Roger thinks he’s figured out what to do with his life in Outlander Book 6, Chapter 51
After the argument with Brianna at the end of the previous chapter, Roger finds Jamie to discuss an idea. He may have found something to do with his life in the 18th century in Outlander Book 6, Chapter 51.
There has been some foreshadowing leading up to this point. I’ve certainly discussed it along the way. Roger has found his place as a minister, something that he probably never thought that he would do.
He wants to run the idea by Jamie first. I love that it is Jamie. He has gained the respect of his father-in-law over the last few books, and he certainly has respect for this man in his life. He wants to see what Jamie thinks before anyone else. And that includes before Brianna.
This is more than foreshadowing at this point. This is plot development for Roger. There is a bit of foreshadowing in Roger mentioning being a coward and fighting with an army, though.
I’m definitely expecting this chapter to be included in the TV series in some sort of way. I’ll get to my thoughts on why it’s important in the adaptation section.
Let’s dive into A Breath of Snow and Ashes Chapter 51.
Just the Outlander chapter
We start the chapter with Roger finding Jamie by a stream fishing. Roger has figured out what he should do with his life in the past. He wants to become a minister.
Jamie thinks that means a preacher. There is certainly a preaching element, but Roger wants to specifically be a minister. It will mean going off to get his license to do it, but it is something important to him.
What’s made him decide this route? We can actually thank Tom Christie a little for this. Tom encouraged Roger to do the funeral in an earlier chapter. Roger has been involved in a few other things, and he’s certainly finding his place. It won’t even be that difficult considering he was raised by a reverend and he is an educated man when it comes to the languages.
Jamie encourages him but is concerned when Roger brings up the fear of seeming like a coward. Will Roger become a Quaker?
That’s not the plan. Roger notes that while he won’t fight in an army, he isn’t against doing what he needs to so he can protect his life and the lives of his family members. Jamie is happy to hear that. It means Roger will still protect Brianna and Jemmy, and that’s really what matters.
But has Roger mentioned it to Brianna? Not yet, but it’s a conversation he’s going to have to have.
Foreshadowing in the Outlander chapter
This chapter is mostly setting up Roger’s storyline for the rest of the book. It’s time for him to become the minister on the Ridge and have his own church. This conversation doesn’t foreshadow it but sets up the stepping stones to get to it.
However, there is a little bit of foreshadowing in the mention of war and taking up arms. Roger won’t fight with the army or a militia, but he will be there with them. He will have the ability to go behind enemy lines at times, and his position will protect him now and again. Since he’s a protestant, he will also at least be of the same religion as the British and most of the Patriots when it comes to it.
Adapting A Breath of Snow and Ashes chapter
This is certainly a chapter that needs developing for the series. There is no doubt about it. We need to see Roger figure out what he wants to do with his life, and we need to see the start of this journey.
It will mean that the funeral scene is just as important to be included. After all, it’s the foreshadowing to this chapter. It all connects to the church that we know is being built in Outlander Season 6. And we’re sure that church is going to end up being the one Roger is the minister at.
I just can’t see the series excluding this chapter. The only way to do that is to change Roger’s storyline completely. We’ve seen some storylines changed, but I really don’t think that this is going to be one of them.
What did you spot while reading A Breath of Snow and Ashes Chapter 51? Let us know in the comments below.
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