Lorna Doone · Chapter
Not to Be Put Up with explained
John Ridd reflects on English justice and the ongoing outrages of the Doones, including the abduction of two barmaids and the brutal kidnapping of Mistress Margery Badcock, during which her baby is tossed and killed by the Doones.
What happens
John Ridd reflects on English justice and the ongoing outrages of the Doones, including the abduction of two barmaids and the brutal kidnapping of Mistress Margery Badcock, during which her baby is tossed and killed by the Doones. Meanwhile, John enjoys his newfound fame in London, receives a knighthood, and longs to return to Exmoor with Lorna.
Themes in this chapter
Justice and Revenge
The Doones' unchecked atrocities, including the murder of a baby, provoke a call for justice and foreshadow the community's eventual revenge.
Social Class and Inequality
John contrasts the nobility of English gentlemen with the tyranny of the Doones, and his own rise from farmer to knight highlights class mobility.
Family and Loyalty
The Badcock family's suffering and John's loyalty to his Exmoor roots underscore the theme of familial bonds.
Characters to notice
- John Ridd
Narrates the chapter, reflects on justice, receives a knighthood, and yearns to return to Exmoor.
- Carver Doone
Identified as the leader who personally abducts Mistress Margery Badcock.
- Lorna Doone
Mentioned as Lady Lorna, who uses her influence with the Queen to help John obtain his discharge.
- Kit Badcock
The husband of the abducted Margery, described as half-crazed and seeking justice.
- Peggy Badcock
Mistress Margery Badcock, the healthy young woman kidnapped by the Doones; her baby is killed.
- Earl Brandir
Pleased with John for saving his life and wealth, introduces him to great people.
- Lord Jeffreys
Mentioned as the bloodthirsty judge from whose circuit John is glad to escape.
Key passages
“Now this reminds me how it is that an English gentleman is so far in front of foreign noblemen and princes.”
John reflects on the superiority of English gentlemen over foreign nobles, attributing it to an inborn love of justice and steadfastness.
John's commentary on national character and justice.
“In spite of tears, and shrieks, and struggles, they tore the babe from the mother's arms, and cast it on the lime ash floor; then they bore her away to their horses...”
The Doones violently kidnap Margery Badcock, throwing her baby to the ground before carrying her off.
Graphic depiction of the Doones' cruelty.
“If any man asketh who killed thee, Say 'twas the Doones of Bagworthy.”
The Doones mockingly instruct that the baby's death be attributed to them.
A chilling epitaph for the murdered infant.