If Roger did turn out to be Brianna’s rapist, why would he have come to Fraser’s Ridge for her in Outlander? No, this wasn’t bad plotting or writing and does have a basis in history.
Lizzie understandably confused Roger as Brianna’s rapist. It wasn’t surprising to see her scared of him in Outlander Season 4, Episode 9, but didn’t she wonder why a rapist would return? Surely the last thing a rapist would do is come back to where one of his latest victims was.
It’s understandable to think that this was poor writing. However, it does have a basis in history and there was a reason Jamie was so concerned. In fact, it’s mentioned in the episode.
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In the 18th century, a rapist could force his victim into marriage. Yes, that’s right. A woman had no choice but to marry the man who raped her because she was “damaged goods.” Men wanted their women to be virgins — or at least, only not virgins because they’d previously been married and widowed.
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Jamie knew this. Even Lizzie and Young Ian knew this. They were worried that Roger had come back to “claim” Brianna as his own, and since she believed she was carrying her rapist’s child, there was even more of a reason to marry.
As we know, Roger wasn’t Brianna’s rapist but her husband. His plan had always been to find Brianna before returning through the stones (hence why he wanted a gem instead of coin from Bonnet). Knowing she’d likely be at Fraser’s Ridge by this point, he set straight out there.
But Jamie did have reason to believe Roger could have been the rapist. He didn’t instantly jump to the conclusion though. It was Lizzie’s genuine fear and belief that Roger was the man that made Jamie see red and not even stop to consider Roger’s friendly demeanor.
Did you wonder why the mistake could have been made? Did you realize there was a basis in history for rapists “claiming” their victims? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Outlander Season 4 continues on Sundays on STARZ.