Memory and the Past Quotes in A Clash of Kings

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Narrator.Paragraph)

Quote #7

"Your eunuch must have told you, there is small love for the Lannisters in King's Landing. Many still remember how your lord father sacked the city, when Aerys opened the gates to him. They whisper that the gods are punishing us for the sins of your House—for your brother's murder of King Aerys, for the butchery of Rhaegar's children, for the execution of Eddard Stark and the savagery of Joffery's justice." (42.Tyrion.102)

The people of King's Landing remember the last time someone sacked their city. In fact, it was Tyrion's father, Tywin Lannister, who led the campaign. So guess what? They're none too keen on Lannisters now. Seems reasonable.

Quote #8

Finally Tyrion said, "A harrowing tale. I'm sorry."

The eunuch sighed. "You are sorry, but you do not believe me. No, my lord, no need to apologize. I was drugged and in pain and it was a very long time ago and far across the sea. No doubt I dreamed that voice. I've told myself as much a thousand times." (45.Tyrion.129-130)

The past is vitally important to understanding the present, and this is made all the more complicated by the fact that the past can be a hard thing to grasp the truth of. Take Varys. He can't tell if what he heard was reality, yet the experience has determined his life course for years. And Varys's life course is arguably determining the course of the entire Seven Kingdoms, making this a big thing to hinge on a maybe.

Quote #9

"Your Bael was a liar," he told her, certain now.

"No," Ygritte said, "but a bard's truth is different than yours or mine. Anyway, you asked for the story, so I told it." (52.Jon.102-103)

Ygritte brings up a good point: One person's lie is another person's history. We're also wondering what other differences we'd find in the wildling history books…