Coin: Money and the Gift Mentality in The Song of Ice and Fire

The essay explores the significance of money in George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire. Martin focuses on a historical period when values and beliefs related to a feudal, land-based economy are being replaced by mercantile values. The ascendency of money can be seen in the financial difficulti...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of the fantastic in the arts 2018-05, Vol.29 (2 (102)), p.242-265
Main Author: Rosu, Anca
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Ambiguity
Bruckner, Pascal
Canadian literature
Corporate culture
Economics
Erotica
Essays
Exegesis & hermeneutics
Fate
Ideology
Literary devices
Logic
Martin, George R R
Mauss, Marcel (1872-1950)
Middle Ages
Morality
Mythology
Narrative techniques
Philosophy
Plot (Narrative)
Polanyi, Karl (1886-1964)
Science fiction & fantasy
Society
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Summary:The essay explores the significance of money in George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire. Martin focuses on a historical period when values and beliefs related to a feudal, land-based economy are being replaced by mercantile values. The ascendency of money can be seen in the financial difficulties of the aristocracy, the increased importance of the merchant class, the desire for freedom among the lower classes, and the legitimation of mercenary professions. Although the aristocracy resists mercantilism in the name of persisting feudal values, it has no choice but to give money priority. An exception, Daenerys has a choice, but her decision leads to moral dilemmas. Martin’s intimations of a not-entirely-monetary economy make us reflect on the role of money in society today.
ISSN:0897-0521