Society and Class Quotes in A Game of Thrones

How we cite our quotes: (Absolute Chapter, Character Name, Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #4

"None of these others have ever had a master-at-arms until Ser Alliser. Their fathers were farmers and wagonmen and poachers, smiths and miners and oars on a trading galley. What they know of fighting they learned between decks, in the alleys of Oldtown and Lannisport, in wayside brothels and taverns on the kingsroad." (20 Jon 3.66)

Donal Noye reminds Job that he's had a privileged social position in the world. Sure, he's an illegitimate child, but at least he's not common.

Quote #5

Her handmaid Irri and the young archers of her khas were fluid as centaurs, but Viserys still struggled with the short stirrups and the flat saddle. Her brother was miserable out here. (24 Daenerys 3.6)

Of course, society isn't the same everywhere you go in this book. Our primary example is how badly Viserys misunderstands the customs of the Dothraki. Not only can he not ride, he also thinks riding in a cart is an honor (when it's really an insult). Oops.

Quote #6

While the commons began their walk home, talking of the day's jousts and the matches to come on the morrow, the court moved to the riverside to begin the feast. (30 Sansa 2.22)

Nobility sure has it easy: after the tournament, the commoners all go home, while the nobles get ready for a feast. (And who made that feast? Yep, the commoners.)