Catelyn

Catelyn is still taking everything in she is shocked that Ned is dead and doesn't know if her heart will ever lift again. Her brother Edmure back from battle said that he would make the lannisters pay for the death of Lord Eddard but that didn't make Catelyn feel any better because even after that it wouldn't bring Ned back. She reminded herself that she had to stay strong and not think about Ned now. Catelyn then finds out that her dad is bedridden and has little time to live. He forbid anyone from telling her sooner because he feared if his enemies knew of his condition the lannisters would attack. Catelyn spends time with her father and updates him of everything that has happened. Robb tells Catelyn that Renly has claimed his brothers crown but they all thought it would be lord Stannis. The war council had brought upon a lot of arguing every lord wanted different things. Robb argues that even though Joffrey put death to his father it doesn't make Renly king and the thrown is still suppose to be Joffrey's. With whatever they decide Robb doesn't want to be a traitor. Catelyn suggested why not peace? She convinced them to want peace for a bit then the bickering continued. They decided to rule themselves.  And yell " KING IN THE NORTH." I like that Catelyn is starting to do some self evaluating noticing her flaws by looking at her past with her family and noticing how much Robb is just like Ned. I like that she is not acting out of emotion and making the right decision despite her hurt from loosing Ned. I also like how Robb is showing how ready he is to be in control, he is truly his fathers son and it is in full effect. I dislike that those of the war council can't see doing nothing as a good thing because hasn't enough been done after loosing so many people. I think they should go about it another way. 

Game of Thrones Blog 6

Daenerys :

In this chapter Daenaery's is preparing a funeral pyre for Drogo with her servants. She then announces to her followers that they are free from their obligations. Daenaery's gives three of them gifts and ask them to be her bloodriders but they say no. The only one that offers to protect her is Jorah. She lays the eggs in the pyre and lights it and this is the first time dragons are seen.

I chose this chapter because it is the last chapter of the book and I thought it would be a good way to end this series of blogs. This chapter shows us how brave Danny is and we get to see her as like a dragon warrior. Danny was really nice by setting all of her followers free and rewarding them if they  stayed. With Jorah choosing to protect her, it shows his respect for her also. The followers that kneel to her also show respect by kneeling in her presence. Danny's is really one of the best characters in the book.

Game of Thrones Final Blog

       For this week's blog, I chose to review Arya's last chapter.  In this chapter, Arya kills a pigeon, then she tries to trade it for a tart.  She runs into guards who mistake her for a boy, and she plays along because she knows that they are looking for a girl.  She follows a mass of people to the Great Sept, where she hears her father confess to treason against Joff.  Though priests and his mother try to stop him, he sentences Ned to death.  Arya tries to stop him, but a big hand comes and stops her, and shields her from seeing.  See Ilyn decapitates Ned with Ice.  Arya identifies the man as Yoren, and he discretely tells her to keep pretending to be a boy.
       This chapter, in my opinion is the most intense in this entire novel because of Ned's death.  Ned was the most noble of the "players of the game of thrones" and died fairly early in the series.  I would say that if Martin is trying to make a statement through this event, it would be that the good die early when they play the "game of thrones".  This chapter also has a lot of pertinence in the big picture because of it.  Other than Ned dying, Joff is revealed as a truly evil character, or a textbook Lannister.    I liked this chapter because of how much of a change in action there was, comparing the first half of the chapter to the last.  This can also bring up the topic of capital punishment for our class.

GoT Blog #6

Dany (583-594)

Summary: In this chapter Dany asks Drogo if they can retake the throne in Westeros once their son is born. Drogo believes that the earth ends at the sea and the Dothraki will not cross the “poison water" since their horses cannot drink it. Dany asks Jorah to help her make Drogo understand, but he lectures her to not make any hasty decisions and end up like her brother. They go to the market while Drogo is out hunting. While at the market a merchant offers Dany a sample of some wine, but Jorah stops her. The man refused to drink the wine himself, and it is realized that he is an assassin. He gets captured, and later Jorah shows Dany a letter from Illyrio to Viserys saying that there is an offer of lordship to anyone who kills the Targaryen children. When Khal Drogo hears about the assassin he changes his mind and agrees to go to war and take back the iron throne.

Analysis: This is a turning point for the events that are occurring away from the seven kingdoms. Since the Dothraki are so against the "wooden horses" and going across the sea, when Drogo finally agrees to wage war it's a big deal. It also made me ask the question, "how long did Jorah have the letter and did her and Viserys plan on letting Dany die?" In any case the looming war between the seven kingdoms and the Targaryen led Dothraki horde seems all the more real. The attempted assassination also shows that someone in the seven kingdoms fears that Dany will come back and take back the throne, though we don't know who. This was a very interesting chapter because I feel Dany realized that everyone isn't as nice and sweet as they may seem. She not only grew as a person but as a leader also.

Final GoT Blog

Arya (716-728)

Summary: Ever since her father had been captured, Arya has been hiding in King’s Landing. One day a bell tolls, and she follows all of the people that are gathering at the Great Sept of Baelor. As she makes her way through the crowd she overhears rumors about her father. She sees that her father is kneeling in front of the the crowd. Ned then confesses that he is a traitor against the crown, to which Joffrey orders Ned executed. Varys and Cersei are surprised and try to stop him but to no avail. Arya attempts to rush through the crowd to save her father, but before she does Yoren grabs her and stops her. Before her father could be beheaded, Yoren drags her away from the plaza and away from the crowd, he cuts her hair and commands her to act as if she were a boy.

Reflection: This chapter was one that actually upset me and further increased my hatred for Joffrey. I remember how angry I was when I saw this scene in the show and this only increased my frustration. Ned's death sets up many events in the future however, and drastically changes the already miserable live's of the Stark House. Arya will now be forced to act like a boy at least until she is safe from Joffrey and Sansa will now lead a dismal life in King's landing all by herself. Also with the news of his fathers death Rob is sure to act out and do something that might come back to haunt him later.

Daenerys (pages 702-715)

Summary:

          Dany's chapter begins with her and Drogo riding, and while they're riding, Drogo falls off of his horse. The middle of the chapter draws out Drogo's healing process, however, he is not getting better, and he will soon die. Dany's chapter ends with her being carried into the tent by Ser Jorah.

Reaction/Analysis:

         Throughout this chapter, I was beyond shocked by the treatment of Dany. The Dothraki's hostility towards Dany showed their true nature, and as readers we see how loyal they are only to the Khal. I really liked this chapter because I felt that Dany was cheated, and because of this I pitied her.

Arya

This chapter starts off with Arya trying to trade a pigeon she caught for some food but the cartman would only take coppers or money for it. Arya has been on her own for a while since her father was sent to jail hiding from the kings court not knowing what they would do with her if they caught her. Later a bells go off and it is said to be a summoning to behead someone. Arya follows the crowd towards to ringing bells with everyone to see what was going on. She ends up tripping, scrapping her knee, and smashing her thumb having half of her nail come off while trying to keep up. She finds out that the man that they are about to execute is her father Ed, or Lord Stark. Arya sees her father held by guards looking extra skinny and in very bad shape. She also sees her sister Sansa and wonders why she is looking happy about what is going on. Ed confesses his treason and betrayal to everyone and it breaks Arya’s heart because she knows it is not the truth. People start throwing stones at Ed which makes Arya cry out. Sansa also starts to cry and scream hysterically after King Joffrey orders Ed execution. Yoren grabs Arya and tells her not to look at what was about to happen to her father. After it was over her makes cuts Arya hair to help disguise her as a boy. Arya now feels that her life is over and is now feeling numb.

I like how Arya has been managing on her own for so long, it makes me forget that she is only an nine year old girl. She is learning even more in her training and it shows in this chapter when she catches the pigeon easily and becoming an even faster runner. She is also good a protecting herself keeping her sword needle by her side everywhere she goes. I feel sorry for Arya because her father was just executed in front of her. This tragic memory will be with her forever and knowing that he was killed for something he did not do makes it even worse. I wish there was a rescue mission for Ed and that he did not have to die for something he did not do. This is something hard to get over and I wish she could be with her brothers or even her sister Sansa. What makes it even worse is that the use Ed’s own sword ice was used to behead him. She now has to be on the run even longer. Pretending to be a boy like Yoren makes her is a good idea I think because it would help disguise her even more from the kings court until she finds a way out.

Catelyn Pgs.(785-797)

    This Chapter begins with a boat ride in to Riverrun by the liberators of the castle (Stark, and company) once inside the castle Edmure greets Cat and she hears of her ailing father, and proceeds to go see him. He is near death and very weak but happy she is there with him. After Cat finds Robb in the godswoods, it becomes obvious he is his fathers son, and then they go hold a council. In this council there is much deliberation and debate over the current state of the seven kingdoms and how they should proceed. After there seems to be no good option, greyjoy proposes the they rule themselves again and make Robb the King of the North.

     This chapter is not particularly important till the very end, but it is interesting the whole way through. At this point in the book the Seven Kingdoms are in turmoil and nothing is certain. This chapter is important because it has Robb go from just a leader of a rebellion to a King. I chose this chapter mainly because when I read it I couldn't contain my excitement and was probably my favorite chapter in the whole book. But also because this is the final piece moving into position to make the kingdom all out war and a real game of thrones with near every lord and man who can wield a sword involved. By making Robb a king they give credibility to there rebellion (if killing Ned wasn't enough) and makes the north put all their cards on the table and "go all in".

Dany (pg 555-563)

Summary of Chapter:
In this chapter, Dany has just arrived to a city being burned down by the Dothraki. Khal Drogo has suffered a chest wound, and an arrow is embedded in him. While the men are still trying to destroy the town, they are also trying to stake their claim on any woman they please as has been their usual pillaging tactic. Dany sees the men brutally raping a woman "...over a pile of corpses, face down..." (556) the first time, and commands them to stop although others have warned her that that's just what Dothraki men do. Dany claims them as her slaves, and as such, they may not be raped. One of them is useful in helping heal her husband, and she even asks her to aid in the birth of her son soon as well.

Overarching Theme and Personal Thoughts:

The main theme in this chapter is that Dany is exerting her power, which seems to be unwelcomed and overreaching to the Dothraki. She commands that the men stop raping even to her husband when he asks why she would desire such a thing. I really liked this chapter because it shows Dany's bravery and her truly valiant spirit (all the while pregnant). I've loved following Dany through the entire book and love where she's come. The chapter itself about the raping is kind of hard to stomach and I can't imagine what they actually put on TV. Also, I'm not sure what it is about Mirri (the lady who helps heal people), but she seems kind of suspicious. 

Chapter 71 Catelyn

Robb has defeated the Lannister army at Riverrun.  Robb Catelyn and the other men have a meeting to discuss the next step on their way to Kings landing regarding the war that is taking place.  they discuss how Renly has claimed his rights to the throne.  The group talks as if they can decide who has more of a right to the throne; Joffrey or Renly.  The Lannister army is moving once again.  Catelyn announces that she wishes the war would end and all this chaos would come to an end.  Then Greatjon makes the statement that Robb is named king of the north.  The first kind of the north in hundreds of years.  Robb is now the King of the north and has full support behind him.

This chapter stuck out to me because leadership is present throughout history.  Robb was put into a hard position regarding Neds death.  Robb had to step up and take control of what was asked of him at such a young age.  He did so with leadership and treating others with fairness.  Leadership can go in many ways and a correct leader is one who works for the people more than himself.  Robb like todays great leaders did not ask for a high position he was appointed it by the people who follow his actions.  A true leader is what Robb is.  The other lords and the armies behind realize this and will devote their lives for someone who would do the same for his people he leads. This is why this chapter might be one of the largest turning points in the book. This creates a whole new division of armies and support.  All because one person did the right thing and gave respect to those around him.

Last Chapter

Last Chapter (Daenerys)
During this chapter, Daenery's puts together a funeral for Drogo. Daenery's offers some of her servants gifts in return for their loyalty to her. She then lights a fire, meant to burn Drogo's corpse, and places the dragon eggs in it. Daenery's steps into the fire. Even though she hears people shrieking in terror she wants to tell them " do not fear for me. The fire is mine. I am Daenery's Stormborn, daughter of dragons, bride of dragons, mother of dragons, don't you see?" Almost an entirely new character from the one we saw at the beginning of the novel, Daenery's confidently emerges from the fire with three dragons.

This chapter is important in the context of the story as a whole because of the reoccurring idea of the "dragon era" (the rule of the Targaryen's).  Daenery's emergence with the dragons brings back the idea of how Daenery's was supposed to give birth to "the stallion who mounts the world." While Daenery's gave birth to a stillborn, she was able to gain unquestionable loyalty from her servants because "for the first time in hundreds of years, the night came alive with the music of dragons." So, although the reader was led to believe "the stallion" would be Daenery's son, it is now possible that "the stallion" refers to either Daenery's herself or the dragons that are draped around her.

I chose this chapter because I found it really interesting. Throughout the book characters talked about the disappearance/extinction of dragons, but Daenery's attachment to her dragon eggs made the reader wonder if dragons would reemerge in the novel. I also chose this chapter because of how this chapter reflects on the idea of women in society.  Before the event at Drogo's funeral, some of Daenery's servants seemed hesitant "to be [a] bloodrider to a woman." However, after the event, people looked in awe and fell to their knees murmuring, "blood of my blood." As a result of this Daenery's knew that these people would undoubtably follow her and leaves the reader wondering if the kingdom will look up to a queen with no husband.

Final GOT Post

I chose Bran's chapter 729-740. In this chapter, Bran tells Maester Luwin about his dream that his father was in the crypts. Bran felt pretty sure of this and Maester Luwin kind of brushed off his childish ideas. Finally, Bran gets Osha to take him and Maester Luwin into the crypts where they are frightened by Shaggy and Rickon. Rickon tells them that he also had a dream that their father was down in the crypts and Shaggy attacks Maester Luwin. When they head back upstairs, Maester Luwin keeps trying to calm them when suddenly a bird arrives with a message. The message is about their father who was just murdered.

I think this chapter is important because we can see some almost magical elements to the story. I believe when Bran lost his ability to walk, he gained strength in his other abilities, similar to how a blind person's sense of hearing heightens. I think Bran's intelligence and intuition are heightened at the loss of his mobility. "He had known it since last night, he realized, since the crow had led him down to the crypts to say farewell." Bran kind of has this new sense of awareness and his dreams keep giving him vital information. Bran knows the bad news is coming and intuition tells him that his father is dead and only a long and cold winter lays ahead with his death. Bran is growing into a young man and his strength is quickly becoming the other-worldly wisdom he now has. I also believe this chapter shows Osha and how she does care about Bran. She seems to have a lot of wisdom as well.

Mather Hoyt Game of Thrones Blog 6

Jon 19

Chapter 70

            I chose this chapter because of the character development that Jon shows in it. This chapter takes place at the wall. At night Jon secretly rides away the Wall as fast as he can to find and help Robb. However, when Jon stops to rest, Sam and his friends catch up to him. They convince Jon to come back by reminding him of his oath to the Night’s Watch. The next day, the Commander finds out about Jon’s attempted desertion. Despite what I thought the Commander was not upset. Instead he tells jon that given the upcoming winter and the recent incident with the undead, that he believes that Jon and his Dire Wolf were destined to come to the Wall. He plans to march beyond the Wall to find Benjen.

            Jon finally seems as if he has a real family and an unbreakable group of friends. Back in Winterfell, he was an outcast, but now that he is surrounded by a bunch of outcasts he fits right in. Since this is the second to last chapter in the book, it leaves me on a happy note. I am very excited to see Jon in the environment that he deserves to be. This chapter also reinforces his loyal character trait. Although the Starks didn’t treat Jon like a son, Jon still would risk his life for his “brother” Robb in war.

            This chapter also offers the readers foreshadowing for the next few books. The commander talks about how it was basically destiny that Jon and Ghost came to the Wall during this specific winter. That implies that the nightwalkers are going to become a major role in the rest of the story, and that Jon must stay at the Wall and do the unappreciated work that protects the rest of the kingdoms. This chapter just made me more excited for the next few books, and the events that will take place in them.

Arya

I chose to summarize Arya’s chapter, it starts off with Arya in King’s Landing and ends with the execution of Eddard. While walking through town, Arya was scavenging for food until heard the ringing of bells. A crowd starts to form; soon she realizes it is her father along with King Joffrey, Sansa, and Cercei. Eddard begins with proclaiming he his guilty of treason. Following this statement, Joffrey declares to the town crowd Eddard’s execution. Sansa breaks down; Cercei tries to level with Joffrey and a man who turns out to be Yoren grabs Arya. Yoren takes her away from the crowd and declares her to pretend to be a boy.

This chapter is very emotional and surprising, it was hard to put down the book while reading this segment. Eddard’s death changes many things throughout the land; the Lannisters are now in a great dilemma. Robb might not spare Jamie’s life anymore and Starks wouldn’t rule in peace because of the execution. As mentioned in previous posts, I am not happy with Sansa and I really wonder how she feels for what she has done. I feel as though it is her fault her father has been killed so brutally. Also, it frustrates me that the Lannisters so far are getting their own way. I am really interested to find out what happens to the kingdom in the other books. All the events involving Arya, I feel like have foreshadowed her to becoming a boy at the end of this chapter. Her personality has always been tomboyish and like a boy she loved fighting with swords. At the end of the chapter though I was still left questioning why Yoren is demanding her to pretend to be a boy. I know it is for safety but from whom?

Ashley Misuraca, Arya's Chapter

Arya's Chapter beginning with "The scent of hot bread drifted from the shops..."

In this chapter, Arya made it to a neighboring town after fleeing the King's Landing. The reader learns that she has had some trouble being "on the run," such as having her clothes stolen and finding decent places to sleep without being harassed by other children. After running all the way to Flea Bottom, she heard the ringing of bells signaling the King's Hand was being summoned, which is Ned Stark. When Arya makes it to the summoning, she sees her father confess to treason and Joffrey deciding that Ned had to die anyway. Ned was beheaded and Arya was grabbed from behind by Yoren and from this point we are not quite sure what actually happened to her.

This chapter is infuriating. Not only do we not get another chapter later in the book from Arya's point of view, but Ned also dies! I know this is just the first book of the series, but without reading those, we are left with a serious cliffhanger. This only heightens my frustration with the Lannisters and Sansa as well. Sansa had good intentions to protect her father, but the fact that Joffrey has already made it clear that he is not a nice person makes me wish that she would actually do something about it. Despite all that has occurred in this chapter, this is actually a great protrayal of the phrase "it's a game of thrones, you either win or die." Ned is doing what he can to protect his family and the throne by confessing, even though it goes against his wishes to remain an honorable man. Cersei and Joffrey play the smart move for themselves and killed Ned before he formulated a plan to take over the kingdom from Joffrey. In a way, this is all playing out exactly as it should. Cersei is doing what is in her best interest, along with Sansa, Ned, and all the others back in Winterfell. Now that I think about it, it would have been rather shocking for the book to end with Ned living, Sansa and Joffrey being happily married, and Arya back with her family.

Sansa

Sansa is now Cersei's prisoner and everyone there makes it very known. All the castle people for acknowledge her anymore and Sansa is very aware of their behavior. However, she still doesn't act any different toward them because she thinks if she remains loyal to Cersei and Joff they will eventually accept her again. Sansa tells herself that she has nothing to be afraid of, the queen and Joff love her and everything will work out and she is determined it will. Joff is now king and wanted to punish everyone who was disloyal and reward those who were and makes all those swear on an oath of loyalty or be punished. Cersei then tells old Ser Barristan that he is not the commander of kingsguard anymore even though they take their oath for life because they accuse him of not protecting Robert and letting him die due to his old age. Jaime is given his title and  Barristan isn't having it he tries to point out that Jaime already broke his oath when he killed Aerys. They over look that and make it about protecting the new king and make the hound a kingsguard too. The hound agrees to being a kingsguard but doesn't want to be knighted. After everything is done Sansa cries out asked them to have mercy on her father. The queen is disappointed by her asking this and reminds her of the crimes he committed. She continues to persuade them and Cersei says that if he agrees to his crimes and Sansa tells Joffrey If he loves her he'd do this for her and he does but Eddard has to confess that he is now king. I like that Sansa has shown some type of loyalty to her family I am pretty sure she contemplated asking them for mercy on her father because their approval is everything to her but she overlooked her selfish ways and did a good thing for her father. I dislike how Ser Barristan is blamed for Roberts death and the only reason to come up with is because he was old. That isn't fair to me especially because Cersei might have had something to do with it. 

Andrew Hieken - Sansa's Chapter

Summary:

Through the chaos in King's Landing following Robert's death and Ned's arrest, Sansa is confined to her room for three days.  The first two days, Sansa lives in fear as the clash of steal is heard regularly outside her room.  On the third day, upon her request, Sansa meets with Cersei.  During their meeting, Sansa discusses her undying love for Joffrey and Cersei tells Sansa of her fathers treason.  In an effort to prove that her father's tainted blood does not run through her veins, Cersei instructs Sansa to write a letter to her mother and her brother Robb.  The letter is to tell them of Ned's treason and to request that the Stark's come to King's Landing and pledge their loyalty to the new king Joffrey.  Only then can Sansa's loyalty and love for Joffrey be trusted.  Sansa agrees, coerced by promise of Joffrey's love and marriage.

Reflection:

This chapter really shows how much Sansa has become entranced with the notion of joining the Lannisters and marrying Joffrey.  Sansa is willing to do anything for her love.  Readers can really see this when Sansa exclaims, "I'm not like Arya. She has the traitor's blood, not me. I'm good, ask Septa Mordane, she'll tell you, I only want to be Joffrey's loyal and loving wife," (Martin 549). This quote shows how Sansa not only disregards any attachment to her family but also that her love for Joffrey is her only concern.  I picked this chapter not because of my interest in Sansa's story or development but more so because of my hatred.  I despise Sansa's character and how she betrays and disaffiliates herself from her family.  This chapter can be used to look at the power of love and manipulation. Not only is Sansa blindly following the Lannisters, but Cersei uses Sansa's passion to fuel her own agenda, as seen when Cersei tells Sansa, "Bid them to come to King's Landing and pledge their fealty to Joffrey when he takes his throne. If they do that...why, then we shall know that there is no taint in your blood...you shall wed the king," (550).  

Game of Thrones Blog 5 (?)

Jon's Chapter (Pg. 430-436)

Summary of Chapter:
In this chapter, all the boys were made men of the Night's Watch. Sam was graciously given a task in the library rather than in action. Jon was made a personal steward to Lord Commander Mormont. Jon was initially upset with his assigned task as exhibited on page 432 where it says, "For a moment Jon could not believe what he had heard. Mormont must have read it wrong." Although Jon has accepted he is a bastard of Lord Stark, he still seems to hold an elitist view of himself in the Night's Watch. Sam soon pointed out that being so closely involved with the Lord Commander day and night was a good thing, because that probably meant that Jon would soon command the Night's Watch. At the end of the chapter when Sam and Jon go to say their oaths in the woods, Ghost brings back a hand (oooh spooky! Whose hand is it, ahhh!?)

Overarching Theme and Personal Thoughts:

The overarching theme of this chapter is that Sam and Jon have come to terms with what they really are now: not Lords or anything of the sort, but a man of the Night's watch. Although nothing is explicitly stated about this in the chapter, Jon and Sam both do a lot of self-reflecting to get to where they are now, and to be okay with their life at this point, like when Jon says "I never asked for this", and Sam replies with "None of us are here for asking" (page 434). Jon still takes a while to realize that he is no longer a prominent member in any regard, and Sam the same. I really liked this chapter because it developed Jon and Sam a lot more. It seems like Sam is finally happy with who he is, and is glad to have the role he has in the Night's Watch. I also liked the "...for once you have taken the black, there is no turning back." quote on page 431, because although this has no innuendos in the book during this setting, it seems like Martin is throwing current day phrases in to make a joke but at the same time not really make a joke. It may not at all be relevant, but I personally found it to be comical. 

Game of Thrones Blog 5

       For this week's blog, I chose to review Jon's second chapter.  In this chapter, it starts with Jon and a few of his colleagues finding the corpse that Jon's direwolf was implied to kill.  Their horses and dogs are very unnerved to be in the position that they are all in.  Sam is trying to look at the dead men, but can't because he is so afraid.  Ser Jeremy states that the bodies must have not been there more than a day.  Unlikely, Sam points out to the other, more experienced, men that there is something wrong with the dead men; that their wrists are crusty instead of clotted.  One person says to burn them, but "The Old Bear" said to bring the bodies back to the wall.  Jon gets word of Ned's treason, people call Jon a traitor's bastard, and Jon attacks them.  He has his weapons stripped of him and is locked up.  He wakes up to dead guards and a corpse trying to kill the commander.  Jon and his wolf kill the corpse with fire.
       I chose this chapter because it was not only great to read, but pulled in several different pieces of the bigger story into one chapter.  For example, Ned's treason is brought up into the chapter.  Without this part of the story, and Jon's reaction to it, Jon may have been killed like the guards.  Also, the walking corpses haven't been looked at since the prologue, which I believe makes this chapter significant.  It is overall an incredibly well-constructed chapter, and is easy to write about.  It also brings in the concept of zombies for our class to discuss.

Game of Thrones Blog #5

Eddard's Chapter:

In this chapter Ned it notified of Roberts passing. After he finds out Ned summons his council so that they can hear the reading of Robert's will. Joff declares to be king and when Cersei sees the will she tears it apart. Ned has both of them escorted out by City Watch but they kill Ned's men instead, ordered by Joff. Littlefinger points a dagger at Ned reminding him that he should have never trusted him.

Analysis:

I chose this chapter because it there seemed to be a lot of excitement and revealing of things that we have probably been thinking about throughout the entire book. It reveals to us the plan of Cersei and Joff from the beginning. Also I liked this chapter because it shows that Littlefinger isn't as loyal and good as Ned thought. Ned didn't listen to him at first but now he really understands Littlefinger's intentions. This situation is definitely relatable because people lose friends and are betrayed everyday.

Sansa Chapter 51

       To begin with, Sansa's chapter was definitely to me the most surprising one. Chaos has run a muck in King's Landing. In prior chapters, Robert passes away and Joffery takes the throne. Of course, Cersei is still being devious and makes Eddard a prisoner after showing her a will that gave him rights to the kingdom. Sansa comes into play by betraying her whole entire family and supporting Cercei's accusation of Eddard being a traitor.
       I know from previous events, that Sansa was selfish and her eyes were only on Joffery and being his wife. I did not know that Sansa would take it as far as hurting her own flesh and blood for status and gold.With this in mind she is young and naive but still doesn't make her actions justifiable.  This chapter stuck with me and made me feel many emotions. I've noticed a reoccurring theme of people not caring about much except lavish parties and power. Although not all characters were as deceitful as the others, the honorable men got into the most trouble and hardship.

Ashley Misuraca, Sansa's Chapter

Sansa's Chapter beginning with "They came for Sansa on the third day..."

This chapter was about Sansa and Jeyne Poole being locked in her room for a few days while Cersei and Joffrey kill off all of Ned's men. Anytime Sansa would ask about the whereabouts of her father or what was going on beyond her bedroom door, no answers were given. Finally, Cersei calls for Sansa to speak to her about Ned, who she and Joffrey claim to be a traitor. Sansa refuses to believe it, but Cersei basically tells her that the only way that Sansa would still be able to marry Joffrey was if she wrote letters to her family members telling them about Ned. Sansa, frightened and trapped, agrees to write the letters. Only at the very end of the chapter does she express any concern for Arya.

This chapter is awful. Sansa, in my opinion, is either gullible or deeply narcissistic. The whole chapter she complains about losing the chance to marry Joffrey, and doesn't seem to think about her family's well-being throughout the entire dialogue. I mean, I feel like she thought about changing her mind and defending her family, but when she heard that she will lose the title of "Queen" and Joffrey's wife, she immediately flipped the script. I mean, she was locked in a room for three days, not knowing the whereabouts of her father or sister, and yet all she can think about is her future with that jerk Joffrey. Although, this should have been expected considering she defended Joffrey over her own sister when they held the "trial" for Joffrey being injured by Arya. I would just really appreciate not reading another chapter from her POV for a while.

Mather Hoyt Game of Thrones Blog 5

Tyrion chapter 56
     This chapter takes place near the upcoming battlefield. Tywin, is very upset with his son Tyrion because he was the reason that this war between the Strarks is happening. Tywin admits that he didn't want to have to save Tryrion from Catelyn Stark, but if he didn't, then the Lannister name would be put to shame. Tyrion is disgusted at how little his father trusts him, and refuses his father's offer of a few army men to help Tyrion fight. Instead, Tryrion says he would prefer his mountain clans to his father’s men.
     The reason I chose this chapter was because of how Tyrion stands up for himself, and refuses to accept his father's pity soldiers. Tyrion iid my favorite character because I feel like everything gets blamed on him. He was framed for paralyzing Braun and posterized as the reason for the Stark vs. Lannister war. He was considered a villain from the day he was born, because his birth killed his mother. Tyrion's life is an uphill battle, but somehow he overcomes every obstacle thrown at him.
    This could be related back to topic of Special Education. Although, Tyrion is different than everyone, and was raised a different way. He is much more similar to an average person, than people believe. The biggest thing that separates him from the rest of the characters is the way that he is treated.

Eddard (523-529)

     This Chapter begins with Eddard Stark waking to learn of king Robert's death, and calls a meeting of the small council in his solar. Eddard tells the council about how Robert named him Joffery's Regent and how he is to rule till Joff comes of age. Ned goes to the great hall to inform the Queen and Joffery by giving them Roberts letter. When Ned gets to the throne room he informs everyone of the late Kings wishes and the Queen and Joffery proclaim him a liar and calls for him to be arrested. Ned expects the city watch to back him yet littlefinger betrays him and the guard kill his men and take him prisoner.

     This chapter was the obvious choice for this section and as much as I detest blogging about the Eddard chapters this one I simply could not pass up. This is a major turning point in the book for Eddard has cast his dye and played the game of thrones, and to say the least Cersei was right about the outcome. Ned is the ever honerable and this is his downfall. If he was a smarter man he would have read littlefinger like a book in his last chapter and seen this coming but Ned has a surplus of honor and bravery not cunning. This is a painful ending to this chapter for the reader especially the rereader. Little finger shows his true color in this chapter and he hoists the benner of a surviver not an honorable lord.

Jon (Pages 652-664)

For this chapter, Jon gets a sword named Longclaw, which is made of Valyrian steel. Also, Aemon has told the owns stories to Jon and what is the duty of night watch. Aemon knows Jon has one big problem that is between the duty of night watch and family. So Aemon tells Jon about what he did and decided between family and night watch.  Aemon left away his family when he joined night watch.
I think this chapter is very important because talking with Aemon can help Jon to decide the relationship between family and night watch. Also Jon gets the sword can improve his power. The most important is Jon will faces the important decision between family and duty. Finally, Jon probably knows what he will be doing. At present,  Jon's duty is protecting the people in the realm.

Chapter 60 Jon VIII

Jon had saved Commander Mormonts life so in return Commander Mormont gives Jon a sword called Longclaw which has been passed down many generations. The last owner of the sword belonged to Jorah Mormont.  Aemon later summons Jon to talk about his duty of the Nights watch.  He knows Jon is having a hard time deciding between his duty at the nights watch and his family matters.  He knows that Jon tried to ride away in the night and the fellow members of the watch convinced him otherwise to stay and fulfill his duty at the wall.

I found this chapter important due to the fact that no matter the time in history Family was always first.  It shows that even though Jon is a bastard he still believes his duty belongs with the starks.  What is significant is that his oath does not allow for him to leave to help his loved ones.  This time in history did not allow for certain actions to take place due to their duty in service or their social statues.  This really shows how war can effect someones mind and duty to the people around them.

Eddard (pages 523-529)

Summary:

          Eddard's chapter is set in King's Landing where it begins with Ned, his two daughters, and Septa Mordane eating breakfast. During their breakfast, Grand Maester Pycelle alerts Ned that Robert has passed away, which leaves Ned to call upon the other lords so he can read Robert's will for the kingdom. The end of the chapter reveals that Cersie and the rest of the kingdom had planned to take the throne despite what Ned read from the will. The final ending of the chapter leaves Littlefinger pointing a knife at Ned's throat with the quote, "' I did warn you not to trust me, you know?"'

Reaction/Analysis:

          The reason I picked Eddard's chapter was because this was the turning point in the story that revealed everything we had been thinking. The turning point came as soon as I read this part, "With a single sharp thrust, the nearest gold cloak drove his spear into Tomard's back," I knew it was all over. This section also sheds light on the true nature of Littlefinger, and where his loyalties lie. Although, Littlefinger did keep his word about the gold cloaks, but then he betrayed Ned, and because of that Ned is considered a traitor. All of the conflicts and action that took place really caused me to become entranced in the reading, and that is another why I picked this chapter. 

          

Game of Thrones blog 5 Sansa

This chapter starts off with the new Queen Cersei giving Sansa her freedom back to go anywhere within the castle, the Red Keep, as long as she doesn’t go out beyond the walls. Even with this freedom Sansa still feels like she is being watched since she has to have guards with her everywhere she goes. It seemed as if the people were ignoring her as she was making her way to Prince Joffrey’s, who is now King, first court session and she rarely seen any familiar faces. She starts to feel afraid being around so many unfamiliar faces but has to remind herself that she has no reason to be because the queen and Joff loves her which is all that matters at this point. At this court session a list of names and families were read that would have to swear loyalty to King Joffrey or they would be deemed traitors, Sansa’s family was along the list. They also fired Ser Barristan from being the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard and gave the position to Ser Jamie Lannister. Towards the end of this session Sansa went before the king and queen to ask for mercy for her father Eddard and tried to defend what he said about Joffrey not being the true king. King Joffrey agreed to his mercy if only he confessed to his treason, which Sansa believed he will.

I don’t think Queen Cersei fully’s trust Sansa which is why she have guards follow her around and claims them as ‘honor guards for her daughter-to-be’ so it won’t seem obvious that she’s keeping eye out on her. I think it’s mainly because Sansa is Ed’s daughter who Cersei is now enemies with. Sansa might think Cersei loves her but I think it’s all for show and she’s using Sansa to make her stay on her side for maybe a bigger plan she might has. I like how Sansa stood up for her father even though she decided to be on King Joffrey’s side and not her father’s. I think Sansa is playing the role that she believes her father is a traitor to keep herself safe and because she loves King Joffrey so much and she really wants to hold that queen title one day.  Even though Sansa doesn’t like Arya, I hope she sends another letter to Winterfell to see if Arya really made it back there because I know out of everything that has happened so far, Sansa does love her sister.