Homework 2/18

In the first chapter told in perspective of Jon, we enter into a conversation between Jon and his Uncle Ben. Although the conversation is primarily about Jon’s desire to join the Night’s Watch, the underlining meaning deals with the difference between a man and a boy. While the dialogue does not contain the words ‘man’ or ‘boy’, we can easily imply that those two words hold some sort of significance. Is Jon really man enough to go to the Wall? Ben thinks not, and tells him straight forward he is not mature enough to handle such responsibility. When the chapter concludes, and the conversation ends, as readers we get the idea that Jon is in no way going to be a member of the Night’s Watch. Later in the book Jon actually does travel to the Wall, which comes to a surprise as we were under the impression that Jon was staying in Winterfell. The two chapters, one of Ben denying Jon the membership of the Night’s Watch and another of Jon being sent to the wall clearly contradicts one another. What was Martin's purpose by this? Is this a warning that Jon is not strong enough for the Wall? Does this foreshadow something that of Jon not being able to handle such an obligation? Is the conversation between Jon and Ben a sign that Jon will eventually prove himself as a man? Or the other way around?