A tale of mystery, political intrigue, triumph over adversity, and the timelessness of love, Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series is many things. With just a touch of magic, the series enchants its readers, and it has rightfully captured the attention of international audiences. It is so much more than a bunch of bodice-rippers, and to hear Gabaldon speak, it’s no wonder it’s such a hit. The woman is a machine.
When I first got into Outlander, I thought that I was reading and watching— the series had been gathering buzz for a few after premiering on Starz— I was under the impression that it would be a little more PBS Masterpiece Theater and a little less HBO. Regardless, it hooked me.
Even though it is what it is, popular fiction rather than literary, Outlander warrants a close reading/viewing.
One of my favorite parts of the story is Claire’s devotion to Jamie. They begin their journey together. Jamie was an ally to Claire when she had none. He offered her his name and his protection, and in turn, she saves his life over and over again.
Claire’s reason for her ability to transport through time has yet to be fully addressed in the story. The ambiguity of this leads me to the question why?
Now, I have a theory, and it actually relates to Octavia E. Butler’s Kindred. In the story, Dana’s objective is clear. Save the boy. (“THE BOY IS EVERYTHING!” I hiss in my Voldemort voice) Rufus is Dana’s ancestor and in order for her to exist, he must survive at all costs. They are, it seems, kindred (in that they’re related by blood. Beyond that there are no commonalities, thankfully for Dana). Dana’s sole reason for her journeys to the past is saving Rufus, and she acts as his guardian angel.
Hmmm, now who do we know who travels through time and space to rescue reckless, impulsive, accident prone ginger-haired men?
Are you following me? Jamie could have died at the battle of Culloden. He should have. Actually, he should have died so many more times between that moment and meeting Claire Randall. He survived because of his link to Claire. In Dragonfly in Amber, the Frasers set out to stop the battle of Culloden, as Claire believes that is ultimately her mission. She hopes to save thousands of lives by preventing the revolution, but the two are unsuccessful. When Claire travels back through the stones to the 1940’s, leaving Jamie to confront his fate on the battlefield, she learns that only one life was spared: that of one James Alexander Malcolm Mackenzie Fraser, Laird of Lallybroch.
I get so much more out of close readings and my experience with Outlander has taught me that there is some kind of intention in almost everything. Yes, even steamy supermarket checkout romance novels.