Was Sansa's Decision to Let Ramsay be Fed to the Hounds a Just Revenge?

The scene where Sansa Stark allows Ramsay Bolton to be fed to his own hounds is a significant moment in Game of Thrones, particularly in the context of her character development and the themes of power and vengeance. Various interpretations exist regarding the morality and the repercussions of Sansa's choice.

Empowerment and Agency

By orchestrating Ramsay's gruesome death, Sansa takes control of her narrative. Throughout the series, she has been a victim of various abuses, and this act marks a turning point where she asserts her power over her tormentor. In doing so, Sansa demonstrates her strength and the ability to rise above her past traumas, turning the tables on her adversary.

Cycle of Violence

Allowing Ramsay to be fed to the dogs raises questions about the morality of revenge. Some might argue that this act mirrors the brutality Ramsay exhibited throughout the series, suggesting that Sansa has become like him in her willingness to inflict suffering. This perspective highlights the idea that vengeance can lead individuals to become what they once despised. However, others might argue that while it may be violent, it is a fitting and moral conclusion to a character who thrived on cruelty.

Justice vs. Revenge

Sansa’s actions can also be seen as a form of poetic justice. Ramsay’s death is a culmination of his horrific actions, and Sansa’s choice to let the hounds eat him serves as a fitting end for a character who thrived on cruelty. This act can be interpreted as a form of retribution that seeks to balance the scales of justice rather than simply indulging in personal vengeance.

Context and Consequence

It’s important not to view Sansa's decision as a marker of character degradation. No one can become a monster by cleaning up another monster. The series is infested with individuals who wear good clothes and behave like civilized people but are hideous from the inside. Sansa saw all these things throughout her journey, from confronting Cersei Lannister, Joffrey Baratheon, and Petyr Baelish, to facing various monsters. Her decision to let Ramsay be killed in such a manner was the perfect way to take revenge against the biggest monster she had encountered.

The idea that teaching a monster a lesson doesn't make someone a monster is a critical theme in Game of Thrones. Sansa's actions were a direct response to years of suffering and abuse, and while they might be violent, they are also a justified means of seeking closure and justice.

Conclusion: Sansa's decision to let Ramsay be fed to the hounds was a complex and multifaceted act. It can be seen as both a celebration of her newfound power and an act of justice against a deserving villain. The decision highlights the significant journey of character development and the complex moral landscape of the series.

Image Credit: HBO