Outlander Book Club: Lord John and a Plague of Zombies Section 2 breakdown

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As a voracious reader and history enthusiast with a soft spot for Jamaica, I find myself utterly captivated by Section 2 of Diana Gabaldon’s “A Plague of Zombies.” This chapter, much like John Grey himself, offers a unique blend of sophistication, adventure, and unexpected charm.

Let’s delve a bit deeper into Jamaica’s background, as we explore it alongside Lord John Grey, in Section 2 of “A Plague of Zombies”. I find this learning experience quite intriguing!

In this chapter, we find him settling into the dwelling where he’s temporarily residing. Interestingly, this residence belongs to the governor, but it appears neglected and teeming with various critters. Despite the abundance of insects and pests around, John seems unfazed by them in particular. In fact, he has a fondness for reptiles, particularly snakes!

Breaking down A Plague of Zombies Section 2

In this region, John is temporarily residing at what’s commonly referred to as “The King’s House.” This name isn’t a coincidence because the Governor serves as a representative of the British Monarch here. The house isn’t owned by the individual governor but rather by the British Crown.

John observes the dilapidated state of the building. It requires considerable renovation, and it seems as though he envisions himself temporarily residing there sometime down the line. Later on in the same decade, we learn that he indeed assumes the role of Governor of Jamaica for a period.

Additionally, John occasionally encounters certain insects. Among these is a spider that Rodrigo, a servant whom John finds attractive, mentions can be harmful to humans. Another one is a cockroach, which John assists in removing from the premises.

When the serpent hidden in John’s pocket is discovered, it falls upon him to protect it from others. Meanwhile, Tom Byrd, aiming to prepare John for dinner, opts to feed the snake a slice of ham. This allows the snake to conceal itself beneath the bed. I’m fond of how this tender side of John is revealed, even towards reptiles.

The dinner gong goes off. Tom needs to speed up to get John ready.

Could this chapter be used in a TV show adaptation?

This chapter offers a vivid portrayal of Jamaica, but it’s not essential for the overall narrative flow of A Plague of Zombies. If adaptations were required and parts had to be omitted, this specific segment seems the most likely candidate. The spider and cockroach could still appear elsewhere in the story, serving to underscore some of Jamaica’s common pests.

I’m really looking forward to reading that chapter. It will be fascinating to explore the braver, bug-unbothered side of John. Additionally, I can’t wait to witness his inclusiveness towards Rodrigo, demonstrating his lack of prejudice against different skin tones.

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2024-10-15 18:37