Exploring Sansa Starks Trust Issues with Arya and Daenerys: A Deconstruction of Gender Roles and Political Goals

Would Sansa Stark have mistrusted Arya Stark and Daenerys Targaryen based on their assertiveness and divergence from gender stereotypes? This article delves into the complex dynamics between these characters in the context of their political aspirations and personal beliefs.

Character Dynamics at the Heart of Westeros

While Sansa Stark trusted and held a sincere affection for Arya Stark initially, this trust was tested by Arya's confrontational nature. Arya's implication that Sansa had attempted to kill Jon Snow and her perceived desire for violence and retribution led to mistrust. Sansa, in defense, countered Arya’s accusations but found little respite against these constant attacks.

Daenerys Targaryen, on the other hand, presented a more ideological opposition for Sansa. As a foreign conqueror vying for the entire Iron Throne, Daenerys posed a threat to the autonomy of the North. Sansa, with Jon, had sworn never to kneel again, but Daenerys’s ambitions directly contradicted these vows. The imprisonment of Jon and the subsequent forced kneelings by Daenerys further fueled Sansa’s suspicion and mistrust.

Sansa's Commitment to Northern Independence

The core of Sansa’s mistrust stems from her unwavering belief in the sovereignty of the North. Unlike Daenerys, who saw herself as destined to rule over all the kingdoms, Sansa advocated for the independence and autonomy of her region. Depriving herself of power to align with Daenerys would have been seen as a betrayal of her family and the legacy of her brother, Brandon Stark. Sansa’s resolve to maintain her character’s integrity and the Northern cause has been paramount.

Daenerys’s use of dragons and her eventual conquest of Westeros exemplify her adoption of traditional power structures. Despite her claims to defy gender stereotypes, Daenerys still adheres to many societal expectations, such as civilian decorum and diplomacy. Her actions share a striking parallel to Sansa if Sansa had access to magical creatures.

Childhood Friction vs. Adult Relationships

It is important to consider the nature of the relationship between Sansa and Arya as children. The clash in their personalities and approaches to life was normal for siblings, and eventually, as they grew older, Sansa seemed to accept Arya’s divergent path. However, the mistrust Sansa experienced with Arya in S6 and beyond was more rooted in Arya's assertive behavior and defensive statements rather than any inherent stereotyping.

In comparison, the mistrust between Sansa and Daenerys was primarily political. Sansa’s skepticism towards Daenerys’s intentions is grounded in the latter’s conquest of the North and the subsequent forced kneelings. These events led Sansa to question Daenerys’s true motives and the authenticity of her alliances.

Conclusion

The mistrust Sansa exhibited towards both Arya and Daenerys was complex, but it was predominantly driven by political motivations, rather than personal experiences of gender stereotyping. Sansa’s unwavering commitment to Northern independence and her refusal to bend the knee to what she perceives as a foreign, oppressive ruler underscores her character’s depth and integrity.

While Arya’s actions can be seen as a challenge to traditional gender roles, Sansa’s mistrust was primarily a result of Daenerys’s ambitions and actions that threatened to subjugate her region. Both characters, in their own ways, challenge the status quo, but their motivations and methods diverge significantly in the context of their leadership and governance.