Doubtance

Overview and Issues

'DOUBTANCE'- This word is from Old French and means ‘uncertainty’. It also carried the connotation of ‘not fully explained’, ‘without evidence’. There are many occasions in Dorothy Dunnett’s novels which exactly fit these explanations – and it is always interesting when the word itself is not completely certain.

• WG127

Abstract

Dorothy Dunnett called one of her characters ‘La Dame de Doubtance’ and there are many instances where we are not certain about her. Does she see the future and use her astrological skills to tweak fate? Or is she just an interfering old crone who makes things happen her way? We could happily spend an hour debating this intriguing and uncertain creation. The author deals with only a few of the uncertainties encountered through the two series with Lymond and Niccolò.

Author

• Pauline Brace

Dunnett Book References

• QP 3.3
• RC 3.6
• NR 1
• CM 5.9
• CM 1.5
• SOTR 13
• TLWL 4.37
• C&R 2.19
• PIF 24
• KH4.15

People

• Dorothy Dunnett
• Nostradamus
• John Dee

Fictional Character

• Lymond
• Nicholas
• Gelis
• Umar
• Kathi
• Simon
• Jodi
• Camille
• Dr Andreas
• Robin of Berecrofts

Locations

• Timbuktu
• Cairo
• Iceland
• Hekla

Literature

• (none)

Illustrations

• Above: A female personification of Astrology, after Parmigianino. Etching, Italian School, 1503–1540. © Trustees of the British Museum.

Quotes from Dunnett

• (none)