Essay Questions

Discuss the significance of the theme of war in A Dance with Dragons.

War is a recurrent theme throughout the series, but its role is further intensified in this novel. The futility of war becomes a clear motif and there is an Oresteian cycle of endless bloodshed. This can be seen in the segment about Danaerys, when she cannot establish peace after conquering Meereen.

Why has Theon Greyjoy lost power in the novel?

A very important theme in this novel is a search for an identity unshaken by war. It has been been abundantly clear that Theon Greyjoy has lost his identity and hence, whatever agency he had in the novel. This can be seen when he is utterly incapable of standing up to Ramsay Bolton.

What role does power play in this novel?

Much like the rest of the series, these novel has a plot that is deeply motivated by the power struggle between different leaders, and this edifice only falls when Jon Snow establishes a truce with the wildlings leader. This power dynamic can be seen in the actions of Theon's father, who sets sail to Meereen to use Danaerys as a pawn in the power struggle between him and his brother.