Outlander Book Club: Book 1, Chapter 16 breakdown

Connecting to the Outlander TV series

How does this chapter connect to the show? Some of it is used in an earlier stage. During the Gathering, Murtagh explains to Claire why Jamie taking the oath is so dangerous. I makes sense to put this conversation here, especially as Murtagh blames Claire for Jamie having to be in the oath-taking ceremony at all.

The Watch is also used slightly earlier, and there is more of a threat to Jamie. He decides to hide knowing that if The Watch sees him, they could decide that his £10 bounty could be worth it. The others are willing to protect him. This is shown as The Watch burns houses, allowing the men to explain who they are—and this is for the audience’s sake as well as Claire’s.

Much of the rest of the chapter is sort of adapted for the show. We get to see Claire and Jamie spend more time together, getting to know each other. However, Horrocks hasn’t been mentioned up to this point. Instead, we meet Hugh Monroe, who is the one to tell Jamie about Horrocks. It also allows us to meet Hugh and for him to pass Claire the dragonfly in amber as a wedding gift.

Introducing characters a little earlier than in the book is a necessary thing for the show. Like introducing Geillis earlier and making sure Murtagh had a bigger part, it allows us as a viewer to become accustomed with less time to tell the story.

What did you think about while reading Outlander Book 1, Chapter 16? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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