Lorna Doone · Chapter
Hard It Is to Climb explained
John Ridd recalls a cold St.
What happens
John Ridd recalls a cold St. Valentine's Day in 1675/6 when he went loach-fishing alone along the Lynn and Bagworthy streams. Despite the bitter cold, he forded the waters with a three-pronged fork and bag, catching fish and reflecting on his boyhood. The chapter interweaves memories of winter evenings at Plover's Barrows farm with Annie, his schooling at Blundell's (including the rough 'sheep-washing' swimming lessons), and his growing courage as he ventures up the Bagworthy water, a place even grown men feared. The moment marks a turning point in his life, as he obeys his father's command never to be a coward.
Themes in this chapter
Nature and the Rural World
The chapter vividly describes the Devonshire landscape, the Lynn and Bagworthy streams, and the seasonal changes of winter and early spring, emphasizing the beauty and danger of the natural world.
Family and Loyalty
John's memories of his father's advice to never be a coward and his affectionate interactions with Annie highlight the importance of family bonds and loyalty.
Characters to notice
- John Ridd
Narrates his boyhood fishing expedition on St. Valentine's Day, 1675/6, reflecting on his courage and obedience to his father's words.
- Annie Ridd
Mentioned as roasting apples for John during winter evenings and accompanying him on summer fishing trips.
- Betty Muxworthy
Referenced as the maker of the sweet brown bread John eats during his fishing trip.
- Mistress Ridd
Mentioned as John's mother who could spare him from farm work in summer.
Key passages
“It puzzles me now, that I remember all those young impressions so, because I took no heed of them at the time whatever; and yet they come upon me bright, when nothing else is evident in the gray fog of experience.”
John reflects on how vividly his childhood memories return to him in old age, even though he paid them no attention when they happened.
John's nostalgic reflection on the power of memory and the clarity of youthful impressions.
“Now let not anyone suppose that I thought of these things when I was young, for I knew not the way to do it. And proud enough in truth I was at the universal fear I spread in all those lonely places, where I myself must have been afraid, if anything had come up to me.”
John admits that as a boy he was unaware of the deeper meanings of nature and was simply proud of the fear he caused among the fish, though he himself would have been scared if anything had confronted him.
John's self-awareness about his youthful ignorance and bravado.
“Now all the turn of all my life hung upon that moment.”
John declares that the entire course of his life was decided by his decision to continue up the Bagworthy water.
A pivotal moment foreshadowing his encounter with the Doones and Lorna.