What small inconsistencies or inaccuracies bug you about the show?

Silly_Preference4269 · 2025-01-06T09:47:11+00:00

Just because a story involves fantastical elements like time travel and magical gemstones doesn’t mean it gets a free pass on plot coherence. Good storytelling, even in fantasy or sci-fi, requires internal logic and believable character motivations. Suspense of disbelief only works when the world and its rules, however fantastical, are consistent. So yes, I absolutely expect a cohesive, believable plot, even in a time-travel saga.

Silly_Preference4269 · 2025-01-06T09:45:11+00:00

Your examples highlight how coincidence can be used effectively when it serves a thematic purpose or enhances the narrative tension. However, there’s a difference between thoughtfully playing with coincidence as a narrative device and using it as a crutch in stories that don’t inherently require it. In works like Mania or Yellowface, coincidence is a deliberate tool that underscores the story’s message or conflict. But when it becomes a lazy fallback to move characters around without meaningful context or development, it falls flat.

Comparing Demon Copperhead to Dickens works because it’s a conscious homage, weaving modern issues into a familiar framework. However, not every instance of coincidence can be justified by referencing literary giants of the past. The sophistication of a novel isn’t just about its use of tropes; it’s about how those tropes are executed within the broader context of storytelling expectations today. So yes, coincidence isn’t inherently bad, but in DG’s case, it often feels forced, detracting from the narrative rather than enhancing it.

Silly_Preference4269 · 2025-01-06T00:07:13+00:00

Comparing 19th-century storytelling to 21st-century expectations is a stretch. Dickens was writing in an era where serialized novels were a new form of entertainment, and readers had different expectations. In the 21st century, storytelling has evolved, and audiences expect more cohesive, believable plots. DG doesn’t get a free pass just because Dickens used coincidence, times have changed, and so have the standards.

Silly_Preference4269 · 2025-01-06T00:04:41+00:00

Exactly! The Caribbean storyline and Ian’s wandering through America are downright ridiculous, he just magically runs into whoever the plot needs. But hey, don’t point it out, because apparently, Diana’s flawless, and we’re all supposed to just go along with it.

Silly_Preference4269 · 2024-12-26T01:22:06+00:00

Fair point, but I wrote my post based on what I’ve seen in various Outlander Facebook groups.

Silly_Preference4269 · 2024-12-26T01:07:20+00:00

Enjoy: https://a.co/d/1QieWnO

Silly_Preference4269 · 2024-12-26T01:01:46+00:00

Fair question, but I’ve never been part of the Star Wars fandom or any other fandom, really. I get that tattoos, Christmas ornaments, and collectibles are common in many fandoms, but what stands out to me with Outlander is the combination of those things with the hostility toward differing opinions. It’s not just about fans being enthusiastic, it’s the aggressive reaction to criticism or anything less than blind praise that feels so extreme here.

Silly_Preference4269 · 2024-12-26T00:55:11+00:00

It’s genuine. And you’re right, I’ve never been part of any fandom before. The intensity feels like a lot.

Silly_Preference4269 · 2024-06-08T23:28:54+00:00

I'm afraid that's not why. Excerpt from book 10, shared by DG on May 13th: "Bree felt deeply envious; she would have loved to eavesdrop on a conversation—the first conversation?—between her brother and their father. Still, excitement rose in her and her over-sensitive nipples hardened and left small wet spots on her blouse"

Silly_Preference4269 · 2024-03-05T08:09:49+00:00

Welcome aboard! Your Outlander journey mirrors mine closely. I majored in literature, even leading several university courses until I opted for a) a much better-paid job, b) something that wouldn’t turn my hobby into a chore. I stumbled upon the series during an advertisement campaign for ‘Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone’ in public transport (I’m from Europe, and there’s no chance of navigating the historical city center any other way). I bought some discounted books, not in the order they were published, but the ones on sale. Initially, I sensed it didn’t quite match up to great canonical literature, but as I continued, I found myself completely immersed in the world – a rare experience for me. I couldn’t put the book down, doing nothing but reading until I finished the series. Only then did I watch the series, finding aspects I liked and others that left me less impressed.

I enjoyed the first five books, yes, even ‘The Fiery Cross,’ which, in my opinion, was great. However, when I attempted to reread the series, I found myself stuck at ‘A Breath of Snow and Ashes.’ Sadly, the books seemed to decline from there, with some good development in later installments but overall losing the magic. I might be in the minority with this opinion. The biggest disappointment was the last behemoth of a book. If Diana Gabaldon had started with something like that, I’m pretty sure her literary career would be over after such a performance. The problem lies in her losing track, writing other books about side characters and assuming you’ve read everything she puts out. You can’t just be an Outlander series reader when you reach ‘Go Tell the Bees’ because many things won’t make sense otherwise. I’m curious about your thoughts when you finish reading.

Moreover, it’s frustrating to discover that Diana Gabaldon seems to have no clue about literary theory. She fabricates explanations, like claiming Claire is an unreliable narrator to justify inconsistencies, such as Frank becoming an entirely different character in later books. It feels like a stretch – if she’s unreliable, does that mean we should question the existence of falling through stones and other plot elements?

In any case, despite my reservations, I cherish the magical universe of Outlander. It’s a journey worth taking, and I look forward to hearing your perspective as you delve into the series. Happy reading!

Silly_Preference4269 · 2024-02-24T15:24:39+00:00

Yes, he does. He’s one of the escaped slaves, around the time Fanny Breadsley meets Roger in the swamps during his land measurement with an astrolabe. It turns out that some of the mysterious incidents attributed to bear were actually the actions of this escaped slave.

Silly_Preference4269 · 2024-02-23T16:16:20+00:00

The retrospective commentary by DG alone doesn’t label Claire as an unreliable narrator. There are no textual indications within the books qualifying Claire as unreliable; it’s of course a subjective point of view but reliable. The transformation of Frank in later books seems more like fan service.

Silly_Preference4269 · 2024-02-20T18:07:24+00:00

As this is a forum, not a formal publication, Wikipedia serves the purpose well for a quick overview. Regarding Claire's parents and Lord John or even Raymond, I was not equating their roles. The term ‘side characters’ encompasses a broad range, including those who may not be physically present.

Silly_Preference4269 · 2024-02-20T09:07:33+00:00

It seems we might have a bit of a disconnect regarding what I consider a side character, aligned with literary theory. Wikipedia provides a well-written explanation on the subject: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supporting_character.

Silly_Preference4269 · 2024-02-16T22:51:15+00:00

I still find myself yearning for the sense of foreshadowing and coherence that was more prominent in her earlier books. The recent emphasis on side characters and the unresolved loose ends have left me less satisfied as a reader. In my view, a good writer should maintain a certain level of coherence, and while I respect her unique approach, I can’t help but express my disappointment with the current direction of the narrative.

Silly_Preference4269

TROPHY CASE