This thesis takes a closer look at the adaption process from the novel A Game of thrones to the popular TV series, with the focus on a a structural comparison and the alterations from the novel to the series. A shift in the depiction of characters, fidelity aspects and political statements of the installments are also considered. Last but not least, this thesis takes a closer look at the level of illicitness in the series, and if there is an equivalent in the novel.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
1.1 Game of Thrones – From Novel to TV
1.2 Theoretical Background
1.2.1 Adaption Theory: Fidelity Debate and Adapting by Translating Narrative Functions
1.2.2 Terminology
2 Main Part
2.1 The Authors
2.1.1 Author of the Novel: George R. R. Martin
2.1.2 Authors of the TV Series: David Benioff & D. B. Weiss
2.2 Setting of A Song of Ice and Fire
2.2.1 The World of A Song of Ice and Fire
2.2.2 Plot Summary of A Game of Thrones
2.3 The Structure
2.3.1 Structure of the Novel
2.3.2 Structure of the TV Series
2.4 The Characters – Alterations from the Novel
2.5 Fidelity Criticism and Game of Thrones
2.6 Why adapt A Song of Ice and Fire?
2.7 Game of Thrones – a Mirror to our World?
2.8 HBO, Game of Thrones and the Illicit
3 Conclusion
Research Objectives and Core Themes
This thesis examines the adaptation process of George R. R. Martin's novel "A Game of Thrones" into the HBO television series. It investigates how narrative structures, character portrayals, and themes are translated across different media, focusing on the tension between fidelity to the source material and the necessity of medium-specific changes.
- The structural and dramaturgical differences between the novel and the TV series.
- The evolution of character depictions and the reasons behind specific alterations.
- The influence of "fidelity criticism" on the adaptation and reception process.
- The role of the TV medium in enhancing or modifying thematic elements, such as political statements and the portrayal of illicit content.
Excerpt from the Book
1.1 Game of Thrones – From Novel to TV
A Song of Ice and Fire, the monumental fantasy saga that George R. R. Martin has been working on for 20 years now, has sold more than 15 million books in over 20 different languages (G. R. R. Martin, “Conversation”). The immense success has created a dedicated fan base who eagerly await the next novel. It has also sparked the interest of the popular cable network HBO – the series A Game of Thrones was created from Martin's novels. The cost for the first season is estimated around US $ 50-60 million (Goldberg); HBO decided to create a second season right after the first episode was aired.
The series tries to expand its viewer base by being appealing to both: dedicated fans and those that have not read the novels yet (Elio). Critics have argued that the series tries to achieve that with a high level of graphic violence and nudity (Nussbaum; Bellafante). Is this really true? What makes both the novels and the series so popular, is there maybe a political statement that is appealing to the audience?
This thesis will take a closer look at the adaption process from the novel to the series. I will analyze how a successful series is created from a novel. To do so, I will introduce the author / creators, and give a brief overview of the world of A Song of Ice and Fire, as well as a plot summary of the first novel. The center piece of my thesis is a structural comparison of the novel and the series, with a focus on alterations from the novel to the series. I will then investigate a possible shift in the depiction of characters. On a more abstract level, I will consider if fidelity was an important aspect for the adaption process, possible reasons why A Song of Ice and Fire was adapted, and I will investigate the installment for political statements. Last but not least, I will take a closer look at the level of illicitness in the series, and if there is an equivalent in the novel.
Summary of Chapters
1 Introduction: Provides an overview of the source material and the HBO adaptation, establishing the scope and research questions regarding the adaptation process.
2 Main Part: Analyzes the authors, the fictional world, structural differences, character shifts, the role of fidelity, motives for the adaptation, political themes, and the portrayal of illicit content.
3 Conclusion: Summarizes the findings, noting that while the series maintains the core of the novels, it employs necessary adaptations to succeed as a visual medium.
Keywords
Adaptation, A Song of Ice and Fire, Game of Thrones, George R. R. Martin, HBO, Fidelity, Narrative Structure, Character Alteration, Television Studies, Fantasy, Violence, Nudity, Political Allegory, Media Comparison, Dramaturgy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental focus of this thesis?
The thesis explores the process of adapting George R. R. Martin's "A Game of Thrones" into an HBO series, comparing the novel's structure and characterization with the show's narrative.
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
Key areas include the fidelity debate in film adaptation, the impact of the television medium on storytelling, character evolution, and the presence of political and "illicit" themes.
What is the central research question?
The study aims to understand how the television series successfully translates the complex narrative of the novels, identifying why certain changes were made and how they affect the audience's reception.
Which scientific methods are employed?
The work utilizes a structural and narrative analysis, comparing the novel's text with the TV episodes, supported by adaptation theory and secondary literature.
What subjects are addressed in the main body?
The main part covers the backgrounds of the authors, the plot and setting, technical structural analysis, specific character changes, fidelity criticism, and the use of explicit themes in the show.
Which keywords characterize this work?
Key terms include Adaptation, Fidelity, Narrative Structure, Character Alteration, Fantasy, and Media Comparison.
How does the author evaluate the "fidelity" to the original novels?
The author argues that while fidelity is a concern for fans, the series often prioritizes dramaturgical and medium-specific needs over direct replication, sometimes resulting in deeper character exploration.
How does the series differentiate its depiction of the "illicit" from the source material?
The author notes that the television series increases the levels of violence and nudity compared to the novels, often using these elements as a brand strategy to establish its identity as mature, subscriber-based television.
- Quote paper
- Onno Thießen (Author), 2013, A Game of Thrones. From Novel to TV, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/212568
