Did Margaery Tyrell Mistreat Tommen Baratheon?

In Game of Thrones, the relationship between Margaery Tyrell and Tommen Baratheon is complex and multifaceted. While she does not openly mistreat him, her actions and intentions can be seen as manipulative or neglectful, depending on how one interprets her motivations.

Manipulation

Margaery Tyrell is portrayed as a shrewd and politically savvy character. She leverages her marriage to Tommen as a means to gain power and control within the royal court. Tommen's youth and naivety make him a more vulnerable target for her influence, leading some to view her actions as manipulation rather than outright mistreatment. Her political ambitions often come first, and this can complicate the nature of their relationship.

Emotional Support

At the same time, Margaery does show signs of genuine care and empathy towards Tommen. After the tragic death of his father, King Joffrey, she provides emotional support to Tommen, trying to ease his grief and offering a comforting presence. She also shows him affection, which might be interpreted as a way to strengthen her influence over him. This suggests that her intentions are not purely malicious, and she aims to have a positive impact on his life.

Political Agenda

While Margaery's primary focus is on securing her family's power and position in the realm, this often involves prioritizing her ambitions over Tommen's emotional well-being. Moments where her actions might be seen as neglectful or exploitative can arise. For instance, she uses her role as his wife to mentor him in matters of the heart rather than focusing on his royal management duties. This behavior can lead to a situation where Tommen is distracted from his responsibilities and is more focused on his relationship with Margaery.

Analysis and Conclusion

Overall, while Margaery does not engage in direct or abusive behavior towards Tommen, her actions are largely motivated by her political goals. This can complicate the nature of their relationship and blur the line between beneficial mentorship and exploitative manipulation.