Outlander Book Club: Book 1, Chapter 21 breakdown

Foreshadowing within the Outlander chapter

While this is a chapter in the moment and connects to previous chapters through the mention of the Duke of Sandringham, there is also some foreshadowing.

This is one of those chapters that makes it clear that the Duke of Sandringham will become a bigger character later in the book. There’s no way that he could be mentioned so much and not show up. It’s also clear that the Duke of Sandringham is definitely protecting and paying Randall.

We also get a sense that the thing between Randall and Jamie will grow to something bigger. Randall clearly has his sights set on Jamie. This is a man who isn’t going to give up the hunt for him, but not because he wants to see Jamie dead. He wants to see Jamie suffer before death.

Now he has another interest in Claire. He’s determined to figure out who Claire is, so finding out that Claire has married Jamie makes it clear that this becomes a much bigger game for Randall.

Then we get a sense of foreshadowing in the woods after Jamie and Claire argue. Jamie wants to beat Claire. She didn’t obey his orders; she didn’t keep herself safe. This is a huge deal, and while she’s been forgiven, it’s not going to be just forgotten. Jamie is still angry with her and we can sense that there’s still something to come.

One thing to remember is that while Jamie is a man ahead of his time sometimes, he is still a man of his time. He lives by the 18th-century rules and follows that way of life. If you thought the punishment for Claire for not obeying him was forgotten, you’re sadly mistaken.