In the third episode of season seven of “Outlander,” titled “Death Be Not Proud,” Jamie (played by Sam Heughan) and Claire (played by Caitríona Balfe) face their fears as the fire at Fraser’s Ridge becomes a reality. This fire fulfills a prophecy that has been haunting the characters since season four. The episode introduces a new storyline involving Jacobite gold that transcends the show’s two simultaneous timelines.
The episode title, “Death Be Not Proud,” is taken from a 17th-century poem, specifically from “Holy Sonnet X” by English poet John Donne. The poem challenges the power and fear of death, asserting that it is actually subservient to fate, chance, kings, and desperate men. The poem suggests that death can be evaded, which is precisely what Jamie and Claire manage to do in this episode.
As fans will recall, in season four, Brianna and Roger discovered an obituary from the 1770s stating that Claire and Jamie died in a fire at their home in Fraser’s Ridge. The exact date was unreadable, but it was clear that the fire was their ultimate fate. However, in this episode, the couple manages to avoid their supposed fiery demise when Brianna’s matches and Claire’s ether accidentally cause their house to burn down. It is revealed that this fire is not the same one originally prophesied, as Claire states that it is not January when they witness their home engulfed in flames. The letter they write about the fire is dated April 1776.
Following the fire, Jamie and Claire find themselves seeking refuge in Brianna and Roger’s old cabin, wearing the younger couple’s clothes. Claire wears a cream shirt and knitted cardigan previously worn by Brianna, while Jamie is seen wearing a cravat previously worn by Roger. These details symbolize the shared connection and bond between the generations.
During a funeral scene, it is Caitríona Balfe herself who sings “Ave Maria.” This revelation confirms fan speculations about the haunting rendition from the season seven trailer. Balfe admits that singing was not a natural talent for her but welcomed the challenge. The decision to perform an acapella version of the song reflects Claire’s character, who is not a classically trained singer. This moment also showcases Claire introducing her companions to music that has yet to be written, mirroring her previous introduction of The Andrews Sisters’ “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy of Company B” during season one.
In addition, the episode introduces a potential connection between the past and present through the mention of a selling agent for Lallybroch named Dick Cameron. This name raises questions about whether he is related to Hector Cameron, Jamie’s aunt Jocasta’s third husband. Hector Cameron was involved in smuggling Jacobite gold, just like Jamie and his compatriots. The episode hints that modern-day relatives of the Camerons may be searching for the lost gold and recognize Brianna and Roger as potential allies in their quest.
This episode not only explores the fulfillment of a long-feared prophecy but also delves into the interconnectedness of different timelines and generations. It showcases the resilience and resourcefulness of Jamie and Claire as they navigate the obstacles thrown their way, ultimately avoiding their supposed deadly fate. Through clever nods to literature, music, and potential familial connections, “Outlander” keeps viewers engaged and eager to unravel the mysteries and complexities of its narrative.
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