Understanding the Dynamics Between Arya and Sansa in ‘Games of Thrones’

When Arya returns to Westeros, her interactions with her sister, Sansa, are shaped by their vastly different experiences during their separation. Arya, having endured significant trauma and hardship, has grown into a more pragmatic and cynical individual. Meanwhile, Sansa, having navigated through the political landscapes of King's Landing and Winterfell, has evolved into a politically savvy and focused leader. This article delves into the complex relationship between Arya and Sansa, highlighting the sources of their tension and the impact of their differing journeys.

Different Perspectives and Survival Instincts

The tension between Arya and Sansa arises largely from their contrasting perspectives and the ways they approach the world. Arya, having spent years training as an assassin and losing many loved ones, views the world with a cynical lens, emphasizing survival and efficiency. On the other hand, Sansa, having been shaped by manipulation, abuse, and survival in the courts, is more focused on the politics of power and leadership. Arya's pragmatic approach often comes across as callous to Sansa, who views Arya as reckless and overlyviolent.

Protectiveness and Emotional Distance

Both sisters's actions and behaviors are driven by a deep sense of protectiveness and a need for validation. Arya is protective of her family, particularly her sister, and often acts in ways that prioritize their safety and the Stark legacy. However, this protectiveness can sometimes result in perceived callousness. For Sansa, her experiences have contributed to a emotional distance that makes it challenging for her to fully connect with Arya, who has also undergone significant transformation in her emotional landscape.

Historical Context: Arya's Rowdy Beginnings

Many readers often overlook Arya's turbulent and unruly behavior in the early chapters of 'Games of Thrones.' It is easy to sympathize with the 'spunky girl misfit,' but a closer look at the text reveals a different picture. In the opening of the first book, Arya sits in a social situation sulking and is unduly rude to her friends. She then escalates the situation by repeating an insult about Joffrey, the Crown Prince, in front of his sister and a group of high-born women. Such actions could have severe consequences, yet Arya shows no remorse.

Despite Sansa's generally minor and understandable remarks, Arya's reactions are often confrontational and unreasonable. For instance, when their teacher points out Arya's poor work, Arya instead blames Sansa for drawing attention to her, and subsequently throws a tantrum. This behavior is repeated on the road and in King’s Landing, reinforcing the idea that Arya's temperament was not shaped solely by upbringing but also by significant emotional and psychological trauma.

Parental Influence and Hidden Messages

It is crucial to examine the role of their father, Ned Stark, and the messages he inadvertently sends to Arya. Ned’s behavior towards both sisters is inconsistent and biased, favoring Arya despite her clear misbehavior. For example, after Arya’s violent outburst, it is Sansa who is punished, while Arya is given material rewards and emotional validation. Meanwhile, Sansa's repeated trauma at the hands of her father, who both ignores and refuses to address it, further exacerbates the tension between the sisters.

Father’s actions consistently prioritize Arya, reinforcing the internalized belief that she is more important than Sansa. This juxtaposition not only affects Arya's self-esteem but also shapes her interactions and behavior, making her more distant and callous towards Sansa. Conversely, Sansa, who has suffered significant trauma, struggle to reconcile her feelings of betrayal and resentment with the role she perceives Ned to be playing.

As Arya returns to Westeros, the tension between the siblings is palpable. The relationship is marked by a mix of love and mistrust, as they struggle to reconcile their identities and navigate their vastly different perspectives. The callous demeanor often displayed by Arya towards Sansa is a direct consequence of their shared history and the contrasting paths they have taken, influenced by both external events and internal emotional traumas.