Outlander Book Club: The Scottish Prisoner Chapter 9 breakdown

Outlander Book Club: The Scottish Prisoner Chapter 9 breakdown

As a devoted fan of Diana Gabaldon’s works, immersed in the rich tapestry of time-traveling intrigue and complex relationships that her novels weave, I must say, The Scottish Prisoner Chapter 9 is a delightful detour in our journey with Lord John Grey.


In The Scottish Prisoner’s Chapter 9, we rejoin Lord John Grey. Here, he unexpectedly meets an acquaintance from the past, which later culminates in a private, personal interaction.

The chapter doesn’t advance the plot of the book significantly. Instead, it delves deeper into the character of Lord John Grey, reinforcing the image of him that was portrayed in Season 4 of Outlander, which many felt was misrepresented. However, the LJG series has continued to develop Lord John Grey in a manner consistent with this portrayal.

Breaking down The Scottish Prisoner Chapter 9

The chapter starts with Lord John Grey walking in the rain. He is angry at Hal for bringing Jamie to London. This wasn’t something that he wanted, but clearly, Hal has his own thoughts on how to deal with the Siverly matter.

John deliberately chooses not to accept a ride from Nessie to Jamie’s home, opting instead to walk to the Beefsteak pub. There, he finds an opportunity to take a bath and change into some awkwardly fitting clothes. This action implies that he seeks discomfort, mirroring Jamie’s current state.

At the Beefsteak, it’s where John and Harry cross paths. Their conversation veers towards some sensual poetry, sparking curiosity in John about the relationship between Harry and his mother, Benedicta. But their discussion is cut short when Stephan von Namtzen reappears on the scene.

Three people, including Stephan’s companion, enjoy an evening meal together. It transpires that Stephan has returned to London with his kids following the demise of his spouse, Louisa. His sibling is assisting in rearing his offspring.

As a fan, I can’t help but feel the excitement as Stephan and John finally find themselves in an intimate moment. Though they both know it’s wrong, their feelings seem to overpower their logic. Their journey has been a gradual build-up, and it’s clear that John often gives into impulse and emotion, even when he holds a prominent position.

Could this chapter be used in a TV series adaptation?

If there is an adaptation of The Scottish Prisoner, I’m in two minds about whether this chapter would be used. It does nothing to further the overall plot. While I would love to see Stephan back and to see that connection between the two men, the question always is about time. Would there be enough time in a TV show adaptation to include it?

It seems that much attention might center around John and Jamie’s time in Ireland, as this is likely what viewers are most interested in. Consequently, I believe there’s a good chance this chapter could be considered less crucial by some readers.

My main concern lies in the omission of the scene where Hal informs John about Jamie joining him in Ireland. This pivotal moment was missed, and it seems like it could be effectively replaced with a new scene for a more comprehensive narrative flow.

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2024-08-22 18:37