Traditionally, high fantasy fiction is seen as an escapist genre. The consumer, simply put, wants a place where their mind can roam in a magical setting. A place that is foreign and fantastic compared to their daily grind. Although this is the type of experience George R.R. Martin and HBO cultivated with Game of Thrones, when looking a little closer, it is clear that they are also using the veil of the fantasy genre to help the viewer take a closer look at some hard realities facing modern society.