Lorna Doone · Chapter
John Is John No Longer explained
John Ridd describes his blissful state of mind after rescuing Lorna and living in London.
What happens
John Ridd describes his blissful state of mind after rescuing Lorna and living in London. He receives a letter from home with news of the farm, the Doones, and Tom Faggus. Lorna and John discuss whether to tell Earl Brandir about his lost son Alan. John defends the Earl from three robbers, capturing them. The robbers are revealed to be disreputable Protestant witnesses, earning John public acclaim and royal favor.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Sacrifice
John's devotion to Lorna and his willingness to protect Earl Brandir for her sake; Lorna's concern for her uncle's grief.
Family and Loyalty
Earl Brandir's unwavering hope for his son Alan's return; John's family sending provisions and news; the theme of loyalty to kin.
Justice and Revenge
John's capture of the robbers and the public acclaim for catching disreputable witnesses; the hanging of Doones by Colonel Kirke as a form of rough justice.
Characters to notice
- John Ridd
Narrator; describes his happy state and receives a letter from home; defends Earl Brandir from robbers and gains public acclaim.
- Lorna Doone
Lives with Earl Brandir; enjoys provisions from John's family; discusses with John whether to tell the Earl about his son Alan.
- Earl Brandir
Deaf old nobleman; believes his son Alan will return; nearly shot by robbers but saved by John.
- Tom Faggus
Mentioned in Lizzie's letter as recovering from a wound and intending to lead a new life.
- Annie Ridd
Mentioned indirectly through family news; not directly present in the chapter.
- Mistress Ridd
Mentioned as worrying about John and the farm; sends provisions via packhorses.
Key passages
“I put away from me all torment, and the thought of future cares, and the sight of difficulty; and to myself appeared, which means that I became the luckiest of lucky fellows, since the world itself began.”
John deliberately ignores his worries and feels extraordinarily fortunate.
Reflects John's blissful state after rescuing Lorna.
“Lorna was greatly pleased with the goose, and the butter, and the brandied cherries; and the Earl Brandir himself declared that he never tasted better than those last, and would beg the young man from the country to procure him instructions for making them.”
Lorna and Earl Brandir enjoy the food sent by John's family, and the Earl asks for the recipe.
Shows the domestic comfort and connection between John's rural home and the London household.
“I will give no key to you. It all belongs to my boy, Alan. No one else shall have a farthing.”
Earl Brandir refuses to hand over the key to the robbers, insisting the money is for his son.
Demonstrates the Earl's steadfast loyalty to his missing son.