Tom Deserves His Supper explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Family and Loyalty

  Mistress Ridd's protective anger toward John and her eventual reconciliation with Tom Faggus highlight family bonds and loyalty to kin, despite Tom's outlaw status.

• Honor and Reputation

  Tom Faggus's pride in his riding skill and his reputation as a highwayman are central; John's courage earns Tom's respect, and Mistress Ridd's initial rejection of Tom reflects concerns about family honor.

• Justice and Revenge

  John's mother has weaned him from thoughts of revenge for his father's murder, and John reflects on the ambiguity of legal versus illegal robbery, questioning the justice of the King's tribute versus Tom's theft.

Characters to notice

• John Ridd

  Attempts to ride Winnie, is thrown, but earns Tom Faggus's praise for his courage and riding skill.

• Tom Faggus

  Visits the Ridd farm, tests John's riding, and is eventually persuaded to stay for supper after a quarrel with Mistress Ridd.

• Mistress Ridd

  Initially furious with Tom for endangering John, but later softens and invites him to stay for a hearty meal.

• Annie Ridd

  Present during the scene; is slapped by her mother but then protected and kissed by Tom Faggus.

• John Fry

  Laughs at John's fall and later is caught trying to steal a keg of Holland cordial.

• Winnie

  Tom Faggus's mare; John attempts to ride her but is thrown due to her wet sides.

• Bill Dadds

  Mentioned among the men who witness John's fall and are scolded by Mistress Ridd.

• Jim Slocombe

  Mentioned among the men who witness John's fall and are scolded by Mistress Ridd.

Key passages

• “Well done, lad... Not at all bad work, my boy; we may teach you to ride by-and-by, I see; I thought not to see you stick on so long⁠—”

  Tom Faggus compliments John on his riding attempt, saying he did better than expected.

  Tom acknowledges John's skill and potential, despite his fall.

• “Foul shame to thee then, Tom Faggus... to put my boy, my boy, across her, as if his life were no more than thine!”

  Mistress Ridd angrily scolds Tom for risking John's life by letting him ride Winnie.

  Her protective maternal instinct overrides her usual calm demeanor.

• “I can tell you one that will... I can allow for you, Cousin Sarah, in everything but one. I am in some ways a bad man myself; but I know the value of a good one; and if you gave me orders, by God⁠—”

  Tom offers to avenge John Ridd's father, implying he would attack the Doones if asked.

  Tom's loyalty to his cousin's memory and his willingness to use violence are revealed.

• “It is true that he took people's money more by force than fraud; and the law (being used to the inverse method) was bitterly moved against him, although he could quote precedent.”

  John reflects that Tom Faggus robbed by force, while the law often robs by legal means, and Tom could cite precedents for his actions.

  John draws a moral parallel between Tom's highway robbery and the King's legal exactions.