ChromeWeasel, on 30 April 2012 - 03:14 PM, said:
Robb's acts with Jeyne were very selfish, if fairly understandable.
He shouldnt have had sex with her in the first place, although you can understand why he did. At that point he was betrothed and he needs to keep in mind that he has formed an alliance with the Frey's through the future promise of matrimony. Catlyn's chapters point out to the readers how big a deal this is in general, and in particular how important it is to Walder Frey. You shouldnt put an alliance like this at risk in the middle of the war. Doing so is extremely selfish and impulsive. There's nothing honorable about it.
After the fact Robb compounds things by another selfish choice. He promised himself wed to the Frey's for their help in the way, certifying their alliance. He dishonors that alliance by breaking the engagement. Alternatively he could dishonor himself personally by leaving behind Jeyne and not marrying her. Robb selfishly chooses his own personal honor above the honor of his engagement and his alliance to the Freys.
It's all understandable, but it's definitely not the honorable thing for Robb to do. Marrying Jeyne is the selfish thing to do. That's the choice that hurts people farther away from Robb, while keeping those closest to him happy and allowing Robb the physical and immediate pleasures of his new wife.
People can spin things however they want, but in the end Robb was pretty selfish. And it all comes back to bite him and everyone around him.
Right on the money, here. I love Robb, but I think his story is meant to illustrate how crazy it is that someone as young as the Youg Wolf is given all that responsibility.
You mention that his choice hurts the people farther away from Robb, and in terms of Walder Frey, that's true. But there were Freys with him in the West (as those in Harrenhal have heard of Robb's marriage before Arya leaves), and all the men of the North that Robb brought south with him. It is the latter that Robb hurt the most.
Lord Walder's crossing is the only sure route available for Robb and these men to eventually return North. By forwearing himself, and wedding Jeyne, it was Robb who damned the Northmen to die in the Riverlands - leagues away from their homes and families, which are all bound to suffer through winter as a result.
Robb called himself King, and I think that means a responsibility to consider the consequences of one's actions. Especially the consequences that could befall the people who follow you, and are willing to die in your name.
Edited by Tumnas the Torpid, 30 April 2012 - 03:30 PM.
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