Brianna decides it’s time to make paper in Outlander Book 6, Chapter 78
We hear a lot about paper being hard to find in Outlander. Brianna decides to make her own in Outlander Book 6, Chapter 78.
The chapter starts with her checking in on the batch that she’s making. This is a big step for the people at the Ridge. It will mean that there’s more paper for letters, and we always hear about how hard it is to come by. It’s possible that this is linked to Fergus and his printing press too since he’ll need paper.
However, the chapter isn’t just about that. Roger needs to use the cabin for an event that night. He’s opening up a lodge for the people of the Ridge.
This chapter certainly foreshadows a few things for Roger. I’ll get to my thoughts on that as we get into the foreshadowing section.
It wasn’t used for the TV series, though. It could be that it’s not used “yet,” but I don’t see it being used at all, and I’ll get to why I think that in the adaptation section.
Let’s dive into A Breath of Snow and Ashes Chapter 78.
Just the Outlander chapter
The chapter starts with Brianna checking in on the paper she’s making. We know that paper is scarce, so it’s not surprising that Bree is looking into making it. She knows the how, and now she just needs to put that into practice.
I do love how the book sprinkles in Bree’s “inventions.” We get to know what she’s doing without her making a big song and dance about it. There are some things that she’s extra proud of, but right now, she’s just focusing on making life easier (and cheaper) at the Ridge. Maybe she can make toilet paper!
Roger then asks if Bree can take herself and Jem up to the Big House for the night. He wants to use the cabin as a meeting house. The idea is to bring freemasonry to the Ridge. The problem is they need neutral ground, which rules out the Big House and Tom’s house. Roger’s house seems like the best option.
I love that we see how Roger wants to do the same as Jamie when it comes to the people of the Ridge. He wants to find a way for everyone to live harmoniously. As a Presbyterian, he does have a little more respect from the fisherfolk than Jamie does, but he needs to find harmony with the Catholics, too. This is the perfect option.
Bree agrees, although it’s clear she’s not 100% happy about it at first. She can see that Roger just wants to do the right thing for the people of the Ridge, and that is something she can respect. She also knows that this is something Jamie would do, so she’ll just have to deal with it.
Foreshadowing in the Outlander chapter
The chapter foreshadows more of Roger’s development to come. We’ll see him step more and more into a role similar to Jamie. He wants to protect the people of the Ridge, and I think it’s clear that when Jamie does eventually die, Roger is going to be the one to take over the everyday running of the Ridge.
We also get foreshadowing for Brianna. She will continue to make her inventions, even if the people of the Ridge don’t think they need them!
Adapting A Breath of Snow and Ashes chapter
We haven’t had this chapter yet. The TV show doesn’t focus on how hard it is to get paper, so we don’t get Bree’s focus on creating some. It is possible that things will change in a later season to add more “inventions” for Brianna.
We also didn’t get to see Roger form the lodge. I doubt that will happen. After all, Jamie was the one to bring up a meeting house. That comes in the first episodes as Tom builds his church. Jamie suggests that the church be a meeting lodge for everyone. There’s no need for Roger’s place to become the neutral ground for everyone.
I don’t mind this change. Having Jamie come up with the idea for the church was perfect. He was able to cement his role as the laird of the Ridge without alienating people. He also connected it back to his time in Ardsmuir with everyone who is at the Ridge from there.
What did you spot while reading A Breath of Snow and Ashes Chapter 78? Let us know in the comments below.
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