In this excerpt from Diana Gabaldon's "Outlander," Murtagh reflects humorously on the tumultuous relationship dynamics between men and women. He recounts a series of extreme actions he's taken for a woman named Sassenach, juxtaposed with her harsh treatment of him that includes insults and physical aggression. Despite the challenges and the pain they've inflicted on one another, there's a strange admiration and connection that he feels toward her.

Murtagh's laughter at the absurdity of their relationship reveals a deeper truth about love and conflict. He acknowledges the irrationality of their interactions but still expresses a fondness for Sassenach, suggesting that enduring hardship can forge a unique bond. His acknowledgment of the chaos around their emotions speaks to the complexity of love, which often encompasses both joy and suffering.