Mending Wall: A Study of Restorative Justice in George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire and Tales of Dunk and Egg

Abstract

The current paper deals with the nature of justice in George R. R. Martin’s novel series A Song of Ice and Fire (1996- ) and Tales of Dunk and Egg (1998- ) under the light of Daniel Van Ness’ theory of restorative justice. This brand of justice is famed for its strong emphasis on the welfare of both parties (that is, victim and offender) in the process of passing judgment, its manner of determining criminal restitution which usually involves conferences, gatherings and community service, and more importantly, its aversion to ‘punishment’ at all costs. In the title-mentioned works, it will be argued, however, George R. R. Martin depicts a world which shows extreme prejudice against most levels and forms of crime, an attitude which not only fails to heal the damage done by the criminal, but also results in even more damage.