I've read through the discussion threads on the board so far and had some of my questions answered and had some things pointed out to me that whooshed right over my head in my reading (so thank you for that!)
1. People feel bad for Theon? THEON? Really?
It's called the POV trap, most people tend to relate more if they see what is going on in that person's head. Also, as an aside, considering most people have had years to forget or soften the memories of what Theon did, may allow some to feel more sorry for him. Personally, I agree with you, though I think he's had it a little rougher than he deserved.
Both the POV trap and the length of time since Theon was being vile. It's been around 11 years since ASoS came out, right? I hadn't thought about the effect that could have on readers' perspectives. I also agree that Theon's had it a little rougher than he deserves, but surely there had to be someone Ramsay could work out his crazy on so that we would understand the full extent of it. I can't think of anyone in the series (still alive) who I'd rather that be Possibly excepting Cersei, but at least she didn't escape suffering in this book, and I expect the best is yet to come, there.
Other than showcasing Ramsay's psychoticism, I wonder if Theon's suffering is meant to redeem him somewhat in the eyes of the reader, so that, combined with his rescue of Jeyne, he is meant to qualify as another one of the many "grey" characters. Obviously this didn't work for me, but at least you've helped me understand where people might be coming from on that.
2. Was Dany miscarrying at the end there with all the blood? Or was this a more positive sign of some sort? I really don't know yet how literally to take the maegi's words to her and after this book think it could be more prophecy than doom.
I'm going with getting her period again, there's definately evidence that the prophecy has been fulfilled.
Be interesting to see what happens there. What form will Khal Drogo's return take, do you think? With the whole "Then he will return to you, and not before" part of the prophecy?
3. I assumed Brienne's reappearance meant she had agreed to ZombieCat's terms and was luring Jaime back to ZombieCat to face her wrath. But I gather there are those who think Brienne did die and was brought back? I am disappointed not to have gotten more of that storyline (though I did like the Jaime progression in this book, and liked how neatly he managed to do his duty to his family/king without breaking his oath to not take up arms against the Starks or Tullys). I will be interested to see what happens with that.
I can't see how Brienne could have been brought back. I think she might try to convince ZomCat not to kill Jaime.
This is what I think too. She might even succeed.
4. Do you think Stannis is dead? I'm going with no, since it seems like when we find out about 'offscreen' deaths like that they tend not to have happened. Does Ramsay actually have Mance? It seems horrible to me that we'd have gone through the Mance-isn't-really-dead switcheroo only to have that happen, and it is possible that one or more of his girls was captured and Ramsay knows he was there that way. I'm really leaning towards taking that letter to Jon as a bunch of angry rambling.
I don't think Stannis is dead, because I don't think he ever made it all the way to Winterfell. I do think that Bolton killed the small force outside the walls that were constantly blowing horns and might even think that Stannis was with that force. But more likely he was just bluffing. If Ramsey doesn't have Mance I'm not sure how he knew to go after Theon, as we saw at the end of Theon's last POV.
Well, I'm sure at least one of the spearwives was captured.
5. Speaking of Jon. Gah. GAH. I can't decide if I want him to be really most sincerely dead or not. Obviously prevailing opinion is that he's not. And yet. How much fun would that be?
I really doubt he'll stay dead, whether he's the Prince who was Promised or Azhor Ahai reborn, or both, I'm sure he'll be back.
Probably. For me the expectation of that detracted from my reading of the scene.
Edit to add:
6. Are we ever going to find out what happened to Benjen?
I still think he's Coldhands, though if he's not I doubt we'll ever find out what happened to him. Even if he is we may never get confirmation that he is Coldhands.
Fair enough. I thought Coldhands was notably large though (I could be confused). Was Benjen too or am I making this up?
If you are from Betelgeuse, please have one of your Earth friends read what I've written before you respond. Or try concentrating harder.
"The trophy problem has become extreme."
"The trophy problem has become extreme."
Questions I have after finishing ADwD. Spoilers of course.
17/08/2011 04:48:04 PM
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Re: Questions I have after finishing ADwD. Spoilers of course.
18/08/2011 12:46:33 AM
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Re: Questions I have after finishing ADwD. Spoilers of course.
18/08/2011 01:58:17 AM
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Bran didn't recognize him because his face is always covered
18/08/2011 04:28:55 AM
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If his face is always covered, how can you say you know who he is?
18/08/2011 12:14:18 PM
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I don't think anyone's saying they know who he is.
18/08/2011 02:42:32 PM
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The thing is we do not know how long you can be a wight
18/08/2011 03:08:33 PM
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Given that Martin doesn't seem to introduce characters like that, someone we know is more likely
18/08/2011 09:36:50 PM
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And how developed was the Three Eyed Crow
19/08/2011 04:27:32 AM
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But the point is, they were introduced at least, and not brought in from left field.
19/08/2011 11:36:41 AM
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Also, telling your 10-year-old nephew that you're a monster now must be rough.
18/08/2011 09:39:49 PM
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Re: Questions I have after finishing ADwD. Spoilers of course.
18/08/2011 01:22:05 AM
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Re: Questions I have after finishing ADwD. Spoilers of course.
18/08/2011 04:41:10 AM
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You know, that's a really good point.
18/08/2011 02:07:50 PM
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could you elaborate?
19/08/2011 03:16:59 AM
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Re: could you elaborate?
20/08/2011 01:37:43 AM
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Assuming the Quentyn, Dothraki sea, and Meereen pyramid parts are true...
25/08/2011 07:33:10 PM
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Re: Questions I have after finishing ADwD. Spoilers of course.
18/08/2011 06:28:03 AM
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LOL
18/08/2011 02:14:59 PM
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Re: LOL
19/08/2011 05:29:51 AM
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Huge agree and disagree
19/08/2011 02:06:24 PM
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Re: Huge agree and disagree
22/08/2011 05:58:13 AM
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Remember she also had her faced chewed off
22/08/2011 02:25:21 PM
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