What if Arya, post season 8 reunion, helped Gendry learn to read? How could this work, and how would fans react?
user
<think>
Okay, so the user is asking about a scenario where Arya, after the events of Game of Thrones season 8, helps Gendry learn to read. They want to know how this could work and how fans might react. Let me break this down.

First, I need to recall where Arya and Gendry are at the end of season 8. Arya decides to leave Westeros to explore what's west of Westeros. Gendry, on the other hand, is legitimized as a Baratheon and becomes Lord of Storm's End. So, they part ways, but there's a history between them, especially with Arya rejecting his marriage proposal.

Now, the user is suggesting a reunion post-season 8 where Arya helps Gendry learn to read. How would that even happen? Well, maybe Arya returns from her voyage, or perhaps she visits Westeros again. Gendry, as a new lord, might need to read to manage his lands, sign documents, etc. Since he was a blacksmith before, he might not have had formal education. That makes sense.

So, how could Arya help him? Arya is literate, as she was highborn. She was taught by her family. She could teach Gendry. But how would their dynamic be? They have a past, so there might be some tension or unresolved feelings. Teaching him to read could be a way to reconnect. Maybe Gendry feels insecure about his new role and needs to improve his skills, and Arya, being independent and skilled, offers to help.

Fans' reactions: Some might love the idea because it continues their relationship, which had a lot of chemistry. Others might think it's fan service, especially if done well. But there could be criticism if it feels forced. The key would be to handle their interactions authentically, showing mutual respect and growth. Fans appreciate character development, so seeing Gendry become more confident as a lord and Arya using her skills to help could be positive. However, some might prefer Arya's story to remain focused on her independence and exploration, not tied back to Westeros.

Potential story points: Maybe Arya returns temporarily, teaching him during her stay. They could bond over their shared experiences, with Arya using unconventional methods (like her Faceless Men training) to teach. Gendry's struggle with reading could tie into his imposter syndrome as a lord. Their interactions could show growth for both—Arya finding purpose in helping others, Gendry embracing his new role.

Possible fan reactions: Positive if it's well-written and adds depth. Negative if it retcons their endings or seems out of character. Also, some fans might ship them, so their dynamic could be a point of interest. The show's ending was divisive, so any continuation could be polarizing, but a focus on character-driven stories might be welcomed.

I should also consider the themes of literacy and power in Westeros. Gendry's literacy could symbolize his transition from commoner to lord, and Arya's role as a teacher shows her using her skills for mentorship. It's a way to address social mobility and the importance of education in governance.

In conclusion, the scenario is feasible if handled with attention to their characters' development. Fans would likely have mixed reactions, leaning positive if the execution respects their established personalities and growth.
</think>

The scenario of Arya Stark helping Gendry Baratheon learn to read post-*Game of Thrones* Season 8 offers rich potential for character development and thematic exploration. Here's how it could unfold and how audiences might react:

---

### **How It Could Work**  
1. **Reunion Context**:  
   - Arya might return temporarily from her exploration west of Westeros, driven by curiosity about the rebuilt realm or personal ties. Gendry, struggling as the new Lord of Storm’s End, could seek her out for help, acknowledging her resourcefulness.  
   - Alternatively, Arya could visit Storm’s End on her travels, discovering Gendry’s challenges in governance due to his illiteracy—a vulnerability he hides but critically impacts his leadership.

2. **Teaching Dynamics**:  
   - **Arya’s Approach**: Drawing from her own education (as a highborn) and unconventional Faceless Men training, Arya might use practical, hands-on methods—e.g., mapping letters to weaponry terms or using survivalist analogies. Her patience and bluntness could clash with Gendry’s frustration, creating a mix of tension and humor.  
   - **Gendry’s Growth**: His struggle with literacy could mirror his imposter syndrome as a lord. Progress in reading would symbolize his acceptance of his identity, blending his blacksmith pragmatism with newfound political acumen.

3. **Thematic Layers**:  
   - **Power and Education**: Highlighting literacy as a tool of power in feudal societies, Gendry’s journey could critique class barriers, showing how education empowers marginalized figures.  
   - **Shared Trauma**: Their bond could deepen through discussions of their past (e.g., the Brotherhood, the Long Night), with Arya’s mentorship reflecting her own healing and purpose beyond vengeance.

---

### **Fan Reactions**  
1. **Positive Responses**:  
   - **Character Chemistry**: Fans invested in their relationship (romantic or platonic) would appreciate renewed screen time, especially if their banter and mutual respect remain intact.  
   - **Growth-Centric Story**: Viewers critical of Season 8’s rushed endings might welcome a focus on gradual, grounded development, showcasing Arya’s empathy and Gendry’s vulnerability.  
   - **Social Commentary**: Themes of literacy and class mobility could resonate with audiences valuing socio-political depth in *GoT*.

2. **Criticisms and Concerns**:  
   - **Fan Service Accusations**: Some might view the reunion as forced, particularly if romantic undertones feel unearned after Arya’s rejection of marriage.  
   - **Arya’s Agency**: Purists may argue that Arya’s post-canon independence should keep her away from Westeros, fearing her arc might regress into a “helper” role.  
   - **Execution Risks**: Poor writing (e.g., rushed lessons, inconsistent characterization) could undermine the premise’s potential.

---

### **Conclusion**  
This storyline could thrive if it balances character authenticity with thematic depth. Arya’s mentorship would need to align with her fierce individuality, while Gendry’s growth should reflect his canonical resilience. If executed thoughtfully, fans might embrace it as a poignant coda to their journeys—a testament to survival, reinvention, and the quiet power of trust. However, the shadow of Season 8’s divisiveness means reactions would hinge on nuance and respect for the characters’ established trajectories.
assistant
What if Arya, post season 8 reunion, helped Gendry learn to read? How could this work, and how would fans react?
New Zealand
7981e5bff9349ca98bb8f23703ca938175413006e89e448efdf3779049a9c84b
en-GB,en-US;q=0.9,en;q=0.8
Mozilla/5.0 (Macintosh; Intel Mac OS X 10_15_6) AppleWebKit/605.1.15 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/15.6.1 Safari/605.1.15
English
user
Auckland
If Arya decided to help Gendry learn to read after their reunion in season 8, it could have shown a different side to both characters and their bond. This storyline could work by showing Arya patiently teaching Gendry how to read, using her own skills and the resources available to them. It could take place in Winterfell's library or another suitable location.

This scenario would have allowed the show to explore Arya's compassionate side more deeply, reinforcing her growth and development throughout the series. For Gendry, it would have humanized him further and emphasized his potential as both a capable leader and someone who has come a long way from his humble beginnings. The mutual support and affection between the two characters could solidify their bond and provide a glimpse into their lives beyond the struggle for the Iron Throne.

As for fans' reactions, they could potentially react positively to this plot development. Many viewers appreciated the connection between Arya and Gendry, and seeing them grow together in this way could have been a satisfying addition to their story arc. Additionally, it would provide further depth to their characters by showing their ability to learn from and depend on one another.

However, some fans might view this as an unnecessary diversion from the primary plotlines and conflicts taking place in season 8. The series has been criticized for being too fast-paced and leaving out some significant character moments, so this subplot could face mixed reactions depending on viewers' priorities and preferences.

Overall, Arya helping Gendry learn to read could have been a meaningful and heartwarming display of their bond, benefiting both characters' development and providing fans with a touching moment to remember. However, whether or not viewers would appreciate this subplot would depend on their personal preferences and priorities in terms of storytelling and pacing.
English
assistant
2023-05-21T21:17:14+00:00