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Chapter 32: Arya
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in A Game of Thrones, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Politics and Power
Climate Change and Collective Action
Gender and Power
Honor and Integrity
Identity
Summary
Analysis
In the king’s council, Robert says that he wants to ensure that Dany is killed, now that he has heard from Jorah that she is pregnant. If she has a son, the consequences could be dire for him because that son could have a claim to the Crown. Ned protests. He says that killing Dany’s unborn child would be vile. There’s no way he could sanction it, and he doesn’t want any part of it. Ned and Robert argue, and ultimately Ned quits his role as King of the Hand in protest.
This passage demonstrates again how power corrupts, as Robert has grown so attached to it that he’ll do anything to keep it, including murdering children. Ned quits in protest, illustrating that up to this point, Ned’s proximity to power has not resulted in his own corruption.
Themes
Ned leaves the council and tells his men that he’ll begin preparing to leave for Winterfell. He’ll take his daughters with him and plans to leave as soon as possible. He’s concerned about what might happen to him and his family if he stays, especially considering what Yoren told him about Catelyn arresting Tyrion. Since Robert is already angry with him, Ned is afraid that Tyrion’s arrest might send Robert over the edge. Ned plans to return to Winterfell by ship. That way he’ll be able to stop in Dragonstone and talk to Ser Stannis (Robert and Renly’s brother) along the way. Ned is convinced that Stannis knows something about Jon Arryn’s death. Before he leaves, Littlefinger comes to see Ned and tells him that he can show him the brothel he’s been trying to find.
Ned’s commitment to honor, integrity, and morality has led him to resign from his role as Hand of the King. He’s on the verge of leaving King’s Landing, which seems like it might give him a chance to exit from the “game of thrones” and the endless political jostling for power that King’s Landing represents. However, at the last moment, Littlefinger pulls Ned back into politics and the “game of thrones.” The novel will then examine if Ned can retain his honor and integrity as he continues to play that game.
Themes
