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Post by desraelda on Jun 12, 2006 8:44:16 GMT -5
Here are the last topics in Part Two. I'll post the next topics in Part Three (Chs 11-16) after we get some responses to the current topics.
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!!)
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Post by giggin on Jun 12, 2006 20:24:19 GMT -5
Chapter Eight - An Evening's Entertainment1) Do you think the "folk-tales" that Gwyllyn tells are all based on actual time travel through the stones?Knowing that Claire actually went through time...It is highly suspect 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 think she wants to get his reaction to the question to see if he is interested in Loaghaire. So, yes I think, perhaps she does have some feelings for him (okay well I do and I want her to ;D! - maybe that's just my own curiousity ) 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 seems to be getting comfortable talking to Claire ! Chapter Nine - The Gathering1) 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?Perhaps to get Claire's reaction. To see if Claire is interested in Jaime I guess, or to warn Claire that Jaime is promiscuous and to not get too attached! It may be someone related to Colum....so possibly Dougal. 2) What impressions did you get about Geillie's background?I thought she knew a lot of information about others (probably just rumors)...but other than that...I didn't take much notice of her! Maybe I need to re-read that section ! 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 bet she felt special to have a nickname given to her. It's all in the way he says it too...I'm sure *melts* ! Okay...dinnertime...I need to finish the rest of the questions later ;D! EDIT: Okay...dinner is done...yum...cheese tortellini and chicken, with red sauce made by hubby ;D! My tummy is happy now! Now for the rest of the questions! Chapter Ten - The Oath Taking1) Why do you think Jamie decided not to give Colum his oath? What do you think Claire thought when he didn't?Because holy moly...if he did...he would be bound to be at his beck and call at all times..and Jaime just seems to be the kind of person who is independent, and likes to be in charge of his own self. I think Claire was concerned for his life at the time, but thought he was very brave for taking a stand like that for his independence. 2) Why do you think Dougal kissed Claire?I think he did it to show her his strength and to intimidate 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 was hoping she would fail ;D!
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Post by billywiggy on Jun 12, 2006 23:23:20 GMT -5
D'Oh! I haven't been keeping up . . . but here's my take on the most recent chapter: Chapter Ten - The Oath Taking1) Why do you think Jamie decided not to give Colum his oath? What do you think Claire thought when he didn't? I originally thought Jamie didn't give his oath because he was being loyal to his family, to his father. He didn't want to forsake his direct ancestors by throwing in with another family. What did Claire think? Hmmm . . . I think she was confused by it, but ultimately relieved. I think she thought he would refuse and then be killed, and then she would feel responsible because it was on her account that he was brought into the castle that night. 2) Why do you think Dougal kissed Claire? Because he was drunk and feeling libidinous? OK, um, well, other than that - perhaps he wanted to demonstrate to her who was in charge? That she was there under his protection, and so she was sort of at his mercy? 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!!)Honestly, I wanted her to fail . . . I didn't want her time in the past to end so quickly! ;D
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Post by desraelda on Jun 13, 2006 9:09:33 GMT -5
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 a Fraser, not a MacKenzie 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 stays a Fraser and not 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.
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Post by desraelda on Jun 14, 2006 15:18:11 GMT -5
Chapter 11 "Conversations with a Lawyer"
1. What are your impressions of Colum? Dougal? Ned Gowan?
2. How do you feel about how Dougal uses Jamie for the Stuart cause?
"I suppose Dougal can always tap-dance instead." - Claire to Jamie
Chapter 12 "The Garrison Commander"
3. What is your perception of Claire and Jamie's changing relationship? (He sleeps outside her door for protection...)
4. How has Claire changed between her first and second encounter with Black Jack Randall at the inn?
"Your wig is crooked." - Claire to Jack Randall after he punches her.
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Post by desraelda on Jun 17, 2006 20:31:44 GMT -5
Here are my responses.
Chapter 11 "Conversations with a Lawyer"
1. What are your impressions of Colum? Dougal? Ned Gowan?
Colum strikes me as a very intelligent man with a taste for the good life. He’s very clever and handles people well.
Dougal isn’t quite all brawn; he’s got some smarts, but not as much as Colum. Men will follow him into battle (or cattle lifting), but I’m not sure they would trust his judgment beyond that.
I love Ned Gowan. He must have been a real pistol in his younger days and I can see him wading into battle with his pistols drawn and his dirk between his teeth. After which he’d negotiate the terms of surrender and write up the legal documents.
2. How do you feel about how Dougal uses Jamie for the Stuart cause?
"I suppose Dougal can always tap-dance instead." - Claire to Jamie
Ooooh, I could just smack him up the side of the head for what he does to Jamie. He knows how Jamie feels about showing his scars, and he ruthlessly uses him anyway.
Chapter 12 "The Garrison Commander"
3. What is your perception of Claire and Jamie's changing relationship? (He sleeps outside her door for protection...)
Jamie is the only one that sees Claire as a person. Colum just wants to know who she is. Dougal will use her for his own purposes if he needs to. Only Jamie cares about what happens to her.
4. How has Claire changed between her first and second encounter with Black Jack Randall at the inn?
"Your wig is crooked." - Claire to Jack Randall after he punches her.
I would expect Claire to say something like that. It’s just her personality. At this point, she knows for sure where she is and she's made a place for herself at the Castle, but she hasn’t yet accepted that Jack isn’t Frank. She still can’t accept that it’s just a physical resemblance and it’s hard for her to realize that he’s a threat to her. I think she’s beginning to get the idea when he punches her in the stomach.
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Post by giggin on Jun 20, 2006 16:12:08 GMT -5
Chapter 11 "Conversations with a Lawyer"1. What are your impressions of Colum? Dougal? Ned Gowan?Colum seems to me, a person who needs to be of authority...he is wary of his surroundings and suspicious of things that don't add up. He seems confident and determined in finding truth. Dougal seems very deceptive and arrogant, and handles himself in a pompous manner towards others. He seems to like getting his way and wants the authority, but doesn't have it completely. Ned Gowan is too new a character for me to analyze...but he did seem a nice change from the usual male attitude hanging around the camp! 2. How do you feel about how Dougal uses Jamie for the Stuart cause?"I suppose Dougal can always tap-dance instead." - Claire to Jamie I thought it was horrible...of course I felt it fit Dougal's character just right...his wanting to have command over someone like that ....just absolutely degrading...(I don't think I like this Dougal character one bit )! Okay that is all I can answer right now...summer is almost here..and I will be reading full speed ahead so......... "Your wig is crooked." - Claire to Jack Randall after he punches her...holy moly.... ...he punches her!? Okay....I must get reading to see what happens! Okay...I got too excited and put life off hehehehe...went outside...sat on my swing ;D... and just read chapter 12! Chapter 12 "The Garrison Commander"3. What is your perception of Claire and Jamie's changing relationship? (He sleeps outside her door for protection...)I agree with you here Des, that everyone else is simply interested in finding out who Claire is. Jamie is seeming very protective of Claire ! 4. How has Claire changed between her first and second encounter with Black Jack Randall at the inn?"Your wig is crooked." - Claire to Jack Randall after he punches her. I think, the combination of knowing what kind of a man he is, and having been living in past (getting the feel for the atmosphere), she has developed an even stronger survival type manner. Her personality won't allow anyone to push her around like like...especially after what she has been through already!
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Post by desraelda on Jun 20, 2006 17:41:55 GMT -5
Dougal seems very deceptive and arrogant, and handles himself in a pompous manner towards others. He seems to like getting his way and wants the authority, but doesn't have it completely. I really like that description of Dougal ... deceptive and arrogant. I'll wait a few more days to post the next topics to give everybody a chance to catch up.
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Post by desraelda on Jun 22, 2006 17:13:06 GMT -5
Chapter 13 "A Marriage Is Announced"
5. How did you feel when first learning Claire and Jamie were to be married?
6. What is the significance of the Pictish cross being mentioned again?
(P.240 PB - Dougal stops at the crossroads with the Pictish cross and asks Claire if she is a spy and if so for whom.)
7. How did the description of Jamie's flogging affect you?
Jamie was my patient, and to some extent, my friend as well.- Claire's thoughts at the crossroads.
Chapter 14 "A Marriage Takes Place"
8. What was the best aspect of Claire and Jamie's wedding? The most romantic? The most surprising?
"That bad, was it?" - Jamie to Claire after their wedding.
Chapter 15 "Revelations of the Bridal Chamber"
9. In what ways were both Jamie and Claire vulnerable on their wedding night?
10. How do you feel about the issue of honesty (and Claire's hesitancy)?
"Perhaps I am pretentious in saying so, but I would like to think that I am not many men,' and that I dinna necessarily place my behavior at the lowest common denominator." - Jamie to Claire on their wedding night
"Don't be afraid...There's the two of us now." - Jamie to Claire (who wonders why he has a knife with him on his wedding night)
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Post by cissy on Jun 25, 2006 22:40:05 GMT -5
Lordy, I'm sooo far behind I'll just start with the current chapter... Chapter 13 "A Marriage Is Announced"5. How did you feel when first learning Claire and Jamie were to be married?I was completely thrilled, but wondered how Claire would handle it. In her mind, she's about to become a bigamist...although she's not able to get back to Frank yet. She has to do what she must to survive. 6. What is the significance of the Pictish cross being mentioned again? (P.240 PB - Dougal stops at the crossroads with the Pictish cross and asks Claire if she is a spy and if so for whom.)I think it marks the presence of something sacred, in this case, St. Ninian's spring 7. How did the description of Jamie's flogging affect you?
Jamie was my patient, and to some extent, my friend as well.- Claire's thoughts at the crossroads.
I was absolutely horrified, and fainly nauseated. DG can certainly give...vivid descriptions. Chapter 14 "A Marriage Takes Place"8. What was the best aspect of Claire and Jamie's wedding? The most romantic? The most surprising?
"That bad, was it?" - Jamie to Claire after their wedding.I liked the fact that Claire was married in a pretty dress, in a church. And Jamie looked so good, with the proper clan kilt on! I thought the most romantic part was Jamie's gift of his mother's pearls to Claire. The most surprising? Claire married both of her husbands in the same church! Chapter 15 "Revelations of the Bridal Chamber"9. In what ways were both Jamie and Claire vulnerable on their wedding night?I think Jamie summed it all up when he said he'd rather be embarassed than to be married to someone who hated him. Claire could have easily rejected him. And he could've rejected her. 10. How do you feel about the issue of honesty (and Claire's hesitancy)?Honesty is probably the best way this marriage will work. I think as her husband, Jamie's going to need to know everything he can that Claire can tell him about what will happen with the Stuarts. Honesty is good, but it can be taken too far.
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Post by desraelda on Jun 26, 2006 18:58:02 GMT -5
Chapter 13 "A Marriage Is Announced"
5. How did you feel when first learning Claire and Jamie were to be married?Surprised at how it happened and how quickly it happened. Dougal certainly thought fast. 6. What is the significance of the Pictish cross being mentioned again?(P.240 PB - P. 174 HB) Dougal stops at the crossroads with the Pictish cross and asks Claire if she is a spy and if so for whom.) It’s Claire’s crossroads, where her life is taking a definite turn away from Frank and her own time. 7. How did the description of Jamie's flogging affect you?Jamie was my patient, and to some extent, my friend as well.- Claire's thoughts at the crossroads.Jamie was so brave, or as Dougal said, stubborn as rocks. The first flogging was bad enough, but the way Black Jack handled the second flogging sent shivers up my spine. He played cat and mouse with Jamie, and I think it said more about Black Jack’s personality than Jamie’s. Chapter 14 "A Marriage Takes Place"
8. What was the best aspect of Claire and Jamie's wedding? The most romantic? The most surprising?"That bad, was it?" - Jamie to Claire after their wedding.Cissy, I like your answer a lot better than mine. So I'll just say ditto. Chapter 15 "Revelations of the Bridal Chamber"
9. In what ways were both Jamie and Claire vulnerable on their wedding night?Claire was making a commitment to the time where she was and away from Frank. Even though she still intended to get back to Frank, she was risking her friendship with Jamie turning into something deeper. Jamie knew that Claire really didn’t want him as a husband, and he was putting his feelings on the line and risking rejection. 10. How do you feel about the issue of honesty (and Claire's hesitancy)?"Perhaps I am pretentious in saying so, but I would like to think that I am not many men, and that I dinna necessarily place my behavior at the lowest common denominator." - Jamie to Claire on their wedding night.I think we'd all agree with Jamie's statement. He's definitely not "many men." I think Jamie put it very well, that there was room for secrecy but not lies in their relationship. Jamie does have a way of saying things. It just took Claire a little time to understand what Jamie was trying to tell her. For obvious reasons, Claire has trust issues. "Don't be afraid...There's the two of us now." - Jamie to Claire (who wonders why he has a knife with him on his wedding night)One of my favorite quotes.
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Post by giggin on Jun 30, 2006 15:50:14 GMT -5
Chapter 13 "A Marriage Is Announced"
5. How did you feel when first learning Claire and Jamie were to be married?I was actually very excited that there was a reason they had to be married ;D...I'm so bad! I didn't feel sorry for Claire ONE BIT ! 6. What is the significance of the Pictish cross being mentioned again?(P.240 PB - P. 174 HB) Dougal stops at the crossroads with the Pictish cross and asks Claire if she is a spy and if so for whom.) I like your answers. Also, I think Dougal believes he will get the truth if he has some kind of 'religious symbol' trying to force/scare the truth out of her! 7. How did the description of Jamie's flogging affect you?Jamie was my patient, and to some extent, my friend as well.- Claire's thoughts at the crossroads.Very gruesome and horrifying . Jamie sounded so strong and innocent. It just made you feel like running in and saving him. So sad ! Then to have to hear the second flogging all over again with Capt. Randall's behavior... . Chapter 14 "A Marriage Takes Place"
8. What was the best aspect of Claire and Jamie's wedding? The most romantic? The most surprising?"That bad, was it?" - Jamie to Claire after their wedding.The wedding rings, with the clothing, and the church...were the best aspects ! The necklace was the most romantic aspect ! And the blood binding was the most surprising ! Chapter 15 "Revelations of the Bridal Chamber"
9. In what ways were both Jamie and Claire vulnerable on their wedding night?Claire knows that she is still married to someone else...and she may get found out...She has a lot of secrets to hide, but there is no way out. Jaime knows that the only reason she is marrying him is because she HAS to marry him, so he is taking a risk emotionally. 10. How do you feel about the issue of honesty (and Claire's hesitancy)?"Perhaps I am pretentious in saying so, but I would like to think that I am not many men, and that I dinna necessarily place my behavior at the lowest common denominator." - Jamie to Claire on their wedding night.I might be seeing too much into this, but this whole issue of trust and honesty is just sort of thrown in Claire's face. I am beginning to think he is trying to trap her into telling him things she doesn't want to tell him...like who she is for instance ! It almost seems he is saying this under orders of Dougal or Colum, to try and get information from her. (Okay..maybe I just don't trust him just yet ;D) He's cute though LOL !
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Post by desraelda on Jun 30, 2006 16:38:07 GMT -5
I might be seeing too much into this, but this whole issue of trust and honesty is just sort of thrown in Claire's face. I am beginning to think he is trying to trap her into telling him things she doesn't want to tell him...like who she is for instance ! It almost seems he is saying this under orders of Dougal or Colum, to try and get information from her. (Okay..maybe I just don't trust him just yet ;D) He's cute though LOL ! That's an interesting point of view. Considering Colum and Dougal's need to know who Claire is and what she's up to, I can see where Claire might be suspicious of Jamie. He is Colum and Dougal's nephew after all, and I wouldn't put anything past them. Here's the next set of topics: Chs 16 thru 19. Chapter 16 "One Fine Day" 11. What is significant about Jamie catching the fish for Claire? Chapter 17 "We Meet a Beggar" 1. How has Jamie and Claire's relationship changed since their wedding? Chapter 18 "Raiders in the Rocks" 2. Do you feel Jamie is taking advantage of Claire by sleeping with her after the skirmish (when the men are nearby)? 3. How did you feel about Claire's training in the art of how to dirk a man? Chapter 19 "The Waterhorse" 4. Why was this incident at Loch Ness significant to the story?
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Post by giggin on Jul 7, 2006 18:42:07 GMT -5
Goodness...I am so engulfed in the book I have been reading past these questions...I better answer them before I read too far ! Chapter 16 "One Fine Day"What is significant about Jamie catching the fish for Claire?I'll have a crack at this answer: Other than the fact that Jamie is very experienced in catching fish with his bare hands, and it was very intriguing, I think the significance of it was, that he needed to prove he could provide Claire with something in the relationship. He will not let her starve, as he said he wouldn't . Chapter 17 "We Meet a Beggar"1. How has Jamie and Claire's relationship changed since their wedding?They are beginning to become more comfortable with one another. Jamie is beginning to explore a bit more of Claire. Towards the end of the chapter I felt the interactions between Jamie and Claire started becoming a bit one sided in a way. Chapter 18 "Raiders in the Rocks"Do you feel Jamie is taking advantage of Claire by sleeping with her after the skirmish (when the men are nearby)?I do think so...I think Jamie has discovered something he enjoys immensely, and does not know yet how to control his temptations. 3 . How did you feel about Claire's training in the art of how to dirk a man?They were much needed I think...but I am sure the other men enjoyed it in their own way. I felt Claire did a fantastic job handling herself during the training. Chapter 19 "The Waterhorse"4. Why was this incident at Loch Ness significant to the story? I'm not really sure ...did I miss something? Probably...shoot...don't tell me I need to go back and read! I felt that maybe the Waterhorse was a sign of some sort, that Claire was someone special! That is how I perceived Peter's behavior after seeing it.
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Post by desraelda on Jul 8, 2006 21:15:05 GMT -5
Here are my responses and the new topics as well.
Chapter 16 "One Fine Day"
11. What is significant about Jamie catching the fish for Claire?
He was showing Claire that he could provide for her.
Chapter 17 "We Meet a Beggar"
1. How has Jamie and Claire's relationship changed since their wedding?
In one way, they are a bit shyer with each other, because they were friends for only a short time. Then suddenly they were married without giving intimacy a chance to grow gradually. But I think the fact that they are so compatible physically is rapidly breaking down the barriers.
Chapter 18 "Raiders in the Rocks"
2. Do you feel Jamie is taking advantage of Claire by sleeping with her after the skirmish (when the men are nearby)?
Highland crofters are used to whole families sleeping in the same room and they wouldn’t feel as inhibited. But Jamie wasn’t raised that way. He seems to be more civilized and sophisticated and should have realized how difficult it would be for Claire. He should have at least taken her away from the camp.
3. How did you feel about Claire's training in the art of how to dirk a man?
It was necessary considering the times. They had just gone through a skirmish and anything might have happened to her. I found it odd, thought, that they kept changing her intended victims as they grew tired, but kept her at it without a break.
Chapter 19 "The Waterhorse"
4. Why was this incident at Loch Ness significant to the story?
Not sure in the context of that chapter. We’ll find out more about it later in the story. Perhaps it was just something that was also out of its own time as Claire was.
Here are the new topics. We're already half way through the book. Hope you all are enjoying it.
Chapter 20 "Deserted Glades"
5. At this point in the story, do you see any significance in Claire receiving a dragonfly in amber from Hugh Munro along with a poem?
Then let amorous kisses dwell On our lips, begin and tell A Thousand and a Hundred Score A Hundred and a Thousand More
"...a bit more high-class than your usual fortune cookie." - Claire to Jamie
6. It is at this point that we learn that Dougal may have been the one to shoot Jamie in the head. How does this change your feelings on Dougal?
7. When confronted, Claire has to kill a man to prevent him from raping her. Does it seem like this act comes to easy to her?
8. After beginning to find happiness with Jamie, is it right for her to try to escape to Craigh Na Dun? (Which occurs the day after they are attacked in the glade.)
Chapter 21 "Un Mauvais Quart d'Heure After Another"
9. Claire is bold enough to mess with the things in Randall's office and taunt him when he tries to rape her. Was this a risk or did she feel confident enough to handle Randall? Or is she just reckless?
10. After rescuing her, does Jamie treat her fairly in light of what she did?
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Post by cissy on Jul 8, 2006 22:40:26 GMT -5
Chapter 16 "One Fine Day"
11. What is significant about Jamie catching the fish for Claire?
Like Jamie said, he'll not let Claire go hungry, and he is proving it with the fish. Chapter 17 "We Meet a Beggar" 1. How has Jamie and Claire's relationship changed since their wedding?
Well, the fact that they are...um...well...enjoying each other's company so well...it helps, I think. They are becoming more used to each other, and it helps build the tentative friendship they started off with. Chapter 18 "Raiders in the Rocks"
2. Do you feel Jamie is taking advantage of Claire by sleeping with her after the skirmish (when the men are nearby)?
I do. But even though she was quite embarrased beforehand, afterwards, she didn't even think about it, which I thought was odd. 3. How did you feel about Claire's training in the art of how to dirk a man?She has to defend herself in case she's separated from Jamie. I thought Rupert explained what she needed to do quite thoroughly, and the men were all very helpful, making her a practice dummy, and making her practice until the motions were second nature. She will need to know this to survive. Chapter 19 "The Waterhorse"
4. Why was this incident at Loch Ness significant to the story?
Proves there's a Loch Ness monster? Not sure... Chapter 20 "Deserted Glades"
5. At this point in the story, do you see any significance in Claire receiving a dragonfly in amber from Hugh Munro along with a poem? Then let amorous kisses dwell On our lips, begin and tell A Thousand and a Hundred Score A Hundred and a Thousand More
"...a bit more high-class than your usual fortune cookie." - Claire to Jamie*sigh* I love that poem. I think Claire is like the dragonfly, trapped in a world that's not her own, and unable to get out. Amber is quite valuable, especially with embedded insects. Considering Hugh's prospects at begging, he could have fetched a tidy sum for it. Instead, he gives it to Claire. I think he realizes there is something about her that's different. 6. It is at this point that we learn that Dougal may have been the one to shoot Jamie in the head. How does this change your feelings on Dougal?Not one bit. Didn't like him to start with, like him less now. 7. When confronted, Claire has to kill a man to prevent him from raping her. Does it seem like this act comes to easy to her?
Well, Claire is desperate not to be raped by these filthy men. It's quite likely they might kill her and Jamie when they're done. The adrenaline rush likely helps her. Even though her first strike is a miss, she is clear-minded enough to remember her lessons and finish the kill, while Jamie finishes the other one. I think she has trouble, to an extent, dealing with the fact that she killed someone, even though it was to save her own life. 8. After beginning to find happiness with Jamie, is it right for her to try to escape to Craigh Na Dun? (Which occurs the day after they are attacked in the glade.)It may not be right, but it was certainly stupid. And it destroyed Jamie's trust in her, which was not good. Chapter 21 "Un Mauvais Quart d'Heure After Another"
9. Claire is bold enough to mess with the things in Randall's office and taunt him when he tries to rape her. Was this a risk or did she feel confident enough to handle Randall? Or is she just reckless?I sometimes think Claire is a born troublemaker. She's brash and outspoken even for someone of the 20th century. In a way, I think she's just taunting Randall enough to enrage him, all the while knowing Jamie will come and save her, disregarding how dangerous it is. 10. After rescuing her, does Jamie treat her fairly in light of what she did?She did disobey his orders, and had she listened to him and not run off, she would not have gotten them all in trouble and caused them to need to hide from the English. It wasn't very intelligent of her. I'm surprised all that Jamie did was yell at her...so far.
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Post by giggin on Jul 12, 2006 15:02:07 GMT -5
Here are the new topics. We're already half way through the book. Hope you all are enjoying it. Oh yes...certainly enjoying the book ;D! Actually, we are enjoying it so much...it has become one of our nightly chat discussions lately ! Chapter 20 "Deserted Glades"5. At this point in the story, do you see any significance in Claire receiving a dragonfly in amber from Hugh Munro along with a poem?Then let amorous kisses dwell On our lips, begin and tell A Thousand and a Hundred Score A Hundred and a Thousand More"...a bit more high-class than your usual fortune cookie." - Claire to JamieI thought what cissy said was perfect...also I think it is shows he knows she is from a different place or time....he can sense something...it seems ! 6. It is at this point that we learn that Dougal may have been the one to shoot Jamie in the head. How does this change your feelings on Dougal?It just makes me more angry at him ! I always had a bad feeling about him ! 7. When confronted, Claire has to kill a man to prevent him from raping her. Does it seem like this act comes to easy to her?Well she did have to stab twice because the first time it didn't quite work right . I thought she did a great job...her adrenaline was what got her through it and she knew she had to do whatever it took to get away from the creep! Good thing she had that training *phew* ;D! 8. After beginning to find happiness with Jamie, is it right for her to try to escape to Craigh Na Dun? (Which occurs the day after they are attacked in the glade.)I thought her intentions were good because she didn't want to be a burden on Jamie anymore...and risk getting too attached to him! It was also so hard for her to make that decision ! Chapter 21 "Un Mauvais Quart d'Heure After Another"9. Claire is bold enough to mess with the things in Randall's office and taunt him when he tries to rape her. Was this a risk or did she feel confident enough to handle Randall? Or is she just reckless?I think she was trying reverse psychology on him for a moment there, but it didn't work! 10. After rescuing her, does Jamie treat her fairly in light of what she did?*cruel* NO !
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Post by desraelda on Jul 15, 2006 7:30:30 GMT -5
I'm falling way behind in my reading, and I don't want you guys to have to wait on me, so here is the next set of topics.
Chapter 22 "Reckonings"
11. Was it right for Jamie to beat Claire?
12. At this point, what did you think was the significance of Alex MacGregor's Bible being in Jamie's possession?
Chapter 23 "Return to Leoch"
13. Claire begins to feel indecision about leaving Jamie for the stone circle. With what we know at this point, what would you have done if you were Claire?
14. Which love is stronger: Claire's love for Jamie, Claire's love for Frank, Or Jamie's love for Claire?
"Seems I canna possess your soul without losing my own." - Jamie to Claire after giving her his ring.
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Post by olwen on Jul 16, 2006 9:51:39 GMT -5
The best thing happened the other day - I went to Salvation Army to donate clothes and while I was there I perused the book rack and there was Outlander and Voyager for $1. I bought Voyager Woot! I'm falling way behind in my reading, and I don't want you guys to have to wait on me, so here is the next set of topics. Des You're a sweetie Chapter 22 "Reckonings" 11. Was it right for Jamie to beat Claire?The easy answer is absolutely not, but in the context of the story and the customs of the century if Jamie had not spanked Claire, she would have been distrusted and hated by his men and Jamie would have lost their respect. Claire's actions put everyone's lives in danger and they would have always suspected her of being a spy. After the spanking it seemed they accepted her more as a member of their group. 12. At this point, what did you think was the significance of Alex MacGregor's Bible being in Jamie's possession?Not sure - have to back and re-read Chapter 23 "Return to Leoch"13. Claire begins to feel indecision about leaving Jamie for the stone circle. With what we know at this point, what would you have done if you were Claire?I think I would not have tried to go to the stone circle knowing the danger to Jamie from the English if I were caught, and because I would not want to leave Jamie. But Claire still needs to be resolved with Frank. It is this unfinished business that is driving her; she does love Jamie but Frank was her husband first and she feels disloyal leaving him forever. 14. Which love is stronger: Claire's love for Jamie, Claire's love for Frank, Or Jamie's love for Claire?At this point I think Jamie's love for Claire is strongest because Claire is torn between Frank and himself. She loves them both but she is not free emotionally to give her whole heart to Jamie even though there is a powerful connection between the two. Jamie loves her completely with his heart, soul and body. "Seems I canna possess your soul without losing my own." - Jamie to Claire after giving her his ring.
Jamie and Claire are "one" in the sense of soulmates, something that Claire and Frank are not even though they love each other. The ring, I think, also conveys the idea of no beginning and no end, eternal, like Jamie and Claire.
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Post by desraelda on Jul 16, 2006 13:12:07 GMT -5
The best thing happened the other day - I went to Salvation Army to donate clothes and while I was there I perused the book rack and there was Outlander and Voyager for $1. I bought Voyager Woot! Fantastic!! Have you read Dragonfly in Amber, yet? Do read it before Voyager. There's one part in Voyager that I read every once in a while when I need a little boost. Gives me a big happy sigh. Aww, shucks! Really liked your answers, Olwen. And I have to say that Chapter 23 is the one that completely sucked me into the book. I liked it a lot before, but at that point, the connection between Jamie and Claire became complete. As you said, the ring "also conveys the idea of no beginning and no end, eternal, like Jamie and Claire."
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