Lorna Doone · Chapter
LX: Annie Luckier Than John explained
John Ridd visits his sister Annie to seek comfort and counsel after Lorna's departure.
What happens
John Ridd visits his sister Annie to seek comfort and counsel after Lorna's departure. He confides in her about his sorrow and the strange history of Lorna's parentage, but Annie insists on consulting her husband Tom Faggus before giving advice. John also reflects on his strained relationships with his mother and sister Lizzie, and finds solace in riding his horse Kickums. The chapter explores John's loneliness and his reliance on Annie's understanding.
Themes in this chapter
Family and Loyalty
John seeks comfort from Annie, but feels betrayed by his mother and Lizzie's lack of support. Annie's loyalty is contrasted with the others' coldness.
Social Class and Inequality
The chapter explores attitudes toward aristocracy, with John's family grappling with Lorna's high birth and Lizzie's conflicted views on nobility.
Love and Sacrifice
John's deep love for Lorna is evident in his grief and his journey to Annie for solace, highlighting his emotional sacrifice.
Characters to notice
- John Ridd
Visits Annie to discuss Lorna's departure and his feelings of isolation.
- Annie Ridd
Welcomes John warmly, listens to his troubles, but defers to Tom Faggus for advice.
- Tom Faggus
Annie's husband; John seeks his counsel regarding Lorna, though John is reluctant.
- Lorna Doone
Mentioned as having departed; John mourns her absence and reflects on her true parentage.
- Lizzie Ridd
John criticizes her sullenness and rudeness toward Lorna, even after learning Lorna's true lineage.
- Mistress Ridd
John feels neglected by her lack of sympathy during his trouble.
Key passages
“All this is not like you, John. All this is not one bit like you: and your cheeks are not as they ought to be. I shall have to come home again, if the women worry my brother so. We always held together, John; and we always will, you know.”
Annie notices John's unusual demeanor and offers to return home if his sisters are troubling him, reaffirming their bond.
Annie's concern highlights her loyalty and the close sibling relationship.
“I am devilish glad to hear it, said I, being touched at going down so: keep him to that mark, my dear; and cork the whisky bottle.”
John sarcastically responds to Annie's praise of Tom's nobility by suggesting she keep him sober.
John's jealousy and skepticism about Tom's character emerge, reflecting his frustration.
“Gone. And I never shall see her again. It serves me right for aspiring so.”
John laments Lorna's departure, blaming himself for hoping to win her love.
John's despair and self-reproach are central to his emotional state in this chapter.