A Dram of Outlander Podcast

Chapters 49-50

Week 26

“Truth and Consequences”

****Warning: This podcast contains discussion about abortion, rape, and hastening death****

Summary:

Claire contemplated offering and performing an abortion if Brianna wanted it. She and Jamie fought over the mere idea of it. Brianna wanted to keep the baby. Young Ian proposed to Brianna at the behest of Jamie. Brianna refused the offer. A fight ensued between her and Jamie. Later the truth came out after Brianna described Roger, sketched a likeness, and gave his true family name. The fair fight on the mountain was discussed. Jamie and Young Ian gave Roger to the Iroquois. Jamie accused Brianna of crying wolf. The gold ring was revealed. Bonnet was the rapist. Claire felt guilty. Jamie internally raged. Young Ian was stunned. Brianna was brutally honest.

Inside the Chapters:

Chapter 49

Choices - November 1769

Claire was going through her medicine box that used to belong to Daniel Rawlings. She was going through the contents contemplating offering Brianna an abortion. She said something aloud but didn’t expect a response. When Jamie answered the question, she jumped and sliced herself with the blade she was holding. She told Jamie she was going to use the blade to cut up the root, but he’d only seen her use the blades on people. He asked her what she was doing (p824, Nook). She went on to tell him about her patient Graham Menzies that she helped to die. He thought of Graham as a mercy killing and even duty to help him out of his misery. He reminded her of Dougal easing Rupert after Falkirk and hastening his death. Isn’t it the duty of a doctor who cannot heal a patient and save the man from pain? Claire agreed and tried to explain why she wanted to offer the choice to Brianna (p825, Nook). The conversation turned ugly as they discussed the various aspects of the situation (p826, Nook). So that was it, not the question of paternity, but that Brianna would have to stay in the 18th century. They argued more. The other truth was revealed that Jamie wanted nothing more than a child of his blood. More tension arose as he grabbed her bleeding hand and held it above her claiming her arrogance believing she had power over life and death. To Claire, it was about offering the choice. To Jamie, it was about murdering his grandchild. Claire believed it was no different than Jamie acting in a manner to protect another even if it meant a death occurred. Jamie left with only the word, please.

Claire was upset by the fight. She wondered if it would be safer to take Brianna to Cross Creek, but decided her daughter was safer with her. She thought about what Jamie’s “please” had meant (p829, Nook). Claire thought about the procedure and how she would do it. Claire saw Brianna’s horse in the penfold and went to offer her the choice.

Brianna had thought about it when she figured out she was pregnant. Claire explained it would have to be surgical with the gestation of the pregnancy. Brianna asked if Claire would have aborted her (p831, Nook). Brianna went on to tell her how she felt about the pregnancy (p831, Nook). Claire explained implantation and Brianna said at the moment of implantation she knew someone else was with her. Claire remembered Faith and how she was given two miracles though no longer part of her physically had never left her completely. Claire worried Brianna didn’t know how much she loved her. Brianna knew and had always known.

Brianna could not and would not abort the baby. Claire didn’t want to offer the option to Brianna but felt compelled given all the circumstances. Claire confuses me a bit in this situation, she had never been able to perform abortions in the twentieth century but could offer it to her child out of fear and concern for her future. This chapter is meant to show us the complexities involved in abortion. It is not black and white. It isn’t a question of whether or not the fetus is living for Claire; it is her being terrified Brianna will be stuck. To Jamie, who has killed countless men, a matter of unnecessary murder in taking the life of an unborn without exigent circumstances. To Brianna, she carries a baby, her baby, and she cannot choose to part with him or her. Women carry the joy and burden of being the ones who grow and birth the children. The burden is in the physical risk, and alteration women must undergo in the process of pregnancy and birth. The burden is in the cultural, religious, governmental, and individual mindset surrounding sexuality, marriage, and procreation. The burden is in not being able to hide it. The burden is in the responsibility and consequences being held entirely by women because we get pregnant, not men. Vilifying women is easy. I...

The two largest developments in these chapters are Harry Quarry hiring Minnie to find proof of the affair between Nathaniel Twelvetrees and Esme Grey, and Mrs. Simpson turning out to be her Aunt Miriam instead of her mother.

Attribution 1

Links to the interesting facts within the pages and podcast:

• Cockspur Hawthorn Tree -http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/st210, http://www.2020site.org/trees/hawthorn.html
• Philologus Hebraeus https://www.abebooks.com/Philologus-Hebraeus-EXCEEDINGLY-IMPORTANT-comprehensive-study/611308017/bd
• Histoire de la Guerre des juifs Contre les Romains https://books.google.com/books/about/Histoire_de_la_guerre_des_Juifs_contre_l.html?id=FBTMXDbSJJkC
• De Sacrificus Libri Duo quorum altero Explicantur Omnia Judaeorum https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Owtram
• Mahomet the Imposter https://books.google.com/books?id=DLhaAAAAcAAJ&source=gbs_similarbooks
• Vauxhall gardens https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vauxhall_Gardens
• Promenade Hyde Park http://www.victorianlondon.org/entertainment/hydepark.htm
• Duke of Beaufort https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duke_of_Beaufort
• St. George’s Hanover Square http://www.stgeorgeshanoversquare.org/
• St. Clements http://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/place/39885-st-clement-danes-church#FrJQIwKssdclyVG7.97

What’s Coming up? The Fugitive Green chapters 7-9, from Seven Stones to Stand or Fall collection.

How can you participate? To have your questions, comments for the regular read along, email or call in to the listener line 3 days prior to airing for inclusion. Join the weekly Twitter chat Wednesday nights at 6pm PT/9pm ET to discuss the previous latest podcast chapters using the hashtag #ADoO. Comments or messages may be included in the podcast or a written post.

The entire Outlander book series is written by Diana Gabaldon. You can find her on Twitter and Facebook

Attribution 2

All images are Wiki Commons. Click link for attribution.

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News: The official Season 4 opening credits and the music was released on October 6thduring an Outlander panel at the NYCC. Bear McCreary masterfully creates the connection to the colonial south of America by once again altering The Skye Boat song to reflect where the story is going while maintaining its Scottish roots. The credits also combine the familiar beginning with snippets from the season that include the sweeping expanse of River Run, the backcountry cabin on Fraser’s Ridge, Brianna touching the stone at Craigh na Dun, traditional dancing, a handfasting, and more.

Outlander stars Caitriona Balfe, Sam Heughan, Richard Rankin, and Sophie Skelton, producers, Maril Davis, and Ron D. Moore, and writer Diana Gabaldon were at the NYCC doing autographs and participated in panels. The official Outlander panel audience members were surprised with a showing of S4 E1.

Rewatch Season 3 episodes 1-3 then listen to my thoughts.

Here are the episode synopses from Outlander Starz:

Ep 301 The Battle Joined - After living through the Battle of Culloden, Jamie is at the mercy of British victors, until his past provides his only hope of survival. Meanwhile, a pregnant Clarie attempts to adjust to life in 1940's Boston.

Ep 302 Surrender - Hiding in a cave, Jamie leads a lonely life until Lallybroch is threatened by redcoats pursuing the elusive Jacobite traitor. In Boston, Claire and Frank struggle to coexist in a marriage haunted by the ghost of Jamie.

Ep 303 All Debts Paid - In prison, Jamie discovers that an old foe has become the warden - and has the power to make his life hell. Claire and Frank both put their best foot forward in marriage, but an uninvited guest shatters the illusion.

Written by: Matthew B. Roberts

Directed by: Brendan Maher

Oh, the many feels this episode brings up. To my husband's annoyance, I may have clapped excitedly at the beginning of the airing and muttered under my breath, "We get to meet Lord John." My enthusiasm didn't stop him from enjoying the episode with me though.

I had many thoughts watching it through the first time. You need to listen to the podcast to get my further insights and deep thoughts.

• Oh, such a we happy family and dog too.
• Leggo my Eggo!
• Sheepishly inquires about a movie outing.
• YEOUCH. Frank knows how to burst her bubble.
• Way to make breakfast suck Frank.
• Discreet. Mmhm.
• What the what? THAT's Colonel Quarry?!
• Oh, never mind. Major Grey is dreamy.
• McManly Major John.
• Hey handsome.
• Oh, there it is, the French gold!
• Sad sap Highlanders.
• Yeah sure, Ardsmuir is the heart of Scottish society.
• Mac Dubh means son of the black one Mr. Quarry.
• No. Not Red Jamie.
• GAAAAAAAHHHH (poor Lord John).
• It's Chieftain Jamie to ye.
• Is it. It can't be. MURTAGH!
• Whoa dude needs a bath and doctor's visit.
• Here's a wee bit o' milk thistle for yer rat bite.
• Jamie's a healer now, that's right.
• How fabulous and invite to the Governor's quarters.
• Jamie simmer down pal. It's okay really.
• No cats, must have the tasty rats.
• Way to make friends Jamie. Menace much?!
• Paging Dr. Randall.
• Frank is Mr. Snidely.
• Da hell.
• The mistress is on the porch.
• Hey IT"S CLAIRE'S PARTY.
• The mistress is in the house!
• Frank. What the absolute bloody hell on toast?!
• Party guest walk of shame.
• Remember when drinking and driving was no big deal?
• Kerr is raving down the road.
• "I am a prisoner, not an interpreter." LMAO. "I'm a doctor, Jim. Not an interpreter."
• Have I got a deal you can't refuse?
• The clank of irons. AAAAAHHH.
• I think Frank would totes fail a breathalyzer. BAC mistress level.
• Nuh uh. She's super smart.
• Frank deflects like a superhero.
• Bitch who's green now?
• So that's a no then Frank. You didn't shag her in our bedroom?
• Oooooooh, you mean Jamie in our bedroom. MMkay,. Sure.
• Not the D word. It's 1956 dawg.
• I am Frank. I AM DADDY. drops mic.
• Jesus Christ indeed. I agree.
• Jamie's the cunning linguist.
• Is it English. Is it French. Is it Gaelic.
• White Witch. Say what?
• Can someone get Jamie some soap and water, please?
• Years later Frank's still snarky pissed.
• It's a snare. A wascally wabbit.
• Sneaky Jamie. Escape (think Dori).
• Apparently peeing is not a safe enterprise in Outlander.
• Jamie says John's full name.
• Recounts their first meeting.
• Shamity, shame, shame.
• Come on John. I'm trying to DIE here.
• Help a bro out.
• I carried this watch in my ass for two years...
• It's not the Torremolinos Gambit. Say it isn't so.
• More than a touch is a violation John.
• Death rays shoot from Jamie's eyes.
• You mean you want to go to England without me? Claire's head spins around.
• "What about Candy?" Snort.
• Divorce.
• What the hell? But you said?
• Take my daughter. Bitch I'll cut you.
• Oh, wait Bree's an adult. No bother.
• A failed hail Mary.
• Not enough time in the world buckaroo.
• Not without my Murtagh.
• Godson NOOOOOOO.
• A three hour err three-day tour.
• For honor.
• I shall call myself Captain Awesome. Oh, you mean a real name...
• Helwater or bust.
• He's dead Jim.
• Anyone else hear the Endless Love song here?
• "I am FREE." Peace Out.

What’s Coming up? Season 3 Episode 4.

How can you participate? To have your questions, comments for email or call in to the listener line after the show airs. Join the weekly Twitter chat Wednesday nights at 6pm PT/9pm ET to discuss the previous latest podcast chapters using the hashtag #ADoO. Comments or messages may be included in the podcast or a written post.

The entire Outlander book series is written by Diana Gabaldon. You can find her on Twitter and F...

Chapters 14-15

Week 9

“Into the Backcountry”

Summary:

With much haste, they leave Cross Creek by night to take Pollyanne to safety. They ride until dawn. Claire learns a new method of tick removal. They come across a spooky abandoned Indian village. They make camp near a stream. Myers tells the story of the Tuscarora. Claire hopes Pollyanne will be accepted by the Indians. Myers and Young Ian part with Jamie and Claire to take Pollyanne north. Jamie and Claire head southwest to survey the offered lands. Jamie fights and kills a bear. Claire tends his wounds. They become acquainted with three native hunters.

Inside the Chapters:

Part Five: Strawberry Fields Forever

Chapter 14: Flee from Wrath to Come

August 1767

Pollyanne had been hiding in a tobacco shed on the edge of Farquard Campbell’s property. Claire notes the lavender sky and the ghostly nature of the woman as she exited the building cloaked. Pollyanne is frightened of the horse and refuses to take the reins. Claire offers to have the woman ride with her, so she feels safer. It’s difficult to swap her to Claire’s horse, but eventually, they get it done. The poor woman is terrified. She clings tightly to Claire. The woman shivers behind Claire as if chilled. Poor sweetie. She’s new from Africa, and now she’s to be given to the Indians (Native Americans) for her safety. The appearance of Rollo adds another dimension of fear for Pollyanne and Claire’s horse (p277, Nook). Claire and Jamie try to determine if she understands where they are taking her. Not knowing what tongue she might understand, Jamie reaches out, squeezes her foot, and says freedom. This she understands and sighs in relief. (1:20)

Myer’s leads them in an unspoken urgency. Pollyanne is becoming accustomed to the riding and feeling less afraid. She even dozes, leaning onto Claire’s shoulder occasionally. Claire is tired and being lulled by the sound of the horse’s hooves and the forest surrounding them (p279, Nook).

At dawn, they stopped to rest during the light and heat of the day. They woke covered in ticks. Though Claire, as usual, doesn’t attract the appetite of the 18th-century bugs. She did, however, carefully checks Jamie and everyone else after they slept. Pollyanne has a different method of tick removal (p280, Nook). The seeds she chewed are called paw-paw and are toxic if swallowed. Pollyanne’s stature reminds Claire of African fertility images. After dinner, Pollyanne is willing to ride on her own. She is more comfortable with Claire and excitedly communicates the best she can. Claire understands her better than she understands Claire. Apparently, Claire isn’t so skilled with body language communication.

They enter a clearing with grassy mounds. Pollyanne is disquieted. She believes this place is evil. Myers explains this place likely used to be a Tuscarora village. He isn’t sure what happened. Illness or warfare could be the culprit. They rode on. They are climbing higher into the mountains. The landscape changes to chestnut trees, oak, hickory, dogwood, persimmon, chinkapin, and poplar. The air is lighter and fresher. They have left the smothering heat and humidity of the lowlands. Claire is connecting with nature with every joyous breath.

On the sixth day, they are deep into the mountains when they come across a large waterfall. Young Ian is surprised to hear Myers say it’s not the biggest one he’s ever seen. They camped near a stream hoping for a dinner of fresh trout. Pollyanne brings a bucket of water to make a batch of corn dodgers. They are delicious when fresh and edible for a few days though they lose flavor.

Pollyanne is not her normal exuberant self. This is the last night they are all together. Myers will take her into the Indian territory the next day. Maybe she is worried about her uncertain future. Pollyanne makes the batter; Claire tends the fire, Myers goes to smoke a pipe, while Jamie and Young Ian continue fishing. Claire wonders what type of place Pollyanne is from and what things could be going through her mind. It’s a great unknown.

Rollo joins them by the fire. He noses both Claire and Pollyanne. Pollyanne is not wanting his attentions, turns and spit in his eye (p285, Nook). The corn dodgers are cooking, filling the area with comforting smells. The fire seems a place of refuge in this wild place. She wonders if the fire had held back jungle darkness protecting Pollyanne and her people from leopards. Was it comfort in her land or just an illusion of safety? It had to be an illusion since she...