Lorna Doone · Chapter
I: Elements of Education explained
John Ridd introduces himself as a plain yeoman and churchwarden of Oare, Somerset, who writes to clear his parish's reputation.
What happens
John Ridd introduces himself as a plain yeoman and churchwarden of Oare, Somerset, who writes to clear his parish's reputation. He recounts his schooling at Tiverton's Blundell's School, describing his modest academic progress, the school's customs such as the 'winkey' prank and the flood tradition when waters cover the founder's initials, and his eventual departure from learning.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Inequality
John Ridd reflects on his station as a yeoman's son and the limits of ambition for a farmer's son in education.
Nature and the Rural World
Descriptions of the Lowman stream, floods, and the rural Exmoor setting highlight the natural environment.
Characters to notice
- John Ridd
Narrator and protagonist; introduces himself as a yeoman and former student at Blundell's School.
- Master Peter Blundell
Founder of Blundell's School, established in 1604.
- Old Cop
Porter at Blundell's School, known for his copper boots and nose, who manages flood-boards.
Key passages
“If anybody cares to read a simple tale told simply, I, John Ridd, of the parish of Oare, in the county of Somerset, yeoman and churchwarden, have seen and had a share in some doings of this neighborhood, which I will try to set down in order, God sparing my life and memory.”
John Ridd introduces himself as a plain farmer and church officer from Oare, Somerset, and promises to recount local events honestly.
Opening statement establishing narrator and purpose.
“So it came to pass, by the grace of God, that I was called away from learning, whilst sitting at the desk of the junior first in the upper school, and beginning the Greek verb τύπτω.”
John was taken out of school while still in the lower levels of the upper school, just starting Greek.
John's education ended early, reflecting his modest scholarly attainment.