Outlander Book Club: The Fiery Cross Chapter 47 breakdown

Foreshadowing in the Outlander chapter

The foreshadowing in the chapter is in Roger’s thoughts about his throat. He notes how it feels raspy and sore from all the singing during the day. We’re constantly reminded that Roger’s voice is the thing that he can offer in the time.

This section is foreshadowing what’s to come. Roger isn’t just going to lose his ability to sing. That raspy feeling in his throat is going to come up.

I keep feeling like every time there’s a mention of Roger’s throat and his singing that it’s foreshadowing of him being hanged.

There is a mention of Claire’s rings during the chapter. Roger notes that Claire wasn’t wearing them. It’s clear this is going to come up, and it has something to do with Jamie and Wylie, although Bree and Roger don’t know that.

Adapting The Fiery Cross chapter

The chapter wasn’t used for the series. Brianna and Roger had opted to remain at Fraser’s Ridge for Jocasta’s wedding, with Jemmy already having a cold. There’s even a comment from Roger that after all this time, there’s still no cure for the cold.

I preferred the way the show did it for the sake of the way TV shows need to be written. There was a lot going on at Jocasta’s wedding in the book and not enough time to include it all in the show. It was easier to just make Jemmy already sick and not include the unnecessary moment of the croup tent.

I also liked that the show used this part as a chance to grow Roger’s confidence. The book had already had a chance to do this in a different way, but it was internalized. There was no way to do that on the series without just being told it. This storyline in Outlander Season 5, Episode 6 gave us the chance to see Roger’s growth.

What did you spot while reading The Fiery Cross Chapter 47? Let us know in the comments below.

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