Game of Thrones

[Angela]

Hey all sorry it took so long to post this book, Suzette recommended it! Since I took forever to let you know we're extending it to the end of February.
-Angela

[Angela]

Discussion Questions
This discussion board is for the first book in the A Song of Ice and Fire series, please do not post spoilers for the other books as not everyone has read them yet.
Thank you!

* What do you think about the question of Jon Snow's parentage?

* What is your opinion on the dynamics of the relationships between Daenerys, Viserys, and Khal Drogo? What specifically do you think of Daenerys and Khal Drogo's marriage? What assumptions about Daenerys and Viserys can you make about their past, and how do you think they imagined their future relationship? How did their mental status impact this?

* What do you think about the symbolism in the chapter where the dire wolves were found? Do you think that there is any? What do you think it means?

* What do you think about Tyrion's relationship with the rest of the Lannisters? With the Starks? What do you think about his interactions with the Night's Watch?

* What is your opinion of Catelyn Stark? How do you feel about her relationship with Jon Snow? What do you think Catelyn Stark's thought process was behind capturing Tyrion? Do you agree with her decisions? Do you think that the outcome of Robert's death would have been different if she had not?

* What do you think of Renly's proposal to Ned, and how do you feel about Ned's refusal? How do you feel about Renly leaving directly after? What do you think of the fact that the Tyrell family (specifically the Knight of Flowers -Loras Tyrell) left with him?

* What do you think of Renly Baratheon in general?
After you answer that question read and answer this one:
(view spoiler)[What do you think Renly's sexual orientation is, and what do you think the nature of Loras and Renly's relationship is? (hide spoiler)]

* What do you think the motives are for Littlefinger's betrayal? Do you think it was politically based or do you think that it had more to do with old grudges?

* Do you feel that Robert made a better king than Aerys II Targaryen (The Mad King)? How do you think the peasants of Westeros though of each of them? Who do you think they would prefer?

* Who is your favorite character and why?

* Do you have any other thoughts? Please share.

Thank you to Suzette for these discussion questions!

-Angela

[Suzy]

Also, I don't know if these two questions should stay here or maybe go on a new board, because one is a little more geared towards people who have read A Clash of Kings (though even if you haven't, feel free to respond!) and the other is for people who have also seen the show, but since they both in some way pertain to the first book, I'm going to write them here for now and if they need to be moved later, they can be. I just don't want to forget them and it gives people a chance to think about them.

1. Who do you think is the rightful heir of Westeros? Who do you think should be ruler? Who do you think would make the best ruler? Regardless of whether you pick the same person for those questions or different people, explain your reasoning behind who you choose.

2. For those who have read the first book AND have seen the first season of HBO's Game of Thrones, what do you think of the book to screen transition? How do you feel about any changes made, are the settings the way you imagined them, what are your thoughts on the casting, etc.?

Please do not bring up ACoK/2nd season stuff (or anything from any of the later books as you may accidentally spoil some people)for either answer!

[Angela]

I thought of another discussion question. This one is a bit controversial, but I am interested in what you all think.
Based on Khal Drogo's childhood and upbringing, do you think that he recognizes that what his Khalasar does (rape, taking slaves, murder, plunder, etc.) is wrong? How do you feel about this character? I myself have noticed comparisons to people eating meat, what are your thought on this?
-Angela