Lorna Doone · Chapter
Getting Into Chancery explained
John Ridd reflects on the aftermath of the failed attack on the Doones, the suffering of the wounded, and Jeremy Stickles's slow recovery.
What happens
John Ridd reflects on the aftermath of the failed attack on the Doones, the suffering of the wounded, and Jeremy Stickles's slow recovery. Two officers from the Court of Chancery arrive, having been stripped and driven out by the Doones, bearing writs summoning Lorna Doone to appear before the court due to her inheritance. John must decide how to handle the legal documents and inform Lorna, while also dealing with the growing tension between his mother and Lorna over his relationship with her.
Themes in this chapter
Justice and Revenge
The arrival of Chancery writs introduces a legal battle over Lorna's inheritance, contrasting with the violent justice sought against the Doones.
Love and Sacrifice
John's care for the wounded and his desire to protect Lorna, despite the growing rift with his mother, highlight the sacrifices love demands.
Family and Loyalty
The tension between Mistress Ridd and Lorna, and John's loyalty to both, underscores the strain that secrets and social differences place on family bonds.
Characters to notice
- John Ridd
Narrates the chapter, reflects on the pain of war, cares for the wounded, and grapples with how to handle the Chancery writs concerning Lorna.
- Jeremy Stickles
Lies wounded and feverish; Annie Ridd tends to him. His illness leaves the household without leadership and delays John's plans.
- Annie Ridd
Tenderly nurses Jeremy Stickles, kissing his forehead and arranging his pillows, which helps him begin to recover.
- Lorna Doone
The subject of the Chancery writs; John goes to find her in her garden to serve the citation. Tension grows between her and John's mother.
- Mistress Ridd
John's mother, worried about the implications of Lorna's parentage and the growing distance between herself and Lorna.
- Carver Doone
Mentioned indirectly as part of the Doones who stripped and drove out the Chancery officers.
Key passages
“This last word always seems to me to settle everything when said, because nobody understands it, and yet all can puzzle their neighbours.”
John observes that the word 'constitution' is used to end arguments, even though no one truly understands it.
Reflects John's wry commentary on political rhetoric.
“If a man's ill fate should drive him to make a choice between these two, let him rather be chased by the hounds of law, than tracked by the dogs of Equity.”
John suggests that being pursued by common law is preferable to the slow, relentless process of equity courts like Chancery.
Critique of the Chancery system's complexity.
“Chancery had heard of Lorna, and then had seen how rich she was; and never delaying in one thing, had opened mouth, and swallowed her.”
The Court of Chancery, upon learning of Lorna's wealth, quickly asserted its authority over her.
Personifies the court as greedy and opportunistic.