What is the theme in A Clash of Kings by George R.R. Martin?

The role of women is another theme in the book. The Seven Kingdoms is primarily a patriarchal society, and women are not allowed much of a role in running it. Most are resigned to the roles of wife and mother, and their attempts to break out of this are usually mocked or put down. Cersei Lannister often wishes she were a man, so she would be able to hold lands and rule in her own right. She tries to wield power through her son, Joffrey Baratheon. However, her schemes are usually ill-advised, and she is subverted by her brother, Tyrion. Catelyn Stark also tries to advise her son, Robb Stark, in his quest for the throne. Robb does not value his mother's advice, even when it is sound. He prefers to form his own battle plans and ignores his mother's pleas to save his sisters. It would be interesting to see if he felt differently if his brothers were the ones held hostage by the Lannisters.