Suitable Devotion explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Social Class and Inequality

  John grapples with the disparity between his own humble farming background and Lorna's noble lineage, as detailed by Master Ramsack. The chapter highlights the rigid class structures of the time and John's internal struggle to reconcile love with social standing.

• Love and Sacrifice

  Lorna's letter to John confirms her love, and John's decision to face trial rather than flee is motivated partly by his desire to protect his family and his hope for a future with Lorna. Their devotion is tested by external circumstances.

• Religion and Morality

  The chapter contrasts Catholic and Protestant practices, with John attending a Catholic mass out of devotion to Lorna. His reflections on faith, the King's religious policies, and the moral implications of the rebellion are woven throughout.

• Honor and Reputation

  John refuses to flee because it would forfeit his family's farm and honor. He insists on standing trial to clear his name, demonstrating his commitment to personal integrity over self-preservation.

Characters to notice

• John Ridd

  John is the narrator and protagonist, captured after the battle but determined to stand trial rather than flee. He receives a love letter from Lorna and learns more about her noble birth, which deepens his internal conflict.

• Lorna Doone

  Lorna sends John a letter expressing her love and asking him to visit. She is also seen attending court and mass, and her noble lineage is discussed in detail.

• Jeremy Stickles

  Jeremy advises John to seek an order for his despatch to London and uses his influence to arrange a meeting with Lord Churchill.

• Lord Churchill

  Lord Churchill interviews John after the battle, questioning him about his involvement. John finds him civil but detects something false in his manner.

• Master Ramsack

  Master Ramsack, a furrier, provides John with detailed information about Lorna's noble Scottish ancestry and her connection to Earl Brandir.

• Earl Brandir

  Earl Brandir of Lochawe is Lorna's great-uncle and guardian, with whom she lives when not at court.

• Kickums

  Kickums, John's horse, abandons him after the battle and heads home to Plover's Barrows, causing John concern for his family's distress.

• Parson Bowden

  John mentions Parson Bowden as someone he wishes were present to help him understand the religious proceedings at the Catholic mass.

Key passages

• “I ran away, and could not stop. To behold even her, at the moment, would have dashed my fancy's joy. Yet my brain was so amiss, that I must do something. Therefore to the river Thames, with all speed, I hurried; and keeping all my best clothes on (indeed for sake of Lorna), into the quiet stream I leaped, and swam as far as London Bridge, and ate nobler dinner afterwards.”

  Overwhelmed by Lorna's letter, John flees impulsively and, still in his fine clothes, jumps into the Thames and swims to London Bridge, afterward enjoying a hearty meal.

  This passage illustrates John's emotional turmoil and his impulsive, physical response to receiving Lorna's love letter.

• “I will look up to no man, except for what himself has done.”

  John declares that he respects a person only for their own achievements, not their birth.

  This line captures John's egalitarian values and his resistance to the class hierarchy that threatens his relationship with Lorna.

• “If they have aught to try me for, I will stand my trial.”

  John insists on facing legal judgment rather than fleeing, even though it puts him at risk.

  This shows John's commitment to honor and his refusal to abandon his family's farm and reputation.