A Game of Thrones. From Novel to TV

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Introduction
• Game of Thrones - From Novel to TV
• Theoretical Background
• Adaption Theory: Fidelity Debate and Adapting by Translating Narrative Functions
• Terminology
• Main Part
• The Authors
• Author of the Novel: George R. R. Martin
• Authors of the TV Series: David Benioff & D. B. Weiss
• Setting of A Song of Ice and Fire
• The World of A Song of Ice and Fire
• Plot Summary of A Game of Thrones
• The Structure
• Structure of the Novel
• Structure of the TV Series
• The Characters - Alterations from the Novel
• Fidelity Criticism and Game of Thrones
• Why adapt A Song of Ice and Fire?
• Game of Thrones a Mirror to our World?
• HBO, Game of Thrones and the Illicit
• Conclusion

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This thesis explores the adaptation process of the novel "A Song of Ice and Fire" into the popular HBO series "Game of Thrones." The main objective is to analyze the techniques used in creating a successful TV series from a novel, examining the adaptations and alterations made in the transition. The paper will examine the creative process through analyzing the authors, the world-building, the narrative structures, and the portrayal of characters. Key themes of this thesis include:

• Adaptation theory and the fidelity debate
• Structural analysis of the novel and the series
• Character development and alterations between the novel and the series
• Potential political statements embedded within the narrative
• The role of violence and nudity in the series and their impact on audience appeal

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

The introduction provides an overview of the successful fantasy saga "A Song of Ice and Fire" and its adaptation into the HBO series "Game of Thrones." It highlights the popularity of the books, the interest of HBO in adapting the series, and the potential for both dedicated fans and new viewers to enjoy the series. Chapter 1.2 delves into the theoretical background of adaption theory, focusing on the ongoing debate regarding fidelity. It examines critiques of adaptations often deemed as secondary and derivative, highlighting the "fidelity debate" and its implications. It contrasts this critique with the academic approach, which emphasizes the individuality of adaptations as unique works, moving away from the notion of replication. Chapter 1.2.1 further elaborates on the adaption process, considering the unique challenges of adapting a novel to the screen. It discusses the importance of translating narrative functions across different media, emphasizing that adaptations must be viewed as individual works rather than mere replications of the original. Chapter 1.2.2 introduces important terminology used throughout the thesis, clarifying distinctions between the series of novels ("A Song of Ice and Fire") and the television series ("Game of Thrones"). It also explains the chapter numbering system used in the analysis, referencing Appendix A for a complete list of chapters and page numbers.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

Key terms and concepts explored in this thesis include "A Song of Ice and Fire," "Game of Thrones," adaptation theory, fidelity, narrative functions, structural analysis, character development, political statements, violence, nudity, and audience appeal.