Lorna Doone · Chapter
Jeremy Finds Out Something explained
Jeremy Stickles shares his investigation into the Doones and the local populace, revealing his discovery of Benita, a foreign woman who tells him the tragic story of a noble Englishman and his family, including a young lady who may be Lorna
What happens
Jeremy Stickles shares his investigation into the Doones and the local populace, revealing his discovery of Benita, a foreign woman who tells him the tragic story of a noble Englishman and his family, including a young lady who may be Lorna Doone.
Themes in this chapter
Justice and Revenge
Jeremy Stickles discusses the failure of law to address the Doone outlaws, highlighting the tension between legal justice and local tolerance.
Love and Sacrifice
Benita's story of the noble Englishman and his wife illustrates deep love and tragic sacrifice.
Characters to notice
- Jeremy Stickles
Relates his investigation and the story of Benita.
- John Ridd
Listens to Jeremy's tale and interjects with comments.
- Benita
Foreign woman who tells Jeremy the story of the noble Englishman and his family.
- Lorna Doone
Implied to be the young lady in Benita's story, connected to the tragic events.
- Uncle Reuben Huckaback
Mentioned as a townsman of Dulverton whom Jeremy investigated.
Key passages
“You know, my son, it has been my duty, for a wearier time than I care to think of (and which would have been unbearable, except for your great kindness), to search this neighbourhood narrowly, and learn everything about everybody.”
Jeremy Stickles tells John that he has been investigating the area thoroughly, a tedious task made bearable only by John's hospitality.
Jeremy explains his investigative work in the region.
“Among all truly civilised people the foremost of all questions is, 'how stands the law herein?' And if the law approve, no need for any further questioning.”
Jeremy asserts that civilized people prioritize legal approval over moral considerations.
Jeremy contrasts London legalism with local customs.
“I was riding one afternoon from Dulverton to Watchett... rounding a little jut of cliff, I met the roar of the breakers.”
Jeremy describes his journey from Dulverton to Watchett, where he encountered the sea.
Setting the scene for his discovery of the inn and Benita.
“My Lord, who was quite a young man still, and laughed at English arrogance, rode on in front of his wife and friends, to catch the first of a famous view... and within a week, his mangled body lay in a little chapel-yard.”
The nobleman rode ahead to see a view but was killed, leaving his wife widowed.
Benita recounts the tragic death of the English lord.