An artist has an obligation to tell the truth. My novels are epic fantasy, but they are inspired by and grounded in history. Rape and sexual violence have been a part of every war ever fought, from the ancient Sumerians to our present day. To omit them from a narrative centered on war and power would have been fundamentally false and dishonest, and would have undermined one of the themes of the books: that the true horrors of human history derive not from orcs and Dark Lords, but from ourselves. We are the monsters. (And the heroes too). Each of us has within himself the capacity for great good, and great evil
I think that's the only thought getting me through a reread of all the books.
Who I was when I first read them was barely fazed by the rape and violence in the books, who I am now pauses as I reread to think why was it necessary to portray that in that way. Which is when I think obviously its all about making it seem more historical and realistic.
It just bums me out that realism equates to rape so often.
Even some scenes that could have had that aspect absent, for instance
Which is just basically continuing that whole real world belief that women saying no, is really women saying yes.
I guess however it would be a bit like the matrix, as in giving humanity utopian books would not sell, as humanity needs barbarism, misery and brutality.
But yea, I can see sense in the arguments against all the rape and sexual violence scenes. I support the arguments too, I just think they are part of what makes the books and the series sell.
================
I read the books awhile ago, and with my memory, it wasn't quickly apparent to me, how many differences there were between the show and the books, but rereading them now, I'm shocked at how often unnecessary changes are introduced....and shocked I forgot so much of the books.
Topic: Game of Thrones