Lorna Doone · Chapter
How to Get Out of Chancery explained
Lorna returns to Exmoor in high spirits, having secured permission from Lord Chancellor Jeffreys and King James II to marry John Ridd, though the agreement is later invalidated after James is deposed.
What happens
Lorna returns to Exmoor in high spirits, having secured permission from Lord Chancellor Jeffreys and King James II to marry John Ridd, though the agreement is later invalidated after James is deposed. Lorna declares she will give up her wealth to marry John as a farmer's wife, while Mistress Ridd worries about financial prudence and suggests buying Farmer Snowe's farm. John wrestles with his unworthiness and ultimately places his faith in God.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Sacrifice
Lorna's willingness to give up her entire fortune to marry John as a farmer's wife exemplifies the theme of love triumphing over material concerns.
Social Class and Inequality
The tension between Lorna's noble status and John's farming background is highlighted through discussions of money, land, and the legal obstacles to their marriage.
Family and Loyalty
Mistress Ridd's pragmatic concerns for the family's future and her emotional response to Lorna's return underscore the bonds of family loyalty.
Characters to notice
- Lorna Doone
Returns to Exmoor in wonderful health and spirits, declares herself her own mistress, and insists on marrying John without her fortune.
- John Ridd
Overjoyed at Lorna's return, struggles with feelings of unworthiness, and resolves to trust in God.
- Mistress Ridd
Expresses concern about Lorna giving up her money, pragmatically suggests buying Farmer Snowe's farm, and later sits in an ancient chair watching Lorna with emotion.
- Annie Ridd
Mentioned for her skill in butter-making, which John recalls when considering the value of Snowe's farm.
- Lizzie Ridd
Present during Lorna's return; her eyes dance at Lorna's beauty, and she is teased about being meant for a soldier's bride.
- Lord Jeffreys
As Lord Chancellor, he grants Lorna permission to marry John Ridd upon payment of a round sum and conditional on the King's consent.
Key passages
“Lorna told me, with the sweetest smile, that if I were minded to take her at all, I must take her without anything; inasmuch as she meant, upon coming of age, to make over the residue of her estates to the next-of-kin, as being unfit for a farmer's wife.”
Lorna smilingly informed John that if he wanted to marry her, he must accept her without any wealth, as she planned to give away her remaining estates to her relatives, since they were unsuitable for a farmer's wife.
Lorna's declaration of her intent to renounce her fortune for love.
“I am my own mistress!”
I am in control of my own life and decisions!
Lorna announces her newfound independence upon returning to Exmoor.
“Surely this is too fine to last, for a man who never deserved it.”
This happiness is surely too good to be permanent for someone as undeserving as me.
John's self-doubt and humility in the face of his good fortune.