Toni Graphia Annotation

Claire and Jocasta continue to spar with each other. It’s easy to write overt arguments, but a challenge to portray a scene where neither is at liberty to blurt any of their overt feelings and must converse with subtle jabs at each other, constrained by the decorum of the time.

Natalie Simpson, who plays Phaedre, was a gem of a find. The actress brought such a depth to this role as Jocasta’s personal house servant.

Here, Claire fights to hold her tongue for Jamie’s sake. She wants to get along with her 18th century family, but it’s becoming increasingly difficult. However Claire would not be Claire if she didn’t speak her mind, and finally challenges their way of life by admitting, “I don’t believe in keeping people as property.” The twist here is that Jocasta actually admires Claire and finds her lively—Jocasta can see why Jamie is drawn to her.