The Stark Women and Gender Roles

Catelyn Stark

For my final blog post, I was having trouble finding the right topic to discuss because I feel I have touched upon some of the greater themes already; but then it hit me that I have hardly talked about the Stark women and their crucial roles within the story. So then, we revisit the discussion on gender roles.

To your left is Catelyn Stark, whom I think I have mentioned before. She is the wife of Eddard Stark who is the Warden of the North and eventually beheaded unjustly. Catelyn's role is one that best fits the ideal wife for those who believe in complimentarianism. Catelyn is a woman who supported her husband Ned in all things. He was the head of the household and she was happy to submit to his will because Ned Stark was a loving and responsible leader. He deeply cared for the welfare of his family and his people. Ned Stark, before having to decide whether to leave his home or serve his king, asked her for her advice. She gave it openly and said that he should stay in the North with his family. Ned listened and appreciated her input, but ultimately decided that it was his duty and honor to serve as the king's Hand (which is like his most trusted counselor). Though Catelyn did not like it, she knew it was her duty to support her husband in all aspects. Furthermore, she stays in the North at his command when he leaves in order to maintain the household. Though submissive, Catelyn is still a rather strong woman. She definitely embodies Colossians 3:18, "wives submit to your husbands as is fitting in the Lord".  Piper and Grudem would certainly approve.

Sansa Stark

Next up we have Sansa Stark, the oldest daughter. She excels in all skills deemed proper for a Lady such as sewing and is admired for her beauty. She is the sad example of a woman who is abused and stripped of any kind of power real or imagined. She is betrothed to Joffrey Lannisters, the evil boy king mentioned a few posts ago and as soon as relations with the Starks go sour, Sansa is immediately taken as a hostage by the Lannisters and is abused physically and mentally by Joffery. She does not speak up against her abuse and remains silent unless spoken to which can embody (when taken out of context) 1 Timothy 2:11. To be fair to Sansa though, she was in an extremely hostile environment in which there really is no other option for her but to submit. Her life was at stake and should she defy the king, she would likely suffer more abuse.

Then we have Arya Stark, the youngest daughter and complete opposite of Sansa. She is terrible at sewing and has no interest in playing with dolls. She enjoys archery and learns how to wield a sword. Her favorite stories aren't the ones where a princess is rescued, but rather of courageous maiden warriors who ride on dragons and save the day. Arya would definitely be considered an egalitarian. Her unwillingness to submit to men often times got her into trouble, but she persisted. Her character most coincides with our discussion on Phoebe and Junia. Though just a child, she exemplified traits of leadership and courage against a patriarchal society.

Though she has never met Daenarys, or even heard of her, my guess is that she'll be eager to follow her example or even serve in her army.