How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Narrator.Paragraph)
Quote #1
"What was I to do? [Joffrey] called for Lord Eddard's head in front of half the city. And Janos Slynt and Ser Ilyn went ahead blithely and shortened the man without a word from me!" [Cersei's] hand tightened into a fist. (4.Tyrion.62)
To be fair to Cersei, that is a bit of a quandary. In the Seven Kingdoms, the king has final authority on matters of sentencing and punishment, but the King's Law says anyone who joins the Night's Watch is forgiven his crimes. So what happens when the king's punishment and the King's Law conflict with each other? Which one wins? Is the King the legislator of the King's Law, or also bound by it? By the time anyone could properly consider these questions, poor dead Ned's head had already fled his body.
Quote #2
The Lord of the Tides was of the blood of ancient Valyria, and his House had thrice provided brides for Targaryen princes; Davos Seaworth stank of fish and onions. It was the same with the other lordlings. He could trust none of them, nor would they ever include him in their private councils. (11.Davos.12)
Class in the Seven Kingdoms is not one based on merit, hard work, or rising above an adverse situation—instead family and birth determine the value of an individual's place in society. Now, that may seem a bit backward, but can you consider any instances in our society where we follow a similar principle?
Quote #3
"Yes you were. You were a lord's daughter and you lived in a castle, didn't you? And you… gods be good, I never…" All of a sudden Gendry seemed uncertain, almost afraid. "All that about cocks, I never should have said that. And I been pissing in front of you and everything. I… I beg your pardon, m'lady." (20.Arya.95)
Before learning Arya's social status, Gendry was paling around with her like she was another homie—or, whatever the homie equivalent is in Westeros. After he learns, his entire attitude alters. What changed? Nothing about Arya. Rather social norms demand Gendry treat her differently.