Ashley Misuraca, Daenerys Chapter

Daenerys Chapter (begins with “‘The Dorthraki Sea,’ Ser Jorah Mormont said…”)

 

            This chapter was all about the moment Daenerys finally decided to take control of her own life and break free from her overbearing brother, Viserys. Daenerys and her party were traveling by horse through the countryside of Dothraki, her new home. She felt free out there riding her beloved horse and enjoying the tall grass. When her brother confronted her about giving him demands, she fought back and won over her freedom from him. She definitely grew as a character since the last time we read about her. She feels stronger and able to command her own decisions. Later, she finds out that she is actually carrying Khal Drogo’s child, which seems to have been her plan.

 

            I really enjoyed this chapter because it gave a sense of empowerment and it was exciting to see Daenerys finally take control of her own life. I think it is interesting that, even though women are seen as sex objects in the Dothraki society, Daenerys is still able to uphold a sense of independence in this chapter, regardless of her high-position in this particular culture. I like that this chapter gave a fairly accurate representation of what medieval life was like, and how barbaric these men and women were. In her previous chapter, it depicted women being raped in front of crowds and men being viciously killed. Based on historical texts, this is a pretty fair illustration of how some medieval cultures behaved. I feel this chapter is very important to the story because when Khal Drogo steps down from his throne, Viserys is suppose to take over and regain the family’s land and kingdom. However, Daenerys was so frightened by this idea that, presumably, she had sex with Khal Drogo so that there would be an heir to the throne besides Viserys. The only thing I didn’t like about this chapter was the inclusion of the legends of the dragons. Though I do think it will appear later in the novel again, I feel the chapter would have had a better flow without it.