 Major Points:  Past experiences are influences  Influences bring the clan together  Influences define characters individually  Great examples: Grandfather, Calum, Catriona

 Grandfather’s past helps define his character  His father haunts him to be there for his daughter  He wants to do what he thought his wife would do  He strives to be the best he can be

 Death of parents is a big influence  Brings Grandfather into the picture  Brings grandparents and grandchildren close  Puts Calum out on his own

 Catriona feels unfit in the clan  Moves away to develop her individuality  Moidart trip brings her back into clan

 Topics to be covered:  Effects of Lack of Contact  Promotion of Loyalty Through Support  Obsession with Family Bonds  E.g. San Francisco Alexander, Catriona, and the older brothers, including Calum

 San Francisco Alexander takes advantage of family bond  Judges anything “inferior”, especially from family  Enters the mines for own comfort  Steals red-haired Alexander’s identification  Benefits himself by avoiding Vietnam  Opposite of a typical Highlander

 Catriona’s bond strengthens when she receives support from her clan members.  Never informs her son about heritage  “What’s kwown Calum rooah” (31)  Feels isolated from siblings  Becomes closer when visiting Moidart  “You have just been away for a while” (160)

 Effects of Obsession with Family Bond from Calum:  Isolates from community with brothers  Never pay attention to Canadian culture (66)  Begins to outlaw  Rides boat in circle to create rainbow (283)  Goes Haywire when insulted

Major Points:  Individuals do not necessarily exist in isolation.  It is the small, overlooked actions that truly define a person.  How characters such as Catriona, Calum, and Alexander, show individuality.

 Individuals do not necessarily exist in isolation.  It is often assumed that to be a distinct individual, a person has to be entirely dependent upon themselves.  Grandmother, Grandpa and Grandfather are all able to have unique characteristics while being essential to the group dynamic.

 It is the small, overlooked actions that truly define a person.  Calum possess many qualities such as leadership and generosity that are not associated with criminal activity.  Grandmother appears quiet, but upon closer examination her leadership abilities are undeniable.

 Catriona and Alexander may be twins, but are much different in the ways they express their individuality.  Catriona is separated physically yet still manages to have a major effect on the clan, while retaining her individuality.  Alexander strives so much for individuality that he no longer understands his place within the clan.