OUTLANDER: Week of 1/12; Reading Chapters 11-15, Discuss Chapters 6-10 here

[Gertie Kindle 'a/k/a Margaret Lake']

Great discussion everyone.  We’re reading Chs. 11-15 this week.

Here we go with the questions for Chs 6-10. 

REMINDER: It is not required in any way to answer the questions.  The questions are an aid to the discussion, not a test.  They are designed to get us thinking.  You may answer all the questions or only those that interest you.  You may choose just to comment on answers already posted or any other point outside the questions that occurs to you.  The only person required to answer the questions is me ... Gertie ... your fearless leader. 

The second post will be the questions.  The third post will be my answers. 

Here’s this week’s muffin recipe.  Enjoy!

Dutch process cocoa powder like Hershey’s European or Special Dark brand, is less acidic and therefore less bitter and richer in color than traditional cocoa powder. 

Chocolate Cherry Muffins

1-1/2 cups frozen unsweetened dark cherries, partially thawed, cut in half
1 Cup + 2 Tbs Splenda Granular
1/4 tsp almond extract
3/4 cup 1% milk
½ Cup unsweetened applesauce
3 Tbs canola oil
3 Tbs brown sugar
2 egg whites
1 tsp vanilla
1-1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/3 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
1-1/2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
2 tsps powdered sugar

1.   Preheat oven to 375.  Spray standard 12 cup muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray.

2.   In a small bowl, stir together cherries, 2 Tbs Splenda, and almond extract.  Set aside. 

3.   In a medium bowl, whisk together next 6 ingredients (milk thru vanilla).  Set aside. 

4.   In a large bowl, combine flour, 1 cup Spelnda, cocoa powder, baking powser and baking soda.  Stir.  Make a well in the dry ingredients and add liquid  mixture.  Using a large spoon or spatula, stir just until dry ingredients are moistened.  Carefully stir in cherries, taking care not to over mix.

5.   Spoon batter into muffin. 

6.   Bake for 18-20 minutes or until center springs back when lightly touched.  Cool for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack.  Dust with powdered sugar by pressing it through a fine mesh strainer.

Per serving:

Calories: 145
Carbs: 22 grams
Protein: 3 grams
Fat: 5 grams (0 saturated)
Fiber: 1 gram
Sodium: 220 mgs

Diabetic exchange - 1.5 Carb, 1 fat
WW point comparison - 3 points

[Gertie Kindle 'a/k/a Margaret Lake']

PART 2----OUTLANDER

Castle Leoch Chapters 6-10

Chapter Six - Colum's Hall

1) Why do you think Jamie took the beating for Loaghaire? I’ll be using the phonetic spelling of Laoghaire - Laheer.  Did you think it was honorable or foolish?

2) Claire seems to have little difficulty "adapting" to castle life in the 18th century. Why do you think this is? What would you find most difficult about adapting?

Chapter Seven - Davie Beaton's Closet

1) Who do you think hit Jamie on the head with an axe?

2) Why do you think it was so important to Claire to have a "useful" occupation?

Chapter Eight - An Evening's Entertainment

1) Do you think the "folk-tales" that Gwyllyn tells are all based on actual time travel through the
stones?

2) Claire teases Jamie about kissing Loaghaire in the alcove. Do you think her teasing is based on her growing feelings for him, or is she actually as "disinterested" as she appears?

3) What impressions did you get about Jamie's parents and background based on what he told Claire? Why do you think he told her about his past?

Chapter Nine - The Gathering

1) Why do you think Geillie tells Claire that young Hamish is rumored to be Jamie's son? Who did you think was really Hamish's father?

2) What impressions did you get about Geillie's background?

3) After Jamie and Claire "rescue" the tanner's lad from the pillory, Jamie calls Claire "Mistress Sassenach". How do you think Claire feels about the nickname?

Chapter Ten - The Oath Taking

1) Why do you think Jamie decided not to give Colum his oath? What do you think Claire thought when he didn't?

2) Why do you think Dougal kissed Claire?

3) When you read that Claire thought she could get back "home" from Ft. William, were you hoping she would succeed or fail? (your first impression, please!!)

[Gertie Kindle 'a/k/a Margaret Lake']

Chapter Six - Colum's Hall

1) Why do you think Jamie took the beating for Loaghaire (Laheer)? Did you think it was honorable or foolish?


I’m sure Jamie thought it was honorable and I accept his reasons for doing so, but in the end it was foolish.  Laheer was just 16 years old and at a very impressionable age.  It was obvious from the reason for the beating that she liked boys very much.  What Jamie did for her must have set her little heart aflutter.  Heck, I’m way older than her and it would have set my little heart aflutter. 

Then at the musical evening, Claire calls Jamie over and Laheer reveals that she had noticed Jamie when she was very young and remembered him, so she probably had a bit of a crush on him way back then.  Jamie seems disinclined to talk to Laheer much and pays a lot of attention to Claire, even moving her next to Laheer while he moves to the opposite side.  He translates the songs for Claire, hands Claire’s empty wine glass to her, and finally dismisses Laheer completely, and I think callously, to escort Claire to her room.  For a man who seemed to care about Claire’s feelings and needs on the way to Castle Leoch, he doesn’t seem to bother to understand Laheer’s feelings at all. 
I think Alec said it best when he told Claire that Jamie needed a woman, obviously meaning Claire, and that Laheer would still be a girl when she was fifty.  Alec said he “kens the difference verra weel” and I think Jamie does, too. 

2) Claire seems to have little difficulty "adapting" to castle life in the 18th century. Why do you think this is? What would you find most difficult about adapting?

Claire’s unorthodox upbringing by Uncle Lamb on all those digs had a lot to do with it.  She’s used to primitive living conditions.  I’m sure that helped her to adapt to working in a field hospital.  The conditions in the field hospital must have been fairly primitive as well.  She’s also used to being busy  and living close with a lot of people. 

Claire was living in 1945/46 when she went back through the stones.  She didn’t have anything like TV or computers.  The entertainment was the radio/wireless, Mrs.  Baird’s stereopticon, reading, card games, an evening at the pub or movies.  Quite different from what we are used to now.  I think it would be easier to adapt from Claire’s time than it would from our time.  But I think my first difficulty would be the horses as the chief mode of transportation.  I don’t mind them at all, but they think I’m a bit of a joke. 

Chapter Seven - Davie Beaton's Closet

1) Who do you think hit Jamie on the head with an axe?


At this point, DG really doesn’t give use much information on the circumstances, but I think it was somebody he knew. 

2) Why do you think it was so important to Claire to have a "useful" occupation?


From Colum’s point of view, to keep her from wandering around the castle.  Made it easier to keep an eye on her.  From Mrs Fitz’s point of view, she needed every pair of hands possible.  From Claire’s point of view, it gave her something to do to keep her mind off her situation.  Taking over Davie Beaton’s Skulkery fit in nicely with her experience as a wartime nurse and her subsequent interest in Botany. 

Chapter Eight - An Evening's Entertainment

1) Do you think the "folk-tales" that Gwyllyn tells are all based on actual time travel through the stones?


They’re certainly meant to appear that way to Claire. 

2) Claire teases Jamie about kissing Loaghaire in the alcove. Do you think her teasing is based on her growing feelings for him, or is she actually as "disinterested" as she appears?


I don’t think Claire is aware of her feelings for Jamie.  She’s teasing him as an older married woman would tease a younger man.  Alec knows, though. 

And considering my previous observations about Jamie and Laheer, I think she probably sought him out for that snogging session in the alcove. 

3) What impressions did you get about Jamie's parents and background based on what he told Claire? Why do you think he told her about his past?


Can’t answer this one.  I’m getting confused between what I know from having read the books and what Jamie initially told Claire.  As to why he told her ... he trusts her with this as he trusts her to look at his scarred back. 

Chapter Nine - The Gathering

1) Why do you think Geillie tells Claire that young Hamish is rumored to be Jamie's son? Who did you think was really Hamish's father?


Geillie is a gossip and gossips love to pick up information by throwing out tidbits of information.  I think she was telling Claire about Jamie to see if Claire had any interest in him, or if she had any further information about Hamish’s parentage.  Jamie could have been Hamish’ father because he was in the Castle at the time, but I doubt if Letitia would have gotten involved with her husband’s 16 year old nephew. 

Claire did mention that Hamish looked almost exactly like Dougal except for a difference in coloring.  They are closely related and that wouldn't be unusual.

2) What impressions did you get about Geillie's background?


She’s very well educated and knows a lot about Herbology.  Maybe she’s one of Neville Longbottom's ancestors.  (I did it again.   )  She’s also very ambitious.  But she didn’t give out any information about where she came from or what she was doing before marrying Arthur Duncan. 

3) After Jamie and Claire "rescue" the tanner's lad from the pillory, Jamie calls Claire "Mistress Sassenach". How do you think Claire feels about the nickname?


I think she likes it.  It’s another bond between her and Jamie. 

Chapter Ten - The Oath Taking

1) Why do you think Jamie decided not to give Colum his oath? What do you think Claire thought when he didn't?


Two reasons.  First, he’s not a MacKenzie although they are related and Jamie would be loyal to his father and his own clan.  Second, he’s a danger to Hamish’s succession as Laird.  It’s pretty obvious by now that Hamish isn’t Colum’s son and Jamie would be the next legitimate heir for those who would wish to challenge Colum’s leadership.  That puts Jamie in danger and makes it all more obvious as to who tried to kill him with an axe.  If he does not declare himself a MacKenzie, he’s signaling that he has no desire to push Hamish aside. 

Claire was pretty frightened at first, thinking the Clan would kill Jamie if he refused.  But he handled it well and she was very relieved.  I don’t think Claire really understood the implications, but she’s not dumb and would have figured it out. 

2) Why do you think Dougal kissed Claire?


Dougal is both complicated and simple.  He’s a simple man in that he’s fiercely loyal to his Clan and his brother and that’s the core of his being.  But he’s complicated because there are so many facets to his personality.  Look how he behaved as Geordie was dying.  He went after the boar with fierce determination, then he made a ruthless yet compassionate decision to let Geordie bleed to death and carried it out himself.  Then finally, he held Geordie in his arms and comforted him as he lay dying.  (Somebody hand me a Kleenex)  Finally, despite what he’s just been through and witnessed, he has observed Claire closely and doesn’t waste time in confronting her with the fact that she’s seen men die violently. 

I went through all this analysis of Dougal’s character because his motives for kissing Claire are probably just as simple and just as complicated as he is.  Simple, because he’s mostly likely sexually attracted to Claire.  Complicated, because he may have seen the growing attraction between Jamie and Claire, as Alec has, and he’s thinking to take her away from Jamie.  A married Jamie with children may have a stronger hold on the claims to the leadership of the Clan than a young boy.  And I’m sure that it’s obvious to Dougal that Colum will not live to see Hamish reach his majority.


3) When you read that Claire thought she could get back "home" from Ft. William, were you hoping she would succeed or fail? (your first impression, please!!)


Fail.  First because if she went back there would be no book.  But most of all because of Jamie himself.  In Claire’s eyes, Frank is an intellectual.  Jamie is very well educated, but he’s also a man of action.  Much more suited to Claire and her War experiences. 

Not to mention that it’s obvious that Jamie needs a full-time nurse to look after him.  I loved when Mrs.  Fitz finds Jamie and Claire after Angus has beaten him.  She says ... Ah, I see your healer has found you.  So even she is seeing Claire as Jamie’s own personal healer. 

[Heidi]

Chapter Six - Colum's Hall

1) Why do you think Jamie took the beating for Loaghaire? I’ll be using the phonetic spelling of Laoghaire - Laheer.  Did you think it was honorable or foolish?

I think it was honorable.  I took it at face value that he didn't want her to be publicly shamed.  I think he might have been leading Laoghaire on though.  It seems she has much greater feelings for him than he did for her.  He didn't pay attention to her at the meeting.


2) Claire seems to have little difficulty "adapting" to castle life in the 18th century. Why do you think this is? What would you find most difficult about adapting?

I think she must constantly be thinking about making sure she didn't say anything to give her away.  Medicine especially, had come so far and I'm sure she had to remember to think about what she was saying with every conversation she had.


Chapter Seven - Davie Beaton's Closet

1) Who do you think hit Jamie on the head with an axe?  I don't know but I'm sure we will find out.

2) Why do you think it was so important to Claire to have a "useful" occupation?
To occupy her time and to get her way when she needed to.

Chapter Eight - An Evening's Entertainment

1) Do you think the "folk-tales" that Gwyllyn tells are all based on actual time travel through the
stones?

Yes.

2) Claire teases Jamie about kissing Loaghaire in the alcove. Do you think her teasing is based on her growing feelings for him, or is she actually as "disinterested" as she appears?

I think hey are based on her growing feelings for him.  I think she is giving him a hard time about being with a little girl when he could be with a WOMAN.

3) What impressions did you get about Jamie's parents and background based on what he told Claire? Why do you think he told her about his past?



Chapter Nine - The Gathering

1) Why do you think Geillie tells Claire that young Hamish is rumored to be Jamie's son? Who did you think was really Hamish's father?

I thought Hamish' father was Culum's brother. 

2) What impressions did you get about Geillie's background?

I liked her filling in some of the missing pieces in the story.  I hope we hear more from her.


3) After Jamie and Claire "rescue" the tanner's lad from the pillory, Jamie calls Claire "Mistress Sassenach". How do you think Claire feels about the nickname?

I think she likes it.  He is returning the teasing she is always giving him.


Chapter Ten - The Oath Taking

1) Why do you think Jamie decided not to give Colum his oath? What do you think Claire thought when he didn't?

I think Claire respected that he didn't and I also think Colum did too.  Colum might know more about Jamie that Jamie thinks he knows so he might want to "keep him at bay."


2) Why do you think Dougal kissed Claire?

I just thought he was drunk, like all the other men there.


3) When you read that Claire thought she could get back "home" from Ft. William, were you hoping she would succeed or fail? (your first impression, please!!)


I wanted her to fail because I want to know what happens with her and Jamie.  I am not ready to see Frank again, yet.

[Heidi]

Oh, and one other thing...


My favorite part of Chapters 6-10 was when Claire was cleaning out her new office and going through all the jars and such.  That was so entertaining.

[Linda Cannon-Mott]

PART 2----OUTLANDER

Castle Leoch Chapters 6-10

Chapter Six - Colum's Hall

1) Why do you think Jamie took the beating for Loaghaire? I’ll be using the phonetic spelling of Laoghaire - Laheer.  Did you think it was honorable or foolish? I thought it was honorable, I thought he took it because she was so young.

2) Claire seems to have little difficulty "adapting" to castle life in the 18th century. Why do you think this is? What would you find most difficult about adapting? I think she is a strong, determined woman who I see adapting to probably any situation she is faced with. I also feel that being a nurse during the war she has has been faced with and worked in much worse conditions.

I have a fear of horses from getting thrown as a teenager 2 or 3 times so I would not adapt to that at all...I'd be doing a lot of walking.

Chapter Seven - Davie Beaton's Closet
1) Who do you think hit Jamie on the head with an axe? I don't have a clue but I think Jamie is going to be surprised to find out who it was and I think it will be someone he would not have thought could do it.

2) Why do you think it was so important to Claire to have a "useful" occupation? Because she has always enjoyed nursing and Botany. It gets her out of the castle and makes her feel as if she is making a contribution. I think she finds working with herbs and the medicinal part as a learning experience and she enjoys the challenge of learning new things.

Chapter Eight - An Evening's Entertainment

1) Do you think the "folk-tales" that Gwyllyn tells are all based on actual time travel through the
stones? I don't know but I think Claire thinks they are

2) Claire teases Jamie about kissing Loaghaire in the alcove. Do you think her teasing is based on her growing feelings for him, or is she actually as "disinterested" as she appears?  I think she wants him to think she is disinterested but I think her feelings for him are getting stronger.
3) What impressions did you get about Jamie's parents and background based on what he told Claire? Why do you think he told her about his past?  I think he has complete trust in Claire ever since she changed his dressings and cared for him when they first met. I can't remember about the family, I don't think they were a poor family though ??

Chapter Nine - The Gathering
1) Why do you think Geillie tells Claire that young Hamish is rumored to be Jamie's son? Who did you think was really Hamish's father?  I think she enjoys gossiping and is picking for more information from Claire. I thought Colum's brother was Hamish's father but Jamie was there at the time but only a teenager.
2) What impressions did you get about Geillie's background?  I don't recall her giving much information about herself. I think she enjoys working with herbs and is very smart and knowledgeable about them. I also think she enjoys teaching Claire all she knows.
3) After Jamie and Claire "rescue" the tanner's lad from the pillory, Jamie calls Claire "Mistress Sassenach". How do you think Claire feels about the nickname? I think she likes it and sees it as flirtation from him.

Chapter Ten - The Oath Taking
1) Why do you think Jamie decided not to give Colum his oath? What do you think Claire thought when he didn't? Jamie wants to remain loyal to his family and father. He is not a MacKenzie.  I think Claire was afraid for him, afraid he would be killed. I think she respected and admired him for the way he handled the situation.
2) Why do you think Dougal kissed Claire? He is sexually attracted to her and he was also under the influence of the Rhinish which was double strength because of the leg pain.

3) When you read that Claire thought she could get back "home" from Ft. William, were you hoping she would succeed or fail? (your first impression, please!!) FAIL, I want her and Jamie to fall in love.
 
 
 


 

[Gertie Kindle 'a/k/a Margaret Lake']

2) Claire seems to have little difficulty "adapting" to castle life in the 18th century. Why do you think this is? What would you find most difficult about adapting?

I think she must constantly be thinking about making sure she didn't say anything to give her away.  Medicine especially, had come so far and I'm sure she had to remember to think about what she was saying with every conversation she had.

That's an interesting observation.  It must be very stressful to keep on your toes and not give something away. 

[Linda Cannon-Mott]

Davie Beaton's closet is one of my favorite parts of this book... I could spend hours in there!

Linda

[Gertie Kindle 'a/k/a Margaret Lake']

Davie Beaton's closet is one of my favorite parts of this book... I could spend hours in there!

Linda

Do you prefer the woodlice or the mouse ears?    

One of the things I like about this book is the characters seem so matter-of-fact about every thing. 

"Did Sarah MacKenzie's thumb heal well?"

<snip>

"Sarah, ah, I believe not." 

<snip> 

"She'd dead."

[sergirl]

My work schedule was a bit busy last week and I really didn’t get to join in the discussion of the first 5 chapters, by the time I got a chance to respond the thread was 10 pages long, hopefully this week will be different and I’ll be able to participate a bit more. 
I’m still not totally into the book, I think there might be something wrong with me.  I don’t know if it’s the dialectic or what, but I’m still giving it the ol’ college try. (I think I may have to go back and reread from the beginning as I was having a lot of difficulty getting through the first 3 chapters and feel that I missed a lot)

1) Why do you think Jamie took the beating for Loaghaire? I’ll be using the phonetic spelling of Laoghaire - Laheer. Did you think it was honorable or foolish?
I personally would not have done it, but I believe Jamie was being Honorable although not really teaching her anything by later kissing in the alcove.

2) Claire seems to have little difficulty "adapting" to castle life in the 18th century. Why do you think this is? What would you find most difficult about adapting?
I agree with Gertie’s answer on this one, I think it would have been easier to adapt from Claire’s time than it would be from ours.   

Chapter Seven - Davie Beaton's Closet

1) Who do you think hit Jamie on the head with an axe?

No clue.

2) Why do you think it was so important to Claire to have a "useful" occupation?
I think in any time of distress it’s good to get your mind working and not thinking and dwelling on the past err or the future in this case.

Chapter Eight - An Evening's Entertainment

1) Do you think the "folk-tales" that Gwyllyn tells are all based on actual time travel through the
stones?
Yes or at least from Claire’s perspective.

2) Claire teases Jamie about kissing Loaghaire in the alcove. Do you think her teasing is based on her growing feelings for him, or is she actually as "disinterested" as she appears?
I’m not sure how Claire feels at this point, I however, was a bit perturbed when it happened.   

3) What impressions did you get about Jamie's parents and background based on what he told Claire? Why do you think he told her about his past?

I’m not remembering this, guess I have to go back and reread

Chapter Nine - The Gathering

1) Why do you think Geillie tells Claire that young Hamish is rumored to be Jamie's son? Who did you think was really Hamish's father?
Well since Geillie likes to Gossip, I think she is just trying to push buttons to see what type of reaction she gets.  I think Hamish’s father is the brother Dougal

2) What impressions did you get about Geillie's background?
Don’t think they really get into her background, other than she is an herbalist and married some old dude who farts a lot.  I’m enjoying this character and hope to see more of her. 

3) After Jamie and Claire "rescue" the tanner's lad from the pillory, Jamie calls Claire "Mistress Sassenach". How do you think Claire feels about the nickname?

I don’t think it bothers her, I think it goes back to the “teasing” relationship that they have.

Chapter Ten - The Oath Taking

1) Why do you think Jamie decided not to give Colum his oath? What do you think Claire thought when he didn't?
I think Jamie’s oath is to his own family and I think Claire was relieved in that nothing bad happened since she was the reason that Jamie was put in that situation.

2) Why do you think Dougal kissed Claire?
Why not? He was drunk, and I think attracted to her and maybe to get a reaction out of her

3) When you read that Claire thought she could get back "home" from Ft. William, were you hoping she would succeed or fail? (your first impression, please!!)

As Claire really wants to get 'Home' at this point, I hoped she would Succeed.  Plus I'd like to see Frank's reaction to her disapperance and her claim as to where she was.

[SongbirdVB]

Chapter Six - Colum's Hall

1) Why do you think Jamie took the beating for Loaghaire? I’ll be using the phonetic spelling of Laoghaire - Laheer.  Did you think it was honorable or foolish?

I think it was honorable.  It hadn't been all that long since Jamie was flogged, he probably wanted to spare this girl the pain.

2) Claire seems to have little difficulty "adapting" to castle life in the 18th century. Why do you think this is? What would you find most difficult about adapting?

It would be hard for me to remember not to ask where the phone was, and could I take a nice hot shower please?

Chapter Seven - Davie Beaton's Closet

1) Who do you think hit Jamie on the head with an axe?  No clue, can't even guess.

2) Why do you think it was so important to Claire to have a "useful" occupation?  

She was a busy nurse, now... nothing.  I'm sure she wanted to be useful, and BUSY to stay sane.

Chapter Eight - An Evening's Entertainment

1) Do you think the "folk-tales" that Gwyllyn tells are all based on actual time travel through the
stones?

Not all, but probably some!

2) Claire teases Jamie about kissing Loaghaire in the alcove. Do you think her teasing is based on her growing feelings for him, or is she actually as "disinterested" as she appears?

I think she doesn't recognize her growing feelings and is really just giving him the devil because she can.

3) What impressions did you get about Jamie's parents and background based on what he told Claire? Why do you think he told her about his past?

Chapter Nine - The Gathering

1) Why do you think Geillie tells Claire that young Hamish is rumored to be Jamie's son? Who did you think was really Hamish's father?  I too think Geillie wants to find out how involved Claire and Jamie are and how she feels about him.  I always thought Dougal was Hamish's father.

2) What impressions did you get about Geillie's background?  None really

3) After Jamie and Claire "rescue" the tanner's lad from the pillory, Jamie calls Claire "Mistress Sassenach". How do you think Claire feels about the nickname?  I think she likes that he is teasing her.  Kind of flirting with the idea of flirting...

Chapter Ten - The Oath Taking

1) Why do you think Jamie decided not to give Colum his oath? What do you think Claire thought when he didn't?  I think Jamie is faithful to his own clan and would not give his oath lightly.  Claire was impressed by his diplomacy!

2) Why do you think Dougal kissed Claire?   Because she's pretty and he wants her.  

3) When you read that Claire thought she could get back "home" from Ft. William, were you hoping she would succeed or fail? (your first impression, please!!)  I wanted her to fail. Never liked her and Frank as a couple and WHO COULD LEAVE THAT GORGEOUS SCOT?!  

[mom133d (aka Liz)]

Chapter Six - Colum's Hall

1) Why do you think Jamie took the beating for Loaghaire? I’ll be using the phonetic spelling of Laoghaire - Laheer.  Did you think it was honorable or foolish?

I felt the same was Gertie does. He had honorable reasons (and maybe some dishonorable ones since Claire finds them in the "closet") but in the end, it really was a foolish thing to do.

2) Claire seems to have little difficulty "adapting" to castle life in the 18th century. Why do you think this is? What would you find most difficult about adapting?

My thought was that she is used to "roughing" it. IIRC electricy was often cut during the war as well as so many luxeries being taken away that it probably really isn't that much different. I'm a gadget girl and would really miss technology.

Chapter Seven - Davie Beaton's Closet

2) Why do you think it was so important to Claire to have a "useful" occupation?
As Gertie mentioned, for the castle folk, it provides an easy way to keep an eye on her and she can provide a needed function. For Claire, it can distract her from what has happened.

Chapter Eight - An Evening's Entertainment

1) Do you think the "folk-tales" that Gwyllyn tells are all based on actual time travel through the
stones?
No. And I think that not all the stories were time-travel either but those are what stuck in her memory. Starting a tale "200 years ago" isn't that different from "Once upon a time"

2) Claire teases Jamie about kissing Loaghaire in the alcove. Do you think her teasing is based on her growing feelings for him, or is she actually as "disinterested" as she appears?
Hmmm, good question. Maybe a bit of both? Or maybe she thinks she can convince herself that she doesn't have feelings. I loved the teasing.

3) What impressions did you get about Jamie's parents and background based on what he told Claire? Why do you think he told her about his past?
I think he told her because he feels comfortable with her.

Chapter Nine - The Gathering

1) Why do you think Geillie tells Claire that young Hamish is rumored to be Jamie's son? Who did you think was really Hamish's father?
I think she likes to gossip.

Chapter Ten - The Oath Taking

1) Why do you think Jamie decided not to give Colum his oath? What do you think Claire thought when he didn't?
He wasn't going to give his oath but was forced to show up. He gave the best answer he could under the circumstances. I think Claire realised this as well.

2) Why do you think Dougal kissed Claire?
He is attracted to her and was drunk enough to let his hormones control him. She was lucky he was sober enough to stop himself before it went further than a kiss.

3) When you read that Claire thought she could get back "home" from Ft. William, were you hoping she would succeed or fail? (your first impression, please!!)

I think her best chance is to return to the stones, so while I don't hope she "fails" I don't think Ft. William will be of any help.

[Gertie Kindle 'a/k/a Margaret Lake']

I’m still not totally into the book, I think there might be something wrong with me.  I don’t know if it’s the dialectic or what, but I’m still giving it the ol’ college try. (I think I may have to go back and reread from the beginning as I was having a lot of difficulty getting through the first 3 chapters and feel that I missed a lot)

Nothing wrong with you at all.  A lot of people think the first few chapters are slow, and it doesn't really start up until Claire goes back through the stones.  I think the current chapters are giving us a lot of background and giving us a closer look at the characters.

2) Claire teases Jamie about kissing Loaghaire in the alcove. Do you think her teasing is based on her growing feelings for him, or is she actually as "disinterested" as she appears?
I’m not sure how Claire feels at this point, I however, was a bit perturbed when it happened.   

I would be interested to know why that bothered you.  It may have bothered other people, too. 

2) What impressions did you get about Geillie's background?
Don’t think they really get into her background, other than she is an herbalist and married some old dude who farts a lot.  I’m enjoying this character and hope to see more of her. 

Loved your answer.   

[SongbirdVB]

I would be interested to know why that bothered you.  It may have bothered other people, too. 

Bothered me too... mostly because I already felt like he was cheating on Claire!

[Linda Cannon-Mott]

Do you prefer the woodlice or the mouse ears?    

One of the things I like about this book is the characters seem so matter-of-fact about every thing. 

"Did Sarah MacKenzie's thumb heal well?"

<snip>

"Sarah, ah, I believe not." 

<snip> 

"She'd dead."

I would love to look and touch both the woodlice and mouse ears! 

Dead for sure! The things we take for granted today, hangnail, minor cut, stumped toe, etc they died from in those days. Makes me most appreciative of modern daymedicine.

How about having a bullet removed or arm amputated and biting a bullet and liquor or alum for anesthesia?

Linda

[Gertie Kindle 'a/k/a Margaret Lake']

Bothered me too... mostly because I already felt like he was cheating on Claire!

I can't say that Jamie and Laheer kissing bothered me, but I felt it diminished Jamie's "honorable" offer to take the beating. 

I would love to look and touch both the woodlice and mouse ears!   

Eeeuwww.  I'm not much of an outdoor person so little critters tend to bother me. 

Dead for sure! The things we take for granted today, hangnail, minor cut, stumped toe, etc they died from in those days. Makes me most appreciative of modern day medicine.

How about having a bullet removed or arm amputated and biting a bullet and liquor or alum for anesthesia?

Linda

It's enough to give you the shudders, isn't it.  How about childbirth?  That's the one that would scare me.  Not the lack of anesthesia, but the danger of infection and fever and a lingering death. 

[Linda Cannon-Mott]

I am sure there was a high death rate from childbirth. That is what happened in Pillars of the Earth to the master carpenter's wife, she died from complications of giving birth to her 3 rd child, a son.

The more I read of Outlander the more I like it.

Linda

[Gertie Kindle 'a/k/a Margaret Lake']

I am sure there was a high death rate from childbirth. That is what happened in Pillars of the Earth to the master carpenter's wife, she died from complications of giving birth to her 3 rd child, a son.

The more I read of Outlander the more I like it.

Linda

I love hearing that!!!

[Suzanne]

PART 2----OUTLANDER

Castle Leoch Chapters 6-10

Chapter Six - Colum's Hall

1) Why do you think Jamie took the beating for Loaghaire? I’ll be using the phonetic spelling of Laoghaire - Laheer.  Did you think it was honorable or foolish?

I thought he was being honorable. It would have been humiliating for her and painful too.

2) Claire seems to have little difficulty "adapting" to castle life in the 18th century. Why do you think this is? What would you find most difficult about adapting?

If I found myself thrown back in time approximately 200 years and found myself in a Scottish castle, I, also, would have a bit of difficulty adapting at first! I’d find the whole situation unusual to adapt to.

Chapter Seven - Davie Beaton's Closet

1) Who do you think hit Jamie on the head with an axe?

No clue.

2) Why do you think it was so important to Claire to have a "useful" occupation?

She was used to making a significant contribution. Also, this helped her to pass the time.

Chapter Eight - An Evening's Entertainment

1) Do you think the "folk-tales" that Gwyllyn tells are all based on actual time travel through the stones?

The one where he refers to the house of Balnain and the owner was gone & his wife & baby son missing. The man seeks out a priest and takes him to the fairy knoll and the priest blesses the rocks and then there’s a loud noise as of thunder and the moon comes out and the woman and child are on the grass exhausted. The woman is tired as though she traveled far but could not tell where she had been or how she had come there.
That sounded like time travel to me.

2) Claire teases Jamie about kissing Loaghaire in the alcove. Do you think her teasing is based on her growing feelings for him, or is she actually as  "disinterested" as she appears?

I still don’t see Claire interested in Jamie in a romantic fashion yet. In her dealings with him, she strikes me as the older woman who is looking on her patient, a younger man. I still see it more as a friendship.

3) What impressions did you get about Jamie's parents and background based on what he told Claire? Why do you think he told her about his past?

Chapter Nine - The Gathering

1) Why do you think Geillie tells Claire that young Hamish is rumored to be Jamie's son? Who did you think was really Hamish's father?

She seems to be a gossip and enjoys to gossip. Also, I think she let this information drop so as to see Claire’s reaction. My guess for Hamish's father is Colum.

2) What impressions did you get about Geillie's background?

3) After Jamie and Claire "rescue" the tanner's lad from the pillory, Jamie calls Claire "Mistress Sassenach". How do you think Claire feels about the nickname?

I think this is the kind of banter that goes on between two friends.

Chapter Ten - The Oath Taking

1) Why do you think Jamie decided not to give Colum his oath? What do you think Claire thought when he didn't?

I completely understood why he did not want to take the oath. He was not a MacKenzie. I would imagine Claire understood and respected his position.

2) Why do you think Dougal kissed Claire?

I think he was attracted to her.

3) When you read that Claire thought she could get back "home" from Ft. William, were you hoping she would succeed or fail? (your first impression, please!!)

I hope she fails. What a wonderful opportunity to find yourself back 200 years in time! I hope she stays back there longer, not because of Jamie, but merely to experience that time period. Not many people have that opportunity. She should take advantage of it.

[sebat]

Chapter Six - Colum's Hall
1) Why do you think Jamie took the beating for Loaghaire? I’ll be using the phonetic spelling of Laoghaire - Laheer.  Did you think it was honorable or foolish?
Jamie says he hasn’t spoken to her.   I think he feels like it was somehow his fault.  He might not have asked her to do it, but I think Laheer was sneaking out to see him.  It was both honorable and foolish.  Honorable because he saved her from the public humiliation and pain.  Foolish because he was already injured and now that Laheer idolizes him there will be no getting rid of her.

2) Claire seems to have little difficulty "adapting" to castle life in the 18th century. Why do you think this is? What would you find most difficult about adapting?
She meets problems head on.  She’s here now, better to make the best of it.  Her past experiences traveling with her uncle make it easier to “rough it” and to adapt to unusual circumstances no matter how strange.  It helps that she still has something familiar she can really get into…she can doctor people and learn about the treatments of the time. 

I am a hermit by nature and social by choice.  I think I would have a difficult time being surrounded by all those people day in and day out.  I need to be able to get away or I would feel smothered.

Chapter Seven - Davie Beaton's Closet
1) Who do you think hit Jamie on the head with an axe?
I have no clue but think it is someone he knows.

2) Why do you think it was so important to Claire to have a "useful" occupation?
It gave Colum a reason to allow her to stay.  She wasn’t imposing on their hospitality but paying for her food and room by doctoring. 

Chapter Eight - An Evening's Entertainment
1) Do you think the "folk-tales" that Gwyllyn tells are all based on actual time travel through the
stones? Yes.

2) Claire teases Jamie about kissing Loaghaire in the alcove. Do you think her teasing is based on her growing feelings for him, or is she actually as "disinterested" as she appears? 
I think she is starting to feel a little bit of physical attraction but is fighting it.  She sees herself as a married woman even though her husband is 200 years in the future.

3) What impressions did you get about Jamie's parents and background based on what he told Claire? Why do you think he told her about his past?
He is definitely not what he appears to be.  He’s had a more privileged upbringing and is better educated than a mere horse trainer. He trusts her and wants her to see him as more than laborer but at the same time can’t come out and say who he is.

Chapter Nine - The Gathering
1) Why do you think Geillie tells Claire that young Hamish is rumored to be Jamie's son? Who did you think was really Hamish's father?
  Geillie is a gossip.  I vote for Colum's brother being the father.

2) What impressions did you get about Geillie's background?
Don’t know much about her background.  She is educated, ambitious, a bit selfish and shrewd.

3) After Jamie and Claire "rescue" the tanner's lad from the pillory, Jamie calls Claire "Mistress Sassenach". How do you think Claire feels about the nickname?
I think she likes it.  It’s a term of endearment.  The friendship is building with the give and take of the teasing. 

Chapter Ten - The Oath Taking
1) Why do you think Jamie decided not to give Colum his oath? What do you think Claire thought when he didn't?
It would be disloyal to his family and his clan.  Claire fears for his life at first.  Then she is respects him and is proud of his strength not to bend to peer pressure and to be true to himself.
 
2) Why do you think Dougal kissed Claire? 
I didn’t read a lot into it.  He was drunk.  She was there.  It was something he wanted to do and he the excuse of being drunk.  She’s a good looking female and I think he has been attracted to her all along. 

3) When you read that Claire thought she could get back "home" from Ft. William, were you hoping she would succeed or fail? (your first impression, please!!)
Fail of course, Jamie is in the past she has to stay there with him. 
Frank who?

[Betsy the Quilter]

1) Why do you think Jamie took the beating for Loaghaire? I think, having been flogged, he didn't want to see a young girl, who might have reminded him of his sister, be beaten,

2) Claire seems to have little difficulty "adapting" to castle life in the 18th century. Why do you think this is? What would you find most difficult about adapting? As others have mentioned, her upbringing and war experiences help her.  I would have a real problem with no Internet.

Chapter Seven - Davie Beaton's Closet

1) Who do you think hit Jamie on the head with an axe?  No idea.  Frank's ancestor?

2) Why do you think it was so important to Claire to have a "useful" occupation?  Important to whom?  From Claire's point of view, she likes to keep busy and be useful, something that seems to be true of most nurses I know.

Chapter Eight - An Evening's Entertainment

1) Do you think the "folk-tales" that Gwyllyn tells are all based on actual time travel through the
stones?  It's an intriguing fantasy.  Love the idea!

2) Claire teases Jamie about kissing Loaghaire in the alcove. Do you think her teasing is based on her growing feelings for him, or is she actually as "disinterested" as she appears?  I think it's a defense mechanism to cover how disconcerted she was to find him kissing whats-her-name.

3) What impressions did you get about Jamie's parents and background based on what he told Claire? Why do you think he told her about his past?I didn't remember this either, back to chapter 8!

Chapter Nine - The Gathering

1) Why do you think Geillie tells Claire that young Hamish is rumored to be Jamie's son? Who did you think was really Hamish's father?  I think she wants to keep Claire and Jamie apart.  I think Dougal(?) is Hamish's father. 

2) What impressions did you get about Geillie's background?  I don't trust Geillie at this point, there's more to her than we know now.

3) After Jamie and Claire "rescue" the tanner's lad from the pillory, Jamie calls Claire "Mistress Sassenach". How do you think Claire feels about the nickname?  I think she's flattered that he's teasing her back.

Chapter Ten - The Oath Taking

1) Why do you think Jamie decided not to give Colum his oath? What do you think Claire thought when he didn't?  I think his loyalty is to his true clan, not yet revealed but hinted at.  I think Claire was relieved because she knew how much he was trying to avoid forswearing himself and that she respected his resourcefulness.

2) Why do you think Dougal kissed Claire?  He was drunk enough to be careless, and he knows that Jamie is attracted to Claire, which makes her more attractive to him too.  There's a kind of man who can't help competing, who will turn almost everything into a competition.

3) When you read that Claire thought she could get back "home" from Ft. William, were you hoping she would succeed or fail?  I sort of want her to succeed.  As good as she's doing there, she still seems like a stranger there to me.


[/quote]

[Lizzy]

Well since everybody said i should do it my way and i kinda wanted to answer a chapters worth of questions a day so i could remember them here goes.

Chapter Six - Colum's Hall

1) Why do you think Jamie took the beating for Loaghaire? I’ll be using the phonetic spelling of Laoghaire - Laheer.  Did you think it was honorable or foolish?

First of all thanks for telling how to pronounce the name. Im having alot of trouble figuring out what it is there saying half the time and names are the hardest. I think Jamie is just that kind of a guy. Even though he has been hurt himself he is not gonna stand around and watch a young girl get beat. I wasnt surprised cause he already is protective of Claire and he just met her. He's known this girl for longer.

2) Claire seems to have little difficulty "adapting" to castle life in the 18th century. Why do you think this is? What would you find most difficult about adapting?

I adapt to things easy cause ive never had much to begin with and since she was a nurse she should be used to things being tough so i dont think it would be that hard for her. Besides she was from the 1940s so it couldnt have been that much different. The only thing that surprised me was how easy it was for her to adapt to being transported in time. I think most people would freak out at that.

[tlshaw *Padded Cell 511*]

PART 2----OUTLANDER

Castle Leoch Chapters 6-10

Chapter Six - Colum's Hall

1) Why do you think Jamie took the beating for Loaghaire? I’ll be using the phonetic spelling of Laoghaire - Laheer.  Did you think it was honorable or foolish?
Loaghaire was to be beaten for being “loose”. I think Jamie took the beating for her because he knew people would forget she was accused, but would never forget watching her whipped, and it would make it almost impossible to get past and get married.

2) Claire seems to have little difficulty "adapting" to castle life in the 18th century. Why do you think this is? What would you find most difficult about adapting?
Claire was used to primitive living conditions when she was growing up with Uncle Lamb and later in field hospitals. She was used to being adaptable to whatever situation she was in.

Chapter Seven - Davie Beaton's Closet

1) Who do you think hit Jamie on the head with an axe?
The only thing I know for sure was that it wasn’t the English. Otherwise, it could have been almost anyone, rival clan member, or even a family member.

2) Why do you think it was so important to Claire to have a "useful" occupation?
Claire needed something to focus on rather than just constantly worrying about where she was, how she got there, and how to get home. Maybe she also felt if she was trusted to work, she would not be watched so closely, and she could then figure out how to get away.

Chapter Eight - An Evening's Entertainment

1) Do you think the "folk-tales" that Gwyllyn tells are all based on actual time travel through the
stones?
Most myths and tales have some basis, and this probably helped Claire better understand what had happened to her, even though it did not explain how or why.

2) Claire teases Jamie about kissing Loaghaire in the alcove. Do you think her teasing is based on her growing feelings for him, or is she actually as "disinterested" as she appears?
Part of Claire’s personality is fun-loving. At this point, however, Jamie is the only one she feels comfortable enough to be herself with. I think she was disappointed in finding Jamie in the alcove. She does care for him, but more as a friend at this point.

3) What impressions did you get about Jamie's parents and background based on what he told Claire? Why do you think he told her about his past?
I think he told her because he felt he could trust her, and he had to be careful what he said, since he was a wanted man. Claire’s reaction to the scars on his back let him know she cared, but that was not all she saw when she looked at him.

Chapter Nine - The Gathering

1) Why do you think Geillie tells Claire that young Hamish is rumored to be Jamie's son? Who did you think was really Hamish's father?
Geillie, I think, knew who Hamish’s father was, but wanted to see if she could find out what Claire knew, or how she felt about Jamie.

2) What impressions did you get about Geillie's background?
She didn’t talk much about herself, so her background was a mystery.

3) After Jamie and Claire "rescue" the tanner's lad from the pillory, Jamie calls Claire "Mistress Sassenach". How do you think Claire feels about the nickname?
I think she liked the fact that he could relax around her and have fun.

Chapter Ten - The Oath Taking

1) Why do you think Jamie decided not to give Colum his oath? What do you think Claire thought when he didn't?
Jamie knew that since he was Colum’s nephew, he could be in line for laird and knew that Colum and Dougal would do whatever they needed to the see that Hamish became laird when it was time. However, Jamie was well liked, and could split the clan if he wanted to assert his right.
Only when Jamie stepped up for the oath did Claire really understand what she had done in stumbling on him in the barn. When Jamie made his pledge to help, but did not renounce his family, Claire realized that Jamie, as young as he was, was just as shrewd as his uncles.

2) Why do you think Dougal kissed Claire?
Dougal was drunk, which made him a little reckless. Claire was a beautiful young woman who fascinated him, but he didn’t really trust. The fact he stopped with the kiss, though shows that he was not completely out of control.

3) When you read that Claire thought she could get back "home" from Ft. William, were you hoping she would succeed or fail? (your first impression, please!
I wanted her to fail, so that she could continue to be with Jamie.

[vg]

Hi all - I'm on vacation this week and doing this from my phone so I won't answer all the questions butnam loving reading your answers. I do have a thought though and haven't read far enough tonsee if anyone else brought it up. Do you think that Geillie is also a time traveler?

[bosslady402]

1) Why do you think Jamie took the beating for Loaghaire? I’ll be using the phonetic spelling of Laoghaire - Laheer.  Did you think it was honorable or foolish? Jamie's situation at the castle seems a little precarious - he might have seen it as an opportunity to show certain people that he's not afraid of them and that he's strong enough to take whatever they dish out. He certainly earned the respect of the giant. He may have been showing off to Claire too - or at least giving her more opportunity to 'nurse' him.

2) Claire seems to have little difficulty "adapting" to castle life in the 18th century. Why do you think this is? What would you find most difficult about adapting? She's been self-sufficient her whole life - in primitive and stressful situations. That gives her alot of self-confidence - probably too much - but lets her adapt faster than if she was wallowing in self-pity.

2) Why do you think it was so important to Claire to have a "useful" occupation? Again, she has had only herself to depend upon for so long, it is not in her to sit back and wait for someone else to decide what she should do with herself. She knows she has something to offer, and she is compelled to make use of her abilities.

2) Claire teases Jamie about kissing Loaghaire in the alcove. Do you think her teasing is based on her growing feelings for him, or is she actually as "disinterested" as she appears? She is teasing him sort of on the same level as he would have gotten from one of the men (just not as crudely) so disinterested or not, she is acting as his equal - or even slightly superior.

1) Why do you think Jamie decided not to give Colum his oath? What do you think Claire thought when he didn't? I think that scene was telling both Claire and us readers that there is alot more going on with this young man than meets the eye - it gives both her and us a reason to want to know more about him.

3) When you read that Claire thought she could get back "home" from Ft. William, were you hoping she would succeed or fail? (your first impression, please!!) don't be silly....  I was just hoping she wouldn't get into too much trouble in the attempt....