Violence Quotes in Outlander

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #4

"You've seen men die before," [Dougal] said flatly. "By violence."

Not a question, almost an accusation. "Many of them," I said, just as flatly. (10.155-10.156)

Dougal thinks it odd that Claire has seen so much violence in her time—the tradition is for women to stay behind while the men wage war. The fact that she is so calm in the face of death makes him suspicious of her.

Quote #5

"If you're sizable, half the men ye meet will fear ye, and the other half will want to try ye. Knock one down […] and the rest will let ye be. But learn to do it fast and clean, or you'll be fightin' all your life." (11.176)

Sometimes violence is the only answer to a problem, at least according to this advice from Jamie's dad. However, it's important to note that while he encourages his son to fight, he also encourages him to get it over with as soon as possible. Violence should only be used sparingly, and as a last resort.

Quote #6

"Did ye know ye can hear the flesh being torn?" (13.55)

Ew. We wish we didn't know that. It's a lot easier to desensitize yourself to violence when it doesn't encompass all the senses. We do not want to know what this smells like.