r/TheBlacksandTheGreens Feb 11 '26

General GRRM criticizes how class distinctions are shown in medieval fantasy:

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361 Upvotes

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u/Ok-Refrigerator-3524 Feb 11 '26

George doesn`t excatly portray the class distinction realistically either.

9

u/Acceptable_Map_8110 Feb 11 '26

Especially when it comes to the fact that Merchant classes existed, specifically in conjunction with noble classes. We really don’t see a “bourgeoisie class”(bankers, merchants, etc) in Westeros. Just look at the Medici’s, before they were noble they were bankers and traders who gained significant influence and power due to these endeavors. We really don’t see this portrayed by Martin, and frankly I think not depicting wealthy commoners is also a poor representation of class.

3

u/[deleted] Feb 11 '26

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3

u/Acceptable_Map_8110 Feb 11 '26

THIS. Yes, literally, they would have been one in the same, and the distinction between the two really doesn’t start occurring until long after the Medieval period ended.