Connections to the Outlander TV series
Now let’s look at how this chapter connects to the TV show. The introduction of Geillis Duncan is through a similar method. Claire is looking for mushrooms that are poisonous, which Geillis points out before introducing herself. It starts the conversation of the discussion of herbs and how some things that are poisonous can also be used for good.
While the scene takes place sooner, it really is extremely similar to introduce Geillis. We get a sense that she thinks Claire is different—and not just because Claire is English. There’s a sense that Geillis is different to all the other women.
The experience in the village is also very much the same. Claire can just watch what happens from a distance, wishing she could do something but too scared to step in. It’s only when Jamie is around and they’re leaving that she feels like she can do something; she gets Jamie to help.
With the chapter being so important for various character developments, it’s no wonder that it was used for the series. There was no way of getting around the use of it. We needed to see Claire experience 18th-century punishment while forming a friendship with a character who would become extremely important in later episodes.
It was also important to see Claire and Jamie’s relationship continue to form. In the books, this is a point where we see a deeper friendship develop between the two. Jamie gets away with calling her a Sassenach because he doesn’t mean it with malice. In the show, there’s a chance for Claire to see another kindness to Jamie; he will help for Claire’s sake.
What did you notice during Outlander Book 1, Chapter 9? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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