# Slaughter in the Marshes explained — Lorna Doone

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

## What happens

John Ridd travels through Somerset towns seeking Tom Faggus, arrives in Bridgwater during the Monmouth Rebellion, is reluctantly roused to witness the battle, and observes the brutal slaughter of the countrymen by the King's cavalry.

## Themes in this chapter

### Justice and Revenge

John witnesses the brutal slaughter of the countrymen by the King's cavalry, highlighting the harsh justice meted out to rebels.

### Love and Sacrifice

John's motivation to fight is tied to his love for Lorna; he reflects on Ruth's behavior and his own emotional conflicts.

### Nature and the Rural World

The marshland setting, with its dykes, willows, and new-mown hay, contrasts with the violence of battle.

## Character check-ins

### John Ridd

Narrator; travels to Bridgwater, is awakened by the landlady, and rides out to witness the battle.

### Tom Faggus

Sought by John in Bridgwater but not found among the rustic soldiers.

### Annie Ridd

Mentioned as Tom Faggus's wife; John fears she might be widowed.

### Winnie

John's horse; bravely carries him through the marsh and narrowly avoids a cannonball.

### Kickums

John's horse; snoring when John wakes him to ride out.

### Ruth Huckaback

Cousin Ruth; John reflects on her puzzling farewell behavior.

### Lorna Doone

John's chief love; he mentions her as the reason he would strike a blow.

### Master Dryden

Mentioned disparagingly by John in contrast to Shakespeare.

## Key lines

> I am for King James, if any.

John declares his allegiance to King James II.

_John's political stance is revealed during his conversation with the landlady._

> Cross the rhaine, they shouted out, 'cross the rhaine, and coom within rache:' but the other mongrel Britons, with a mongrel at their head, found it pleasanter to shoot men who could not shoot in answer.

The countrymen urged the King's soldiers to cross the ditch and fight hand-to-hand, but the soldiers preferred to shoot them from a distance.

_Describes the one-sided nature of the battle, with the King's forces avoiding close combat._

> I never did approve of making a cold pie of death.

John dislikes the cold, calculated killing of battle.

_Reflects John's moral discomfort with the slaughter he witnesses._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/lxiv-slaughter-in-the-marshes
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lorna_doone_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters