Outlander Book Club: Book 1, Chapter 6 breakdown

Foreshadowing within the Outlander chapter

During Chapter 6, a lot of the foreshadowing happens during and after Hall. It’s all about Jamie and Laoghaire.

We get a sense of this woman who is known for her “loose” behavior. However, instead of letting her take the punishment, Jamie stands up for her. He wants to protect her dignity. We get to see this gentle side of him—the type of man who will stand up for injustices or to protect others.

I also wonder if this is a foreshadowing of the trouble Laoghaire will cause later. Her father makes a note that she hasn’t followed his orders, which suggests she may have be caught doing something at an earlier time.

Claire is the one to tend to Jamie’s wounds, but she’s not alone. With Mrs. Fitz around, she learns more about the medicine of the 18th century, specifically the use of leeches. It’s not something we’d even consider now, but Claire notes how leeches work well.

For me, this is foreshadowing of the type of doctor Claire will become. She wants to bring some of the modern medicine to the past, but she also knows that she needs to make use of items around her. She needs to learn the ways of the past to help people. And it’s a hint that she’ll end up becoming the healer for Castle Leoch at a later stage.

After all, Mrs. Fitz says that Colum needs to figure out what to do with Claire—figure out how Claire can help around the castle. For now, she’s fine with Mrs. Fitz, but that’s not where Claire will stay.