Jamie's viewpoint is expressed almost entirely in metaphor: If she was broken, she would slash him with her jagged edges, reckless as a drunkard with a shattered bottle. He's using physical language, but he isn't talking about the physical details of the situation. Claire alludes to her emotion and shows it by her actions, but Jamie is thinking directly in pure emotions.
In Diana Gabaldon's book "I Give You My Body . . .": How I Write Sex Scenes, the author highlights Jamie's perspective, which is richly conveyed through metaphors. Jamie expresses his emotional state by comparing himself to a broken object that could harm others, illustrating his inner turmoil and reckless feelings. His choice of imagery emphasizes the emotional weight he carries rather than simply focusing on the physical aspects of a situation.
Conversely, Claire conveys her emotions through her actions rather than metaphoric language. While she hints at her feelings, Jamie's thoughts reflect a more direct connection to raw emotions. This contrast showcases how both characters experience and express vulnerability, allowing readers to understand their complex emotional landscapes beyond mere words.
