[Boaz]

I'm not an artsy person, but I feel that Martin's depiction of Dany's wedding and marriage, Margaery's weddings and marriages, Ned and Catelyn's lovemaking, Cersei and Jaime's lovemaking, Tyrion's search for love (with Shae), the Night's Watch rapers memories, Lyssa's screams of delight, and other depictions of sexual acts were pertinent to the sitz im leben. Now, should we enjoy this world (does the author enjoy it?) and the strong (oft times violent) sexual themes? Can we enjoy the story and the setting without desiring this fantasy in our own lives?

I'd hate to think that someone would get off on Chiswyck's (iirc) tale, Myrcella's wound, Theon's seduction of the captain's daughter and his groping of Asha, Cersei and Jaime's relationship, Tysha's gang rape, etc.

I do not think that 12-14 year old girls are ready emotionally, psychologically, spiritually, or even culturally for sexual activity even if they appear physically prepared. I don't think boys are either, for that matter.

There was an article in the Denver Post (iirc) on Sunday that dealt with parents in Malawi giving their 9-14 daughters away as sex slaves or wives to settle financial debts. It seems that this is not legal, nor sanctioned by custom, but it happens fairly often and is accepted.

All that is not good, but overall I'm surprised that I enjoy the characters who are despicable. What is Martin saying about our values? Everyone who plays by the rules loses in the Game of Thrones.

I'll be reading The Chronicles of Narnia to my niece and nephews... and The Lord of the Rings when they get older, but A Song of Ice and Fire is not for children.

Tolkien and Lewis read like high fantasy, fairy tales, and myths where the good guys win and great morals are setup as pillars of culture. Duty, Hard Work, Love, Piety, Diligence, Honor, Friendship, Redemption, and Sacrifice shine through as lights for our lives. These, like traditional high fantasy (based off our classic myths and legends), esteem certain moral values.

Martin's work is not high fantasy... it's a fired from work, street brawl, passed out in the gutter, ugly look at life. Every time I think Sacrifice, Love, Honor, and Friendship will save the day... they get their heads or hands chopped off, they get sent to The Wall, they get framed for murder, or they get tossed from a window. I'm not sure what Martin's values are... but since hedgeknight brought it up, I'm somewhat bothered that I'm enjoying the ride.