LXII: The King Must Not Be Prayed For explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Love and Sacrifice

  John's sorrow over Lorna's silence and his longing for her presence highlight the theme of love and personal sacrifice.

• Family and Loyalty

  Annie's return and John's comfort to her, along with the family's concern for reputation and loyalty to the crown, underscore family bonds.

• Justice and Revenge

  The Doones' preparation for attack and the King's death disrupting justice efforts reflect themes of lawlessness and retribution.

Characters to notice

• John Ridd

  Narrator; returns home from mowing, reflects on Lorna's absence and the King's death, and comforts Annie.

• Annie Ridd

  Returns home with her baby, visibly upset and critical of Lizzie's housekeeping, seeks comfort from John.

• Lorna Doone

  Mentioned in John's thoughts; he feels abandoned by her lack of communication since she left for London.

• Annie Ridd (younger)

  Implied through Annie's criticism; her housekeeping and intellectual pretensions are noted.

• Parson Bowden

  Conducts the service when Sam Fry interrupts the prayer for the King.

• Sam Fry

  Brings news of the King's death and interrupts the church service.

Key passages

• “I forbid that there prai-er.”

  Sam Fry interrupts the church service to stop the prayer for the King, declaring the King is dead.

  Sam Fry's dramatic announcement of King Charles II's death during the service.

• “Dead as a sto-un: poisoned by they Papishers.”

  Sam Fry states the King is dead, poisoned by Catholics.

  Sam Fry's blunt and accusatory report of the King's death.

• “How natural it all looks again! Oh, I love this old kitchen so!”

  Annie expresses nostalgia and affection for the familiar kitchen upon her return.

  Annie's emotional reaction to returning home.