# John Becomes Too Popular explained — Lorna Doone

> Chapter companion for Lorna Doone by R. D. Blackmore.

## What happens

John Ridd recounts his journey to Watchett to find the grave of Lorna's mother, the Countess of Dugal, but is hindered by his own fame as a wrestler. He reflects on Lorna's tragic family history and the Doones' motives for raising her. Meanwhile, Jeremy Stickles recovers from his wound, and John contemplates the dangers posed by Carver Doone.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Sacrifice

John and Lorna discuss the depth of their love, with Lorna questioning whether John would give up everything for her, and John affirming he would.

### Social Class and Inequality

Lorna's noble birth and inheritance create tension with John's yeoman status, and the Doones' schemes revolve around her estate.

### Family and Loyalty

Lorna mourns her parents' tragic fate, and John reflects on the Doones' manipulation of her lineage for their own gain.

## Character check-ins

### John Ridd

Narrates his journey to Watchett and his reflections on Lorna's past.

### Lorna Doone

Listens to John's tale of her parents' fate, weeps, and expresses her love and fear of selfishness.

### Jeremy Stickles

Recovering from his wound; John reviles Sergeant Bloxham to encourage him.

### Carver Doone

Mentioned as a feared suitor for Lorna and a potential threat to John.

### Benita

Impressed upon John that Lorna's father was the Earl of Dugal.

## Key lines

> No flower that I have ever seen, either in shifting of light and shade, or in the pearly morning, may vie with a fair young woman’s face when tender thought and quick emotion vary, enrich, and beautify it.

John reflects that a young woman's face, when moved by emotion, surpasses any flower in beauty.

_John's poetic admiration of Lorna's expression as she listens to his tale._

> I wanted to have my love on earth; and my dear wife in my own home; and children in good time, if God should please to send us any.

John desires a tangible, earthly life with Lorna, including marriage and family, rather than a distant spiritual reunion.

_John's practical and earthly view of love contrasts with Lorna's more spiritual perspective._

> But though the art is an honest one, surely they who excel therein have a right (like all the rest of mankind) to their own private life.

John argues that even skilled wrestlers deserve privacy, despite his fame causing unwanted attention in Watchett.

_John's frustration with his celebrity status interfering with his mission._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/lvi-john-becomes-too-popular
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lorna_doone_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters