We come to the end of another short story in the world of Outlander. Virgins section 33 picks up with Ian getting Jamie to confession.
The previous chapter ended with a death that was completely unintentional. Jamie never meant for it to happen, and I do think that it plays a part in how he grows up. This is a man who didn’t see too much as a youngster, but he’ll end up witnessing a lot in his young adult years.
Breaking down Virgins section 33
Ian insists that Jamie needs to confess for everything that just happened, and he gets him to the Cathedral of St. Andre. However, Jamie feels like he can’t go there, saying that he sinned too greatly. Isn’t that the reason to go to confession? That’s at least what Ian thinks.
However, it’s clear that Jamie isn’t ready to confess the sin. This is something that part of him wants to ignore has happened, but Ian isn’t going to completely let his friend wallow or ignore. He opts to get a candle for them to light in the chapel.
The two are able to pray for lives lost, and not just the maid in the tavern. They’re also praying for Brian’s soul, as Jamie wasn’t there for the funeral. It’s like he hasn’t been able to fully move forward from that, and Ian certainly hasn’t since he wasn’t even in Scotland when it happened and had no idea until Jamie told him.
I’m still a little confused in this section, because Ian wonders if it’s the proper way to pray for a Jew. The girl wasn’t Jewish, was she? She was disgusted that Jamie was. So, I’m not sure where this thought came up. I really feel like I’ve completely missed something in this short story, to be honest.
Ian does decide toad Jenny to his prayers, and I don’t think that’s just because of his thoughts about praying for a Jewish person. However, when Jamie asks Ian about going to confession, Ian decides that he’s going to head to Hell with his friend.
With that, Jamie explains that “Shalom” means peace, but it’s clear that the two are not destined for peace as they’re both soldiers. It’s time to head to Prussia, and I do feel like there’s another short story to be told with this.
Could this section be used in a TV adaptation?
This is a great way to end the story, even though the previous two sections don’t make a lot of sense. If Virgins was adapted, this section could be used whether or not the previous two are. If they’re not used for the girl, we could just see Ian taking Jamie to the chapel to pray for Brian.
This would be a beautiful way for the adaptation to end to bring a sense of closure to this storyline. It also makes it clear that the story could continue if needed, so yes, I could see this being adapted.
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