In the novel by Diana Gabaldon, gender affects every aspect of life from how someone feels about themselves, to their goals as well as the nature and extent of their participation in the social and civic life. Claire a young woman transported back in time to the 1800s was severely impacted by her gender in her struggle to survive and advance in life throughout the novel. Claire relied on the men in the novel even though they often saw her as weak and never gave her the opportunities that she deserved.

In the past society was controlled by men and the main goal of a woman at the time was to be married as soon as possible to a man that could support them for the rest of their lives. After being transported back in time, the main character Claire relied heavily on men throughout the novel. The only reason Claire was able to survive in the new world was dependant on the men that helped along the way. Claire wasn’t built to survive alone in the new world after coming from a time where the problems she faced were completely different from those in the 1800s. For example MacRannoch Claire was helped Claire rescue and save Jamie’s …show more content…
Claire’s opportunities in Scotland were very limited because she was female. A women’s ultimate purpose was to find a man to marry and then reproduce and if they remained single they would be seen as an old maid and become an outcast to society. Even after marriage women could not own property, had no legal rights, and in general. Women had to hide behind their husbands and were never trusted or given important tasks. For example Claire told Jamie“If [she’ must endure 200 years of purgatory, [she] want to be with [him]” (Gabaldon 100). Jamie doesn't believe she traveled through time, just as nobody else believes her story and believe she is an english