Family Quotes in A Game of Thrones

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

Quote #4

"Is that what you call it? You haven't left this room since Bran was hurt. You didn't even come to the gate when Father and the girls went south." (15 Catelyn 3.18-19)

Although we like to think that family is a neutral place where everyone loves everyone equally, it's pretty clear that family can also be about choosing sides. So, Catelyn stays by Bran's side when he's sick (crippled and in a coma), but doesn't go to see her daughters off on their adventure. (Similarly, Cersei loves Jaime, but hates Tyrion. So maybe the Lannisters aren't so different from the Starks, after all.)

Quote #5

"Let me tell you something about wolves, child. When the snows fall and the white winds blow, the lone wolf dies, but the pack survives. Summer is the time for squabbles. In winter, we must protect one another, keep each other warm, share our strengths. So if you must hate, Arya, hate those who would truly do us harm. Septa Mordane is a good woman, and Sansa... Sansa is your sister. You may be as different as the sun and the moon, but the same blood flows through both your hearts. You need her, as she needs you... and I need both of you, gods help me." (23 Arya 2.72)

Ah, Eddard and his fatherly wisdom. We're especially moved by his declaration that family is important, even if the individuals don't always get along. Let's see if that holds true.

Quote #6

"So I have decided that you shall this day announce that you wish to take the black. You will forsake all claim to your brother's inheritance and start north before evenfall." (27 Jon 4.84)

Samwell Tarly's father goes on to explain his plan for killing his first-born son (Samwell). His reasoning? The first-born son inherits everything in this system and Samwell isn't the manly man that Lord Tarly wants for an heir. So he needs to get Samwell out of the family, either by killing him or by shipping him off to an alternative family: the Night's Watch.