# A Man Justly Popular explained — Lorna Doone

> Chapter companion for Lorna Doone by R. D. Blackmore.

## What happens

John Ridd reflects on his cousin Tom Faggus, a notorious highwayman, and the mixed feelings of pride and shame his family feels about him. He recounts Tom's backstory: a skilled blacksmith ruined by a lawsuit with Sir Robert Bampfylde, which led to his life of crime. Despite his outlaw status, Tom is generous, never robs the poor, and is beloved by common folk. John also describes the ongoing impunity of the Doones and his own reluctance to seek revenge for his father's murder. The chapter ends with a strange, dark winter and Tom's return, bringing John a new carbine.

## Themes in this chapter

### Justice and Revenge

John rejects revenge for his father's murder, while Tom Faggus turns to crime after being unjustly ruined by the law.

### Social Class and Inequality

Tom Faggus's downfall is caused by a wealthy baronet's lawsuit, highlighting class power imbalances.

### Honor and Reputation

The Ridd family's ambivalence about Tom's fame reflects the tension between his criminal reputation and his personal honor.

## Character check-ins

### John Ridd

Narrator, now twenty-one, reflects on his cousin Tom Faggus and the Doones, showing his gentle and forgiving nature.

### Tom Faggus

John's cousin, a highwayman with a tragic backstory; generous and popular despite his crimes.

### Annie Ridd

John's sister, described as pure and gentle, with a soft gaze that shames John when he speaks ill of others.

### Carver Doone

Mentioned as one of the Doones who continue to thrive and terrorize the region without consequence.

### Sir Robert Bampfylde

The gentleman who ruined Tom Faggus through a lawsuit; later robbed by Tom but treated with ironic courtesy.

### Winnie

Tom Faggus's horse, a young mare of unknown origin, possibly a gift from a colonel.

## Key lines

> The world hath preyed on me like a wolf. God help me now to prey on the world.

Tom Faggus, after being ruined by the lawsuit, decides to become a highwayman as a form of retaliation against society.

_This quote captures Tom's turning point from victim to outlaw._

> I doubt but men of true English birth are stouter than so to be twisted, though some of the women may take that turn, if their own life runs unkindly.

John believes that true Englishmen are not naturally vengeful, though women might become so under harsh circumstances.

_John reflects on his own lack of desire for revenge against the Doones._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/xii-a-man-justly-popular
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lorna_doone_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters