5 signs Jamie is a man ahead of his time on Outlander
Jamie doesn’t belong in the 18th century. At least not totally!
Do you ever get that feeling that some characters on TV shows are in a time they don’t belong? Outlander watched Claire travel from the 20th century to the 18th century. While she’s worked on fitting in, she doesn’t all the time. It’s a shame Jamie can’t travel, as he does have values that work with the future.
This 18th century highland warrior has proven time and time he’s ahead of his time. Here are five signs he’d fit into the 20th century world.
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He wants women to enjoy themselves in the bedroom
“The Wedding” stands out immediately. While it was well within his right at the time to consummate his marriage to Claire, he waited for her to accept him into her bed. Not only that, but he wanted to make sure she enjoyed it. Well, he did once he found out that women could.
Jamie allowed Claire to teach him everything she knew. Their relationship is stronger because of this intimacy and respect. Claire knows she isn’t just there to help him relax at the end of the day, but that he cares about her pleasure too. Most men in the 18th century don’t really care.
Mind you, there are some in the 20th and 21st century who aren’t interested in the women enjoying themselves in the bedroom. Jamie is a man for all other men to aspire to be.
He hasn’t beaten her since promising not to
While that moment watching Claire fight against Jamie as he tried to strap her with the belt had it’s amusing moments, it was certainly a stark reminder of the time. This was when it was absolutely fine for men to beat their wives into submission. In fact, it was expected when they did something “wrong,” like speak their mind.
Claire despised Jamie for this, understandably so. As Jamie realized that what he had done was wrong, he changed his ways. He made a promise never to beat her again and he hasn’t. Okay, there have been some questionable moments (like forcing himself on her during “First Wife”) but he hasn’t raised a hand to her as a punishment. Other men wouldn’t have done the same.
He shows dislike for slavery
There were plenty of men who didn’t actually partake in owning a slave. While some did, they didn’t believe in the horrible treatment of their slaves. Jamie shows his discomfort of the slave market during “The Bakra.” However, to help Claire protect one from mistreatment, he bought him because it was the best option at the time.
Later, Jamie wants to know when slavery will end. He makes a note of how long the world will need to wait, and shows how much he is disappointed that it won’t end sooner; and that there’s nothing either of them can do about it.
He’s never shown disappointment at having a daughter
The majority of men in the 18th century wanted boys. Well, at least one boy. This would be the person who property would be left to and there was the view that a man needed to run the household. You just have to look at King Henry VIII of England and his desperation for a boy to get the idea.
Jamie has never shown this desperation. Sure, he’s wanted children but he’s never made a point that he’s desperately needed a boy. He’d like one, but he didn’t show disappointment when hearing that Brianna was a girl. The knowledge of Willie wouldn’t have affected this, since Willie was an illegitimate, secret son. Brianna is the one that counts and he loves her regardless of gender.
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He takes advice off Claire
Most men of the 18th century wouldn’t listen to a woman’s advice. You just have to look at today’s world to see how it can be sometimes difficult for a woman’s voice to be heard and respected. Jamie doesn’t have this trait. While he sometimes points out the faults in Claire’s plans, he has listened to her advice and accepted it at times.
This was before he knew Claire was from the future. When she was just a healer to him, he would listen to recommendations and appreciate her actions. During their marriage before the witch trial he took in some of the suggestions she made, even though most husbands would have brushed her off.
Next: 5 New Year's resolutions Jamie should probably make
Do you think Jamie is a man ahead of his time? What makes you think he’d fit into the 20th century? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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