The Last Runaway question

I think to assume that 'virtuous' people don't have sexual urges and get caught up in the moment is a little blinkered. I think it shows that she is not as perfect and demure as she seems, showing that little bit of rebelliousness that later makes it credible that she goes against her new family's wishes and helps the slaves. Also, it was not altogether too unusual for couples who were engaged to have sex. Although it wasn't encouraged it wasn't unheard of. I'm not sure if this is applicable or not here in a Quaker setting however. I also think it fits in with the idea that in America, Honor finds things to be run on impulses and I think this is indicative of her embracing a little bit of American culture (they also have sex in a corn field don't they? A symbol of America in this book)even if it is unwittingly done.

I had a problem with this, too. But then I remembered the practice of "bundling", where engaged couples would share a bed - wrapped and sewn into their own bedding so there could be no hankey pankey. People throughout time have recognized sexual desire - they just manage it in different ways. Just because you don't talk about something, doesn't mean you don't know anything about it, nor want to participate. I thought that Honor did it to cement their relationship and possibly to figure out if this was something she could manage.... did she like Jack enough to go through with the marriage in spite of all the other challenges it would hold? Hating sex with him could have been a deal-breaker.

I went to a recent reading of this book with the author and this subject was raised. She didn't want to give too much of the book away so we didn't go into to much details, but she indicated that this was very acceptable and pretty standard in Quaker. Our book club also checked some historical info on websites and it said the same. Still it was a bit surprising.

The other part of this is at the frolic when he virtually force feeds her new ear corn, symbolizing his phallus, her virginity, their relationship, etc. No wonder the poor girl was sick of corn!

I found it jarring more because there just seemed to be an expectation from him; that it was a test on his part. I'd have accepted it as more natural if I had a sense of passion in the encounter. It was so bizarre and I can't find anythg about this as custom but glad to hear it was-makes me willing to accept it in plot. Great book.