Voyager

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of gender discrimination, antigay bias, graphic violence, and death.

On top of the two-century time difference, running from the law, and several kidnappings, one of the most difficult things Claire and Jamie must contend with in their relationship is how much they have changed since they last saw each other. As Claire weighs her decision on whether to return to the past or not, Claire is worried about what Jamie will think of her, physically and emotionally. She is concerned about Jamie’s view of her relationship with Frank, but she is most concerned about her aged appearance and asks her friend Joe whether she is still attractive after 20 years. When she finally meets Jamie, Claire asks him if he minds her stretch marks or graying hair, but Jamie understands that these things are bound to change, telling her, “I could watch ye for hours, Sassenach, to see how you have changed, or how ye’re the same” (372). This moment reflects the broader discussion of identity transformation in Voyager: Both characters are tasked with loving a version of each other that is shaped by trauma, time, and survival.

However, more than just physical appearances have changed, and Claire feels some relief when she first sees Jamie’s bedroom and realizes he sleeps alone.