Outlander Book Club: Book 1, Chapter 6 breakdown
Focusing on the Outlander chapter
During Outlander Book 1, Chapter 6, Claire got used to life at Castle Leoch. She found her way around and got to know the workings of the time. Most importantly, she had a chance to see “Hall,” which is an important part of the culture.
Before Hall is the dinner. She sees Colum and Dougal again and gets to meet Hamish. The dinner is more of a chance to see Claire out of her time and really like a fish out of water. She’s about to eat before saying grace, which would be normal for her. However, the people of the past would always say grace before a meal.
“Hall” is where Colum listens to the grievances of the people. It’s not just a Scottish thing but has been used throughout the world and throughout time. If you watch Vikings, you’ll see a version of it. Even Game of Thrones included a form of it throughout the series (and the books). The lairds (or the people in charge) would need to hear the grievances and find a way to deal with the situation.
Claire is one of the matters to discuss. She’s the fifth one, which she tells us is strategic. However, she doesn’t quite go into detail as to how this is a strategic placement, not in full detail, anyway. It doesn’t help that she doesn’t have time to explain that too much. After all, she’s too busy trying to curtsey in her slippers.
Dougal is the one that stands up to arrange for her to stay. It’s clear that this is more of a show than anything else. Dougal and Colum don’t trust Claire, and she can tell that at this point. She’s a guest but not a guest at the same time.
Claire does mention how the men use English for Claire’s matter. It’s to make sure she knows what is being said rather than the Gaelic being a way to push her out. Of course the Scots would use their own language for everything else.
Something that I know will stand out for many is Angus. He’s not the short best friend of Rupert (more on that as we get to the show connections) but a large man who carries out the punishments. He’s the one that carries out the punishment against Jamie, who stands up for Laoghaire, so it’s not as personal as it becomes in the show. Again, more on that soon.
In the end, the chapter sees Claire try to make life work at Castle Leoch. She has to do her part, and for now, it means helping Mrs. Fitz. It’s clear that she’s happy working, which makes sense considering the way she would have worked in the past. She’d always been one to pitch in when with Uncle Lamb. He certainly set her up for life in the past.
Claire then gets another chance to speak to Jamie. She learns more about him and that connection grows. It moves us onto the foreshadowing within the chapter.