Outlander Book Club: Book 2, Chapter 14 breakdown

Foreshadowing within the Outlander chapter

There is certainly some foreshadowing within the chapter. As Claire continues to work at the hospital, we see her learn more about medicine. This is really the first time that she’s learned about some of the surgical methods of the 18th century, with some of those methods still needed today.

I do get the sense that this is sowing all those seeds for Claire becoming a doctor. She is in her element in the hospital. We’ve always seen her wanting to help, but I think being around people like Mother Hildegarde and Monsieur Forez gives her a deeper love for medicine.

Another element of foreshadowing is Fergus becoming a full member of the Fraser family. Jamie comments on how he found it difficult to give Fergus the beating. It hurt him emotionally, suggesting that Fergus is already becoming part of the family.

I’ve also found it odd that Fergus just up and left with the Frasers back to Scotland. However, I had forgotten this bit of detail. It was clear that they were becoming a family unit at this point.

I think there’s also some foreshadowing of the attack on Claire and Mary later in the book. Forez makes it clear that the Parisian streets at night are dangerous. We shouldn’t be surprised when one night they are attacked on the way home.

Adapting the Dragonfly in Amber chapter for the show

This chapter was partially used for the series. The bit that stands out is the conversation between Claire and Mary. However, this conversation happens at Louise’s home instead of on the way to the hospital. I really feel for Mary in the show more than I do in the books. Louise is just so mean. She’s gained experience and forgets what it’s like to be 15 years old. Louise probably doesn’t even know what it’s like to be sheltered.

The book handles it far more delicately. Mary is showing trust in Claire telling her something like this, and we see a motherly side to Claire.

We also meet Monsieur Forez during the show, but he’s not used as much. He’s the Royal Executioner as well as the hospital’s bonesetter, which is important for later on in the series. We don’t find that out at this point in the book, though.

When it comes to Fergus’s beating, that’s completely avoided. I think most of that would have been due to time. We had more time to spend getting to know Fergus in the show because it was able to give us Jamie’s point of view. If we didn’t get that, I think the beating part would have been more important, but I didn’t feel like it was necessary in the way the show was written.

What did you notice in your reading of Dragonfly in Amber Chapter 14? Share in the comments below.

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