Lorna Doone · Chapter
Give Away the Grandeur explained
John Ridd reflects on the peaceful life that follows the defeat of the Doones, detailing the fates of his friends and family: Tom Faggus's continued adventures and eventual pardon, Ruth Huckaback's inheritance and unmarried state, and the u
What happens
John Ridd reflects on the peaceful life that follows the defeat of the Doones, detailing the fates of his friends and family: Tom Faggus's continued adventures and eventual pardon, Ruth Huckaback's inheritance and unmarried state, and the upbringing of Ensie Doone. He also recounts the aftermath of Carver Doone's death, his own grief over Lorna's apparent death, and Ruth's crucial role in saving Lorna's life.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Sacrifice
John's deep love for Lorna is evident in his grief and his willingness to die after she is shot; Ruth's selfless care for Lorna exemplifies sacrifice.
Justice and Revenge
John kills Carver Doone as retribution for Lorna's shooting, but feels remorse and a sense of wrongness afterward.
Family and Loyalty
John's care for Ensie Doone, despite being the son of his enemy, and the loyalty of friends like Ruth and Tom Faggus highlight familial and communal bonds.
Characters to notice
- John Ridd
Narrates the chapter, reflecting on the peaceful aftermath of the Doone conflict and recounting the death of Carver Doone.
- Lorna Doone
John's wife, described as growing in beauty and goodness; she is shot by Carver Doone and nearly dies, but is saved by Ruth Huckaback.
- Ruth Huckaback
Inherits Uncle Reuben's property, remains unmarried, and is credited with saving Lorna's life after the shooting.
- Tom Faggus
Has further adventures after Sedgemoor, escapes capture with his horse Winnie, and eventually receives a pardon under the new king.
- Carver Doone
Killed by John Ridd after shooting Lorna; his body is consumed by a slough.
- Annie Ridd
Mentioned as being with Lorna after she is shot.
Key passages
“I have killed him, even as he killed Lorna. Now let me see my wife, mother. She belongs to me none the less, though dead.”
John confesses to killing Carver Doone in revenge for Lorna's shooting and demands to see his wife, even if she is dead.
John's grief and sense of justice after killing Carver.
“Ruth herself was his true mine, as upon deathbed he found.”
Uncle Reuben realized on his deathbed that Ruth was his greatest treasure, more valuable than any gold mine.
Reflection on Ruth's true worth to her uncle.
“Year by year her beauty grows, with the growth of goodness, kindness, and true happiness—above all with loving.”
Lorna's beauty increases each year as she becomes more good, kind, and happy, especially through love.
John's description of Lorna's enduring beauty and character.