Comprehension Questions for A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin

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GAME OF THRONES by George r. r. martin

Note from the editor: First Draft. The study is guide is currently complete and only considered a first draft because there is further pagination work to be done. However the questions are complete and is being released early to allow for summer reading.

This chapter-by-chapter comprehension question booklet can be used as a companion to the first book in the series of A Song of Ice and Fire to help develop understanding of written text or as a trivia challenge for fans of the series.

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This work was created for educational purposes only as a comprehension companion guide for George R.R. Martin’s A Game of Thrones.

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The 2011 Bantam Books Mass Market Edition of A Game of Thrones (ISBN: 978-0-533-57340-0) was used as reference in the creation of this comprehension companion and can be purchased at www.randomhouse.com or at most major booksellers.

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Game of Thrones

by George R.R. Martin

When you play the game of thrones, you win or you die…

A Game of Thrones is the first book in an anticipated seven book series called A Song of Ice and Fire by American author George R.R. Martin. A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords, A Feast for Crows, and A Dance with Dragons* are the other titles currently in print. (as of April 2013) The books have enjoyed an explosion of popularity since the introduction of A Game of Thrones in 1996. This popularity has then led to their adaptation into a television series on HBO which has enjoyed immense popularity in its own right and has further fueled the sale of the novels. This cyclical effect has caused many elements of the tale to creep into our everyday lives. Who has not heard the phrase “Winter is coming” or does not know that a Lannister always pays his debts, or that King Joffrey is a less than effective and sadistic king.

Why study A Song of Ice and Fire?

While A Song of Ice and Fire takes place in a seemingly medieval world different than our own, it actually deals with many of the problems we face in our own daily lives. Growing up, making friends, losing friends, making choices, dealing with adversity, violence, betrayal, trust, family and love are among the many themes confronted by the characters.

The following questions are designed to target comprehension, vocabulary and help the reader focus on the themes and situations of the novel providing for further and hopefully deeper refection by the reader.

How to proceed: Simply read each chapter to understand it as thoroughly as possible (understanding vocabulary, expressions, etc. along the way.) Then once you’ve completed the chapter, answer the corresponding questions in the book. Answering the questions should be easy, but if you find questions that are difficult to answer, simply go back to that chapter and reread wherever necessary.

You may write your answers in this booklet, or you may want to create your own A Game of Thrones Reading Journal. There are many blank writing journals available for sale ranging from simple to fancy.

And finally!

The most important thing is to enjoy what you read. A Game of Thrones can be quite an enriching and intense journey and with its short chapters you’ll find yourself turning page after page to see what happens next.

So immerse yourself in English and the world of A Song of Ice and Fire! …and to quote Mr. Martin; “A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies, … The man who never reads lives only one.”

Other books in the series: A Clash of Kings A Storm of Swords A Feast for Crows A Dance with Dragons The Winds of Winter (not yet released) A Dream of Spring (not yet released)

“My brother has his sword, King Robert has his warhammer, and I have my mind… and a mind needs books as a sword needs a whetstone, if it is to keep its edge.”

– Tyrion Lannister, page 123

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Game of Thrones

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Table of Contents Prologue Chapter 1 Bran I Chapter 2 Catelyn I Chapter 3 Daenerys 1 Chapter 4 Eddard I Chapter 5 Jon I Chapter 6 Catelyn II Chapter 7 Arya I Chapter 8 Bran II Chapter 9 Tyrion I Chapter 10 Jon II Chapter 11 Daenerys II Chapter 12 Eddard II Chapter 13 Tyrion II Chapter 14 Catelyn III Chapter 15 Sansa I Chapter 16 Eddard III Chapter 17 Bran III Chapter 18 Catelyn IV Chapter 19 Jon III Chapter 20 Eddard IV Chapter 21 Tyrion III Chapter 22 Arya II Chapter 23 Daenerys III 1 Chapter 24 Bran IV Chapter 25 Eddard V Chapter 26 Jon IV Chapter 27 Eddard VI Chapter 28 Catelyn V Chapter 29 Sansa II Chapter 30 Eddard VII Chapter 31 Tyrion IV Chapter 32 Arya III Chapter 33 Eddard VIII Chapter 34 Catelyn VI Chapter 35 Eddard IX Chapter 36 Daenerys IV

1 1 2 2 3 3 4 5 5 6 7 7 8 9 9 10 11 11 12 12 13 13 14 15 15 16 17 17 18 19 19 20 21 21 22 22 23

Chapter 37 Bran V Chapter 38 Tyrion V Chapter 39 Eddard X Chapter 40 Catelyn VII Chapter 41 Jon V Chapter 42 Tyrion VI Chapter 43 Eddard XI Chapter 44 Sansa III Chapter 45 Eddard XII Chapter 46 Daenerys V Chapter 47 Eddard XIII Chapter 48 Jon VI Chapter 49 Eddard XIV Chapter 50 Arya IV Chapter 51 Sansa IV Chapter 52 Jon VII Chapter 53 Bran VI Chapter 54 Daenerys VI Chapter 55 Catelyn VIII Chapter 56 Tyrion VII Chapter 57 Sansa V Chapter 58 Eddard XV Chapter 59 Catelyn IX Chapter 60 Jon VII Chapter 61 Daenerys VII Chapter 62 Tyrion VIII Chapter 63 Catelyn X Chapter 64 Daenerys VIII Chapter 65 Arya V Chapter 66 Bran VII Chapter 67 Sansa VI Chapter 68 Daenerys IX Chapter 69 Tyrion IX Chapter 70 Jon IX Chapter 71 Catelyn XI Chapter 72 Daenerys X

23 24 24 25 26 26 27 27 28 28 29 29 30 30 31 31 32 32 33 33 34 34 35 35 36 36 37 37 38 38 39 39 40 41 41 42

List of main characters Eddard Stark (Ned)† Catelyn Stark† Robb Stark Sansa Stark† Arya Stark† Bran Stark† Rickon Stark Jon Snow† Maester Luwin Ser Rodrick Cassel Jory Cassel Theon Greyjoy Daenerys (Dany) Targaryen† Viserys Targaryen Khal Drogo Ser Jorah Mormont Robert Baratheon Cersei Lannister Tywin Lannister Ser Jamie Lannister Tyrion Lannister† Renly Baratheon Jon Arryn (deceased) Petyr Baelish Varys Maester Pycelle Stannis Baratheon Ser Loras Tyrell † Point of View Character

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Prologue 1. Who are the men of the Night’s Watch hunting? (p. 2)

2. What did Gared previously discover at the camp to which the men of the Night’s Watch are returning? (pp. 3-4)

3. Why does Ser Wayman forbid the men from lighting a fire? (p. 6)

4. What was different when they returned to the camp? (p. 7)

5. Describe the Other. (p. 9)

6. How did Will survive the melee with the Others? (p. 10)

chapter 1  Bran I

1. Who did Ned execute, and why?

2. What has Nan told Bran about the men north of the wall?

3. What is the significance of the direwolf’s death and the other animal involved?

4. What parallel does Jon draw with the direwolf pups?

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5. What is Jon Snow’s relation to the Starks?

Chapter 2  Catelyn I

1. How does Catelyn refute Ned’s claim that no one has seen the Others for 8 thousand years and that Maester Luwin says they never existed? (p. 25)

2. What news does Catelyn bring Ned? (p. 25-26)

3. What is Catelyn’s relation to the Hand of the King? (p. 25)

4. How does Ned feel about Robert Baratheon’s in-laws (The Lannisters)? What is his reason for feeling so? (p. 27)

Chapter 3  Daenerys I

1. Explain what is meant by “waking the dragon.” (pp. 29, 27 & 38)

2. Dany makes many references to the “Usurper”, who do you think he is? (pp. 30, 31 & 35)

3. What are Viserys’ designs for his sister Daenerys and what is his motive behind them? (pp.

34 & 38)

4. Describe Khal Drogo.

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Chapter4  Eddard I

1. Who was King Robert’s intended bride? (p. 43)

2. Who was Catelyn’s intended husband? (p. 43)

3. According to the king, how long has the wall stood? (p. 46)

4. What did Robert propose to Ned? (pp. 46-47)

5. Who was the king before Robert? (p. 43)

6. Describe Robert and Eddard’s relationship.

“Some old wounds never truly heal, and bleed again at the slightest word.” Eddard p. 45 Chapter 5  Jon I

1. What is Jon Snow’s relationship to Eddard? (p. 49)

2. What are some of the names for Ser Jaime Lannister? (p. 51)

3. Describe the Lannisters present at Winterfell. (pp. 50-51)

4. What is Benjen Stark’s reaction to Jon’s desire to join him at the wall? (pp. 53-54) 3

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5. According to Tyrion Lannister what do Jon and he have in common? (pp. 56-57)

Chapter 6  Catelyn II

1. What reasons does Ned give for refusing Robert’s offer to be the Hand of the king? (p. 59)

2. Catelyn thinks back to the death of the direwolf in chapter 1 (p. 18). Explain the metaphor and how Catelyn uses it to rationalize her argument that Ned accept the offer of Hand. (p.

59)

3. What does Maester Luwin bring Catelyn? (pp. 61-62)

4. How does Lysa Arryn’s coded message effect Ned’s and Catelyn’s positions about Ned going to King’s Landing? (p. 62)

5. How does Ned’s treatment of Jon differ than that of other men that have fathered bastards? (p. 65)

6. What is the final decision regarding Jon’s future? (p. 66)

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Chapter 7  Arya I

1. Why did Arya name her direwolf pup Nymeria? (p. 71)

2. Sansa named her pup Lady. What do Arya’s and Sansa’s choice of names for their pups tell us about their characters? (p. 71)

3. What are the differences between the two Stark girls?

4. Describe the relationship between Jon and Arya.

5. How does Joffrey insult the Starks? (p. 74)

6. How does Robb react to this insult? (pp. 74-75)

7. How does Theon Greyjoy react? (pp. 74-75)

Chapter 8  Bran II

1. Who is the “greatest” living knight in all the realm? (p. 77)

2. Why do you think Jon named his direwolf pup Ghost? (p. 78)

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Bran’s love of climbing gives us a unique perspective of Winterfell. What are some of the adjectives you would use to describe the home of the Starks? (p. 79)

4. What are three things Bran learns from the overheard conversation in the broken tower?

5. Who was the couple having the conversation?

6. What happened to Bran?

Chapter 9  Tyrion I

1. What does Tyrion ask/order Joffrey to do? (p. 88)

2. What does Tyrion suspect about Bran’s accident in the broken tower? (p. 90)

3. What are Bran’s injuries as a result of the “accident?” (p. 90)

4. What are your thoughts on the final exchange between Jaime and Tyrion? (p. 91)

5. “Death is so terribly final, while life is full of possibilities.” This quote by Tyrion speaks a lot about his philosophy of life in relation to his past considerations. A) Do you think this differs from the philosophies of other characters in the novel? B) How can it be applied to Bran’s situation in relation to Jaime and Cersei? (p. 91)

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Chapter 10  Jon II

1. Why did Jon wait so long to visit Bran? (p. 93)

2. How does Catelyn greet Jon when he enters Bran’s bed chamber? (p. 94)

3. Why does Catelyn feel guilty about Bran’s fate? (p. 95)

4. What does Jon bring Arya as a going away present? (p. 97)

5. What was Jon’s “first lesson” to Arya concerning swordplay? (p. 97)

Chapter 11  Daenerys II

1. What arrangement has been made concerning Dany? (p. 99)

2. Two words regarding this arrangement have been used. A) What are the two words? B) In your opinion which to think is more accurate? Why? (p. 99)

3. What were some of the events of the wedding day that shocked Dany? (pp. 102-103)

4. What did Viserys give Dany for a wedding present? What does this say about how he feels about his sister? (p. 103)

5. What did Magister Illyrio give Dany? (p. 104) 7

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6. What do you think Khal Drogo’s gift represented for Dany? (p. 106)

Chapter 12  Eddard II

1. Who does Robert say is Jon’s Mother? (p. 110)

2. Why did Ser Jorah Mormont, advisor to Viserys and Daenerys in Essos, flee Westeros? (p.

111)

3. What does Robert reveal as the cause of his rage against the Targaryens? (pp. 112-113)

4. Whom does Robert appoint to the post of Warden of the East? (p. 114)

5. What problems does Ned see with this appointment? (p. 114)

6. Who took the capital city of King’s Landing during Robert’s Rebellion? (p. 116)

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Chapter 13  Tyrion II

1. Where is Tyrion headed? (p. 119)

2. What was the choice given to the young men traveling with Yoren? (p. 119)

3. Why does Tyrion read so much? (pp. 123-124)

4. What truth does Tyrion tell Jon about the Wall and the Night’s Watch? (p. 124) “Most men would rather deny a hard truth than face it.” Tyrion p. 126 Chapter 14  Catelyn III

1. Who stepped up to take care of the day-to-day affairs of House Stark while Catelyn was incapacitated? (p. 129)

2. Why did Robb go to visit his mother in Bran’s chamber? (p. 130)

3. Why do you think that the assassin was surprised to find Catelyn in the room with Bran? (pp. 132-133)

4. What was the assassin’s fate? (p. 133)

5. How has Catelyn’s demeanor changed since the encounter with the assassin? (p. 134)

6. Who does Catelyn believe is responsible for the attempts on Bran’s life? (p. 136) 9

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7. What does Lady Stark decide to do? (p. 137)

Chapter 15  Sansa I

1. Why is Sansa looking forward to riding in the wheelhouse? (p. 140).

2. Who do you think is enjoying the journey to King’s Landing more, Sansa or Arya? (pp. 141142)

3. Who are the 3 new characters we meet from Robert’s house hold? What are their roles? (pp.

146-147)

4. Why did Ser Ilyn not respond to Sansa’s apology? (p. 147)

5. What did Joffrey do to Mycah? (p. 150)

6. What did Arya do to Joffrey? (p. 151)

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Chapter 16  Eddard III

1. Why was Eddard relieved that it was not the Lannisters who had found Arya? (p. 153)

2. Briefly describe Joffrey’s version of what happened four days earlier at the river bank? (p.

155)

3. What is King Robert’s decision regarding the situation between Arya and Joffrey? (p. 157)

4. What does Cersei call for after not getting her way? (p. 157)

5. Why does Ned volunteer to do the Queen’s bidding himself? (pp. 158-159)

6. What does the Hound bring back? (p. 159)

Chapter 17  Bran III

1. What is the crow trying to teach Bran to do? (p. 162)

2. What does Bran avoid by following the crow’s advice? (p. 163)

3. What is the extended metaphor of this chapter?

–Bran “Can a man still be brave if he’s afraid?” –Eddard “That is the only time a man can be brave.”

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Chapter 18  Catelyn IV

1. Who gave Lord Baelish his nickname? (p. 167)

2. Who summoned for Lady Catelyn at the inn? (p. 171)

3. How was Lady Catelyn’s presence in King’s Landing discovered? (pp. 171-172)

4. Who does Littlefinger say was the last owner of the dagger before the assassin? (p. 175)

Chapter 19  Jon II

1. What nickname has Jon picked up at the Wall? (p. 177)

2. How does Jon relate to the other recruits at the Wall? (pp. 178-180)

3. What are the differences between Jon Snow and his brothers of the Night’s Watch as pointed out by the armorer, Donal Noye? (pp. 182-183)

4. What advice does Tyrion give Jon about his nickname? (p. 185)

5. What is worrying about Jon’s uncle Benjen? (p. 186)

6. How has Jon’s view of his position in the Night’s Watch changed in this chapter? What prompted this change?

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Chapter 20  Eddard IV

1. Besides Robert, who else sits on the small council? (7 people) (pp. 191-192)

2. What is said about Robert’s attendance at the meetings of the small council? (p. 192)

3. What is the reason Robert has ordered his council to hold a tournament? (p. 193)

4. What did Eddard find out about the crown’s coffers? (p. 194)

5. What does Petyr mean when he says: “…and you will dance with Ilyn Payne…?” (p. 199)

6. What will Ned do about the accusations that the Lannisters are responsible for the death of Jon Arryn and what happened to Bran? (p. 202)

Chapter 21  Tyrion III

1. Why won’t Lord Mormont let Jon accompany Tyrion to Winterfell? (p. 206)

2. What problem is Mormont facing for the future? (p. 207)

3. How long has the current summer lasted? (p. 208) 13

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4. Why won’t Jon write Rickon a letter? (p. 212)

Chapter 22 ď ˜ Arya II

1. How does Ned feel about the upcoming tourney in his honor? (p. 216)

2. Why does Arya leave the dinner table angrily? (p. 218)

3. Of whom does Arya remind Ned? (p. 221)

4. What happened to Nymeria? (p. 222)

5. What advice does Ned give Arya? (p. 223)

6. What is Arya learning from her dance instructor? (p. 224)

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Chapter 23  Daenerys III

1. Of what does the Dothraki Sea consist? (p. 226)

2. Why did Dany decide not to kill herself? (p. 228)

3. What punishment does Dany exact on her brother for disobeying her and attacking her? (p.

231)

4. What are the theories as the to the origin of dragons? (pp. 234-235)

5. Dany changes a lot in this chapter and becomes stronger both mentally and physically.

What are three things that show us this change? (pp. 228, 231 & 236)

“The common people pray for rain, healthy children and a summer that never ends. It is no matter to them if the high lords play their game of thrones, so long as they’re left in peace. They never are”. – Jorah p. 233

Chapter 24  Bran IV

1. What “clues” do we have as to Old Nan’s age? (p. 238)

2. Of what does Nan’s story to Bran tell? (pp. 241-242)

3. What business did Tyrion have with Bran? (pp. 243-244)

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5. How did Robb react to the news about his uncle Benjen? (p. 247)

6. Who is the “Old Bear”? (p. 247)

7. What does Robb promise Bran? (p. 248) “And I have a tender spot in my heart for cripples, bastards and broken things.” Tyrion p. 244 Chapter 25  Eddard V

1. Officially, from what did Jon Arryn die? (p. 252)

2. What were his last words? (p. 252)

3. What is Maester Pycelle’s response to Ned’s statement that poison is a woman’s weapon? (p. 254)

4. Where does the maester say the queen was at the time of Lord Arryn’s death? (p. 254)

5. What indication can we find that Ned does not completely trust Maester Pycelle? (p. 255)

6. Of what does Petyr make Ned aware out the window? (p. 257)

7. What lesson does Petyr “teach” Ned? (p. 258)

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Chapter 26  Jon III

1. From where is the new recruit? (p. 259)

2. How do we as readers know the new recruit is highborn? (p. 260)

3. In what way does Jon defy Ser Allister? (p. 261)

4. What is a ‘craven’? (pp. 254, 263-264)

5. How does Jon find Winterfell in his dreams? (p. 267)

6. What choice did Samwell Tarly’s father offer him? (pp. 268-269)

7. What did Jon do for Sam? (p. 270)

Chapter 27  Eddard VI

1. What are some of the problems being experienced in King’s Landing because of the upcoming tourney? (p. 273)

2. What surprising fact does Ned discover during his investigation into the death of Jon Arryn? (p. 275)

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4. What did Ned hope to find at the armorer’s shop? (pp. 279-280)

5. What did he find? (p. 282)

Chapter 28 ď ˜ Catelyn V

1. Why does Ser Rodrick want to avoid staying at the inn? (p. 284)

2. What event occurred that convinced him otherwise? (p. 285)

3. At the Inn of the Crossroads, Catelyn contemplates not returning to Winterfell and going where instead? (2 places) Who resides in these places? (p. 276)

4. What do we learn about the Starks and music? (pp. 289-290)

5. How does Tyrion get a room in the already booked up inn? (p. 290)

6. What rash decision does Catelyn make at the Inn of the Crossroads? (p. 292)

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Chapter 29  Sansa II

1. What “first” was there for Sansa at the tourney? (p. 296)

2. Whom does Sansa blame for Lady’s death? (p. 298)

3. What transpires between the king and queen at the banquet? (p. 300)

4. Who escorts Sansa back to the castle? (p. 301)

5. Why does the Hound call Sansa a bird? (p. 302)

6. What do we learn about the death of the young knight of the Vale? (p. 302)

7. How did the Hound become disfigured? (p. 303)

Chapter 30  Eddard VII

1. What more do we learn of the young knight of the Vale? (p. 305)

2. Who are the silent sisters? (p. 306)

3. What’s the situation with Robert’s armor? (p. 307)

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4. What finally convinced Robert not to fight in the melee? (p. 309)

5. How does Robert feel about his son sitting on the Iron Throne? (p. 310)

6. What was the problem with Gregor Clegane’s mare? (p. 316)

7. Why, according to Varys, did the queen forbid Robert from fighting in the melee? (p. 320)

8. Who and what killed Jon Arryn? (p. 323)

Chapter 31  Tyrion IV

1. Why did Catelyn have Tyrion taken into custody? (p. 325)

2. Why is Tyrion not afraid to go with Catelyn? (p. 327)

3. How did Catelyn guarantee that Lannister riders would not be able to find Tyrion? (p. 328)

4. Where was Tyrion actually being taken? (p. 329)

5. Why does Catelyn believe Petyr Baelish’s story about the ownership of the dagger and not Tyrion’s story? (p. 331)

6. What was the flaw in Littlefinger’s story about how Tyrion acquired the dagger? (p. 337)

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Chapter 32  Arya III

1. From whom does Arya escape? (p. 340)

2. What were the monsters that Arya encountered? (p. 342)

3. Who are the two men Arya overheard from the well? (pp. 344-345)

4. What clues do you have to support your answer to question number 3? (p. 344)

5. What are some of the plots Arya discovers? (pp. 344-345)

6. How does Eddard dismiss Arya’s story about the 2 men in the dungeon? (p. 348)

7. What news did Yoren bring Ned? (p. 349) “Fear cuts deeper than swords. “ p. 343 Chapter 33  Eddard VIII

1. Who brought the news of Dany’s pregnancy to the council? (p. 351)

2. Explain why Ned was upset with the king? (pp. 352-355)

3. In what way did Littlefinger do Daenerys a “favor”? (p. 358)

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Chapter 34  Catelyn VI

1. Who saved Catelyn’s party from the dangers of the high road? (p. 359)

2. How is Brynden Tully’s sigil different than that of House Tully? Why?(p. 364)

3. What’s wrong with Robert Arryn? (p. 365)

4. Describe the journey anticipated from the Gates of the Moon to the castle? (p. 368)

5. How did Lysa greet her sister Catelyn? What does this tell us about Lysa? (p. 375)

6. Describe the relationship between Lysa and Lord Robert. (p. 376)

Chapter 35  Eddard IX

1. Who is Barra? (p. 380)

2. What lie does Ned tell Jaime? (p. 382)

3. What happened to Ned and Jory? (pp. 383-384)

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Chapter 36 ď ˜ Daenerys IV

1. How was Viserys shamed? (pp. 385-386)

2. According to Ser Jorah, are the odds of the Dothraki taking the 7 kingdoms good or bad? (pp. 388-389)

3. From what was Khal Drogo not exempt? (p. 390)

4. Explain the bloodriders? (p. 391)

5. How did Viserys react to the gifts from Dany? (pp. 393-394)

Chapter 37 ď ˜ Bran v

1. How is Bran able to ride a horse? (p. 396) Thanks to whom?

2. Why does Bran cry? (p. 401)

3. Where are the ragged men from and why are they here? (p. 404)

4. Why was Robb angry at Theon? (p. 408)

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Chapter 38  Tyrion V

1. What’s special about the Arryn’s dungeons? (p. 411)

2. What does Tyrion think would be the best solution to his predicament? (p. 415)

3. To what crimes does Tyrion confess? (pp. 419-420)

4. What does Tyrion demand in the name of justice? (p. 421)

5. Why does Ser Vardis not want to champion Lysa Arryn? (p. 422)

6. Who champions Tyrion? (p. 423)

Chapter 39  Eddard X

1. Is Ned’s dream of things past or of things to come? (pp. 424-425)

2. In what ways do Ned’s and Cersei’s story differ in regards to the event outside the brothel? (p. 428)

3. What does Robert want Cersei to wear in silence? (p. 429)

4. How does Robert feel about the job as king? (p. 430)

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Chapter 40  Catelyn VII

1. After the encounter with Ned outside the brothel, to where did Jaime flee? (p. 431)

2. What caused Catelyn to worry about her father? (p. 432)

3. One way to learn about a character is to take note of what other characters say about them.

What do Ser Rodrick, Catelyn and Ser Brynden say about Lysa Arryn? (pp. 432-433)

4. Who thinks Tyrion murdered Jon Arryn? (pp. 435-436)

5. What is the confusion about Lord Robert’s fostering? (pp. 436-437)

6. What is Bronn’s strategy to win the duel? (p. 439)

7. In flashback, what do we learn of Catelyn’s feelings for Petyr Baelish? (pp. 439-440)

8. How is the statue in the middle of duel symbolic? (pp. 437-442)

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Chapter 41  Jon V

1. What are Jon and his fellow recruits of the Night’s Watch celebrating? (p. 445)

2. Can Jon leave the Night’s Watch with impunity? If so, where could he go? (pp. 447-448)

3. What does Jon ask of Maester Aemon? (pp. 449-450)

4. What does a silver link on a maester’s chain mean? (p.450)

Chapter 42  Tyrion VI

1. What is Tyrion’s offer to Bronn? (pp. 454-455)

2. Why does Tyrion suggest they sing? (p. 457)

3. What did Tywin do to Tyrion’s wife? Why? (p. 458)

4. How did Tyrion get him and Bronn out of danger? (pp. 461-461)

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Chapter 43  Eddard XI

1. Who built the Iron Throne? (p. 462)

2. Who is ultimately responsible for the raiding of the villages? (p. 467)

3. What does Eddard pronounce? (p. 470)

4. Who was insulted by Eddard’s choice of men to carry out the king’s justice? (pp. 470-471)

Chapter 44  Sansa III

1. What effect did Sansa’s father NOT choosing Ser Loras have on her? (p. 473)

2. What is it that Sansa and Arya agree on, according to their father? (p. 478)

3. Describe Sansa in one word.

“Life is not a song sweetling. You may learn that one day to your sorrow.” Petyr Baelish p. 473

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Chapter 45  Eddard xII

1. Who sent Maester Pycelle? (p. 481)

2. What does Cersei admit to Eddard? (p. 485)

3. What caused Cersei to hate the king so? (p. 487)

4. What does Eddard suggest Cersei do? (pp. 487-488)

“When you play the game of thrones, you win or you die. There’s no middle ground.” Cersei p. 488 Chapter 46  Daenerys V

1. Why is Dany eating the horse heart? (pp. 489-490)

2. Where is Viserys during Dany’s ceremony? What is he doing there? What is he going to use for trade? (p. 496)

3. Who is Rhaego and what is the significance of the name? (p. 496)

4. How do we know that Viserys is not the dragon? (p. 500)

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Chapter 47  Eddard XIII

1. What does Robert feel the boar was punishment for? (p. 504)

2. How did Ned deceive Robert? (p. 504)

3. Whom does Ned blame for Robert’s accident? (p. 507)

4. What does Varys imply about the hunting accident? (p. 507)

5. What does Renly suggest in regards to succession? (p. 508)

6. What does Littlefinger suggest? (pp. 511-512)

7. What is the final plan of succession? (pp. 513-514)

Chapter 48  Jon VI

1. Did Jon get what he requested from Maester Aemon? (p. 515)

2. Why does Sam want to say his words in the weirwoods? (p. 517)

3. Why do you think Jon was not happy with his assignment as Lord Mormont’s steward? (p.

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4. What does Sam say is the reason Jon was assigned as Lord Mormont’s steward? (p. 520)

Chapter 49  Eddard XIV

1. What was revealed at the small council meeting? (p. 525)

2. What does Joffrey demand of the council? (p. 527)

3. Who betrayed Ned? (p. 529)

Chapter 50  Arya IV

1. Why is Syrio Forel the “best”? (p. 531)

2. What are the reasons Arya did go with the king’s guard? (p. 532)

3. How did Arya get Needle back? (p. 537)

“A bruise is a lesson and a lesson makes us better.” Arya p. 530

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Chapter 51  Sansa IV

1. Why was Sansa told she was kept locked in Maegor’s holdfast? (p. 544)

2. What does the queen want done with Sansa’s servant Jeyne? (p. 546)

3. What was the content of the letters the queen asked Sansa to write? (p. 550)

4. Why didn’t the queen write the letters herself?

Chapter 52  Jon VII

1. How many men were found dead in the forest north of the Wall? (p. 554)

2. What does Sam notice is strange concerning the dead men’s corpses? (p. 556)

3. What does Mormont order be done with the corpses? (p. 557)

4. Who does Mormont hint at as counseling Joffrey? (p. 562)

5. What is a wight?

“The things we love destroy us everytime.” Lord Mormont p. 561

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Chapter 53  Bran VI

1. Why aren’t there many knights in the north? (p. 570)

2. How is Bran mobile? (p. 570)

3. From Bran’s perspective, what happens to Northerners that go south? (p. 576)

4. What explanation to question 3 does Osha offer? (pp. 577-578)

5. Who is now lord of Winterfell? (p. 581)

Chapter 54  Daenerys VI

1. How does Drogo feel about Dany’s desire to claim rule of Westeros? (p. 582)

2. Do you think Dany has a reason to be suspicious of Jorah wanting to see the ship captain by himself to see if there have been any letters from Illyrio? (p. 588)

3. What event “awoke the dragon” in Dany? (pp. 592-593)

4. What pledge does Drogo make to his unborn child? (p. 593)

5. What was the wineseller’s fate? (p. 594) 32

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Chapter 55  Catelyn VIII

1. Who built the towers at Moat Cailin? (p. 597)

2. How did Catelyn enrage her sister Lysa? (p. 599)

3. What problem does Catelyn have with Robb leading and army? (p. 600)

4. What advice does Catelyn give to Robb? (p. 604)

5. Where has Catelyn decided to go? (p. 606)

“Laughter is poison to fear.” Catelyn p. 600 Chapter 56  Tyrion VII

1. Describe the relationship between Tyrion and the mountain folk. Why haven’t they killed him? (p. 608)

2. Who was in the gibbet hanging outside of the Inn at the Crossroads? (p. 610)

3. Whom does Tyrion believe is running Westeros? (p. 613)

4. What happened to Tyrion’s plan for the Vale of Arryn? (p. 615)

5. What are Tywin’s ultimate battle plans? (p. 616) 33

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Chapter 57  Sansa V

1. How did the queen “reward” Sansa for being good? (p. 618)

2. What happened to Ser Barristan? (pp. 622-623)

3. What does Sansa petition the king for? (p. 626)

Chapter 58  Eddard XV

1. What happened to those who built the Red Keep? (p. 628)

2. Why does Ned call Varys a magician? (p. 632)

3. According to Varys, how was Robert’s death Ned’s fault? (p. 634)

4. Who is Cersei’s biggest problem? (p. 635)

5. What is Varys asking Ned to do? (p. 636)

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Chapter 59  Catelyn IX

1. What can be said about Lord Frey and his honor? (p. 639)

2. Why can’t Robb and his army simply just take the Twins? (p. 641)

3. What “price” did Robb have to pay to cross the river by means of the Twins? (p. 650)

“A lord must learn that sometimes words can accomplish was swords cannot.” Catelyn p. 642 Chapter 60  Jon VIII

1. How did Jon find out about Robb marching to war? (p. 654)

2. What does Lord Mormont give Jon? (p. 656)

3. Where has Ser Allister gone? (p. 659)

4. Why did Maester Aemon summon Jon? (pp. 662-663)

5. Who was Maester Aemon before he took his vows as a maester? (p. 664)

“…for love is the bane of honor, the death of duty.” Maester Aemon p. 662

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Chapter 61  Daenerys VII

1. What do the Dothraki think of Jorah’s armor? (p. 666)

2. Why did Jorah say that Dany reminded him of her brother Rhaegar? (p. 668)

3. Who tends Drogo’s wounds? (pp. 673-674)

4. What does Dany ask of the healer? (p. 674)

Chapter 62  Tyrion vIII

1. Why does Tyrion angrily leave the dinner table? (p. 677)

2. What had Bronn brought back to camp for Tyrion? (p. 679)

3. What’s all the commotion in the middle of the night about? (p. 682)

4. How does Bronn refer to the men who make up the vanguard? (p. 686)

5. How did Robb outwit Tywin? (pp. 692-693)

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Chapter 63  Catelyn X

1. Who is coming to attack Riverrun? (p. 696)

2. Why does Lord Karstark want Jaime dead? (p. 701)

3. What’s next to be done by Robb? (p. 701)

Chapter 64  Daenerys VIII

1. What signs cause Dany to worry about Drogo? (p. 703)

2. What is so important about the fact that Drogo fell from his horse? (p. 705)

3. What has happened to Drogo’s wound? (p. 706)

4. Why does Jorah want to flee the khalasar? (p. 707)

5. What is the “price” of saving Drogo? (p. 710)

6. Why will no one come to help Dany deliver her baby? (p. 714)

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Chapter 65  Arya v

1. Where in King’s Landing is Arya hiding out? (p. 717)

2. What does Arya know about the events surrounding Robert’s death? (pp. 717-718)

3. Why doesn’t Arya board the ship her father hired to take them home to Westeros, the Wind Witch? (p. 721)

4. What has Eddard decided to do? (p. 725)

5. What does Joffrey say about his mother and Sansa? (p. 726)

6. Who takes Arya? (pp. 727-728)

Chapter 66  Bran VII

1. What is the “truth” in Bran’s dream? (pp. 730-731)

2. What did Rickon see in his dream? (p. 734)

3. Who were the children of the forest? (pp. 737-738)

4. Why do the direwolves start howling? (p. 739) 38

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Chapter 67  sansa VI

1. Who came to collect Sansa? (p. 742)

2. How was Joffrey merciful to Eddard? (p. 743)

3. What can you say about Joffrey as king?

4. Where does Joffrey take Sansa after court? (pp. 747-748)

5. How does Sansa defy Joffrey? (p. 749)

6. What is Sansa contemplating at the end of the chapter? (p. 750)

Chapter 68  Daenerys Ix

1. What is Dany searching for when she wakes from her dream? (p. 753)

2. What happened to Drogo and Dany’s baby? (pp. 756-757)

3. What happened to Drogo’s khalasar? (p. 758)

4. According to Mirra Maz when will Drogo be better again? (p. 759) 39

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5. Why did Mirra Maz do what she did? (p. 760)

6. What did Dany try to do for Drogo? (p. 761)

7. What did she end up doing? (p. 761)

Chapter 69  Tyrion IX

1. When did Robb attack Jaime’s camp? (p. 764)

2. Who is this “new” king? (p. 767)

3. Where will Tywin move his army next? (p. 769)

4. Where will Tywin send Tyrion? For what purpose? (p. 771)

5. What instructions of his father does Tyrion plan on disobeying? (p. 771)

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Chapter 70  Jon IX

1. What does Sam try to stop Jon from doing? (p. 772)

2. Where was Jon headed? (p. 774)

3. Who came after him? (p. 778)

4. Where did they take him? (p. 781)

5. What did Lord Mormont “know” about? (pp. 781-782)

6. What are Lord Mormont’s next plans? (p. 784)

Chapter 71  Catelyn XI

1. Who is Lord Hoster? (p. 787)

2. Why didn’t Edmure notify Catelyn about Lord Hoster’s condition? (p. 787)

3. How do the lords of the North react to Catelyn’s suggestion of peace? (pp. 794-795)

4. On what condition would the lords of the North accept peace with the Lannisters? (pp. 796797)

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Chapter 72  Daenerys X

1. What will the platform be used for? (p. 799)

2. Why don’t Jhogo, Aggo and Rakharo accept the gifts from Dany? (p. 800)

3. What and who were placed on the platform? (pp. 802-803)

4. …and when the fire died out, what was left? (pp. 806-807)

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Personal Notes and Thoughts Feel free to express your thought and feelings after reading this book.