In "Voyager" by Diana Gabaldon, a tense exchange highlights the struggle for obedience within a relationship. The man’s frustrated outburst, "Damn ye, woman! Will ye never do as you're told?" suggests a deep-seated tension and an expectation of compliance. The woman's meek response, "Probably not," emphasizes her unwillingness to conform, indicating her independence and resistance to authority.
This brief dialogue captures the essence of their dynamic, where defiance meets an expectation for submission. It reflects not only personal conflict but also broader themes of gender roles and autonomy within the narrative, setting the stage for deeper exploration of the characters' complexities and their evolving relationship.