
Trigger Warning: This article contains discussions of miscarriage and infant loss.
The emotional finale of Outlander season 7 brought forth a thought-provoking theory led by a song that made Claire Fraser rethink the fate of her deceased daughter, Faith. During the climactic moments, Claire hears Fanny Pocock singing the 20th-century tune “I Do Like to Be Beside the Seaside, ”prompting her to ponder whether this Fanny, a seemingly innocent character, is connected to her lost daughter. While this revelation forms a compelling narrative twist, the supporting evidence for Claire’s theory remains scant and somewhat implausible. As we anticipate season 8, it seems crucial for the writers to provide a more solid foundation for Claire’s belief.
Faith’s Connection to Claire and the Song
Claire Fraser first lost her daughter, Faith, during a painful stillbirth portrayed in season 2, episode 7, titled “Faith.”While in labor in France, Claire was taken to L’Hôpital des Anges, where, despite Mother Hildegarde’s efforts, her daughter did not survive. In a poignant moment of sorrow, Claire sang “I Do Like to Be Beside the Seaside”to the lifeless body of her child. Decades later, Fanny informs Claire that her mother, also named Faith, had taught her the same song. However, if Faith Fraser truly passed at birth, the question arises: how could she possibly remember anything about Claire’s lullaby?
The Issues with Claire’s Theory
The Flaw in Faith’s Memory
In the context of Outlander, Claire’s assumption that her daughter Faith somehow survived or was revived shows the depth of her grief and desperation. In season 7, Claire is convinced that Master Raymond may have restored her daughter to life, which adds complexity to her psyche. However, this belief is largely based on intuition and coincidences, including Fanny singing a song—the very one Claire sang to her dead daughter. It is hard to ignore that Faith was just an infant at the time Claire sang, not to mention deceased, making her possible recollection of the song highly implausible.
The Time Travel Connection
The Mystery of Fanny Pocock’s Heritage
Fanny’s rendition of “I Do Like to Be Beside the Seaside”raises intriguing questions about time travel and its influence in the storyline. The song’s presence implies that Faith Pocock has an unusual connection to time travelers, whether through her own legacy or that of her parents. The series already features numerous time-traveling characters, hinting at a broader narrative interwoven with the fabric of different times. This opens the door to numerous theories regarding how she might have learned a song from another era.
Master Raymond’s Role in the Narrative
A Mysterious Puppet Master
Master Raymond, a pivotal figure in the Outlander universe, appears to be guiding the events surrounding Claire and Fanny deliberately. It’s reasonable to speculate that he intends for Claire to believe in the connection between her and Fanny, although the truth may be obscured. The enigmatic and ancient traveler has a significant blueprint for the future of every character enveloped in his mystical influence. If Fanny isn’t Claire’s daughter, one could ponder whether Master Raymond orchestrated the situations leading to this assumption, perhaps even teaching Fanny Claire’s song himself.
The Significance of Claire’s Belief
Pushing the Boundaries of Healing
The narrative implications of Claire believing that Faith Pocock is her daughter extend beyond mere coincidence. Master Raymond’s manipulations seem intended to drive Claire toward a greater understanding of her own healing abilities. If this theory holds merit, it could serve as a catalyst for Claire to unlock her potential as a healer—a journey hinted at throughout the series. Previously, a character told Claire she would attain her fullest powers when all her hair turned white, suggesting that her transformation into La Dame Blanche is yet to come. If Claire is led to believe that she might revive Faith, it may lead her to truly explore the potential to defy death.
An Uncertain Future for Claire
Accepting the Unknown
As fans eagerly await Outlander season 8, the unanswered questions surrounding the true identity of Fanny and Jane’s mother linger. Claire’s pursuit of the truth may result in more complications than resolutions. Whether she discovers concrete ties or must grapple with uncertainty, it’s likely that Jamie and Claire will continue to embrace Fanny as family. Their emotional connection might be strengthened by the hope that she could be related to them by blood, though her inclusion in their lives is already firmly established.
Ultimately, the pressing matter lies in Claire harnessing and understanding her healing gifts. While she may never reunite with her beloved Faith, the echoes of the song “I Do Like to Be Beside the Seaside”could serve as an essential trigger, propelling her toward her destiny and her evolution into a more formidable figure within the expanding narrative.
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