Homework 2/20

Martin repeats debt many times in a Ned Stark chapter that discusses the kingdoms financial situation. I believe he continues to repeat debt because Martin wants to emphasize the kingdoms finances. Debt is repeated to show the state that the crown is in. Martin also repeats the term extravagant feast, while the council discusses the Hand of the King’s tournament. After Ned learns that the crown is in debt the council then talks about the upcoming tournament. With Martin repeating that the tournament is extravagant shows the leadership of the Kingdom. They are 6 million coin in debt to the Lannister’s and many other houses, and they continue to borrow and spend frivolously. This is a competing force in the chapter. Ned’s reasonable and conservative spending differs from the council’s idea to spend money they do not have. Ned is the character of reason and continually clashes with many characters throughout the story. He knows that spending money for an unnecessary tournament is wrong, especially when they do not have the money. The council, and especially the King, does not consider the consequences for their spending. A term that Martin uses is that the king does not ‘count coppers’. The King enjoys tournaments and extravagant feasts and is not careful with his money. This shows us the type of situation that Ned Stark is coming into. He is an outcast because of the different morals. Martin uses this to introduce us to the politics of the crown. We see that this is something that will continue throughout the story.