Lorna Doone · Chapter
Lorna Gone Away explained
John Ridd returns from Cornwall to find that Lorna has been taken to London by her noble relatives, leaving him a letter.
What happens
John Ridd returns from Cornwall to find that Lorna has been taken to London by her noble relatives, leaving him a letter. He also investigates the mining operation on Exmoor, where he confronts Simon Carfax about his abandoned daughter Gwenny. The chapter explores John's feelings of loss and his determination to uncover the truth about Lorna's departure.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Sacrifice
John's deep love for Lorna is evident in his distress at her departure and his refusal to take her fortune, planning to devote it to charity.
Family and Loyalty
John's concern for Gwenny's welfare and his confrontation with Simon Carfax highlight themes of familial duty and loyalty.
Social Class and Inequality
Lorna's noble title and removal to London underscore the class divide between her and John, as well as Lizzie's sarcastic remarks about 'low degree.'
Characters to notice
- John Ridd
Returns from Cornwall with prize money, only to discover Lorna has left. He investigates the mine and confronts Simon Carfax about his daughter.
- Lorna Doone
Has been taken to London by her noble relatives, leaving a letter for John. Her departure deeply affects him.
- Simon Carfax
Captain of the mine, revealed to be Gwenny's father. John confronts him about abandoning his daughter.
- Gwenny Carfax
Has gone to London with Lorna. John seeks to help her by investigating her father's past.
- Uncle Reuben Huckaback
Involved in the mining venture, pressing John to join as a partner.
- Annie Ridd
Mentioned as having been married before John's return, a source of grief for him.
Key passages
“Although there are very ancient tales of gold being found upon Exmoor, in lumps and solid hummocks, and of men who slew one another for it, this deep digging and great labour seemed to me a dangerous and unholy enterprise.”
John reflects on the old stories of gold on Exmoor but considers the mining work dangerous and morally questionable.
Sets the tone for John's skepticism about the mining venture.
“The Lady Lorna Dugal is gone, because she could not help herself; and she wept enough to break ten hearts—if hearts are ever broken, John.”
Lizzie tells John that Lorna has left for London, weeping bitterly, and that her departure was unavoidable.
Reveals Lorna's forced departure and emotional state.