly detached from reality.
However, while The Shining serves as a visual representation of Danny’s psychological turmoil, Daenerys’ descent is rooted in the complexities of trauma and power. Unlike Danny, who succumbs to supernatural forces beyond his control, Daenerys’ downfall stems from her own agency. She chooses to abandon the moral framework that once guided her actions and instead succumbs to a lust for power and control.
This theme resonates with films like The Queen (2006), which explores the psychological effects of trauma on Elizabeth II during her early years as monarch. Like Daenerys, Elizabeth struggles to reconcile her sense of duty with the weight of responsibility that comes with her position. However, whereas Elizabeth ultimately finds a way to cope with her emotions and maintain her grip on reality, Daenerys’ actions become increasingly erratic.
The portrayal of Daenerys’ descent in Game of Thrones can also be seen as a commentary on the dangers of toxic masculinity. Throughout the series, Daenerys is often depicted as being emotionally stunted, unable to connect with those around her or articulate her feelings. This emotional numbness serves as a mask for the deep-seated anger and resentment that fuels her actions.
This theme echoes the character development of Patrick Bateman in American Psycho (2000), who uses his charm and wit to conceal his true nature – a psychopathic sociopath driven by a desire for power and control. Like Daenerys, Patrick Bateman is unable to express his emotions or connect with others on an emotional level, instead using manipulation and coercion to get what he wants.
While Daenerys’ actions are undoubtedly shocking, they can also be seen as a symptom of her own trauma and the societal pressures that come with being a powerful leader. In a world where women are often expected to conform to certain standards of behavior, Daenerys is forced to navigate a complex web of expectations and responsibilities.
Ultimately, understanding Daenerys’ descent into madness requires a nuanced approach, one that acknowledges both her agency and the complexities of trauma and power. While it’s impossible to fully comprehend the intricacies of her psyche, we can at least attempt to grasp the underlying forces that drive her actions.
So what does Daenerys’ descent tell us about ourselves? Does it serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power and the blurred lines between good and evil? Or is it simply a reflection of our own darker impulses – a reminder that even the most well-intentioned among us can succumb to the lure of madness?
As we grapple with these questions, let’s take a moment to consider the implications of Daenerys’ actions on the world at large. Will her descent into madness serve as a warning about the dangers of authoritarianism and the importance of accountability? Or will it simply become another chapter in the ongoing narrative of power and corruption?
One thing is certain – Daenerys’ transformation has left an indelible mark on popular culture, serving as a powerful reminder that even the most heroic among us can be vulnerable to the pressures of power.
