Lorna Doone · Chapter
Not Too Soon explained
John Ridd braves a treacherous snowstorm to reach Lorna in the Doone Valley, where he finds her and Gwenny starving.
What happens
John Ridd braves a treacherous snowstorm to reach Lorna in the Doone Valley, where he finds her and Gwenny starving. He shares a mince-pie with them and resolves to rescue Lorna from the Doones, planning to take her back to Plover's Barrows farm despite the deep snow.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Sacrifice
John risks his life crossing the snow to bring food to Lorna and plans her rescue, demonstrating his deep love and willingness to sacrifice for her.
Family and Loyalty
Gwenny's fierce loyalty to Lorna and John's care for Lorna highlight the bonds of family-like devotion and protection.
Nature and the Rural World
The overwhelming snow and frozen landscape dominate the chapter, shaping the characters' actions and emphasizing the power of the natural world.
Characters to notice
- John Ridd
John crosses the snow-covered hills to spy on the Doone Glen and then slides down into the valley to visit Lorna, bringing food and planning her rescue.
- Lorna Doone
Lorna is starving and near death, but revives after eating the mince-pie John brings; she agrees to escape with him.
- Gwenny Carfax
Gwenny is also starving and eats greedily; she is prepared to help with the escape and shows fierce loyalty to Lorna.
- Carver Doone
Carver is the villain who intends to force Lorna into marriage; John fears he will harm her if she remains.
- Annie Ridd
Annie is mentioned as the maker of the mince-pie that John brings to Lorna.
Key passages
“When I started on my road across the hills and valleys (which now were pretty much alike), the utmost I could hope to do was to gain the crest of hills, and look into the Doone Glen.”
John sets out across the snow-covered hills, hoping only to reach the top and see into the Doone Valley.
John's journey begins with limited expectations due to the harsh weather.
“I never expected to see you again. I had made up my mind to die, John; and to die without your knowing it.”
Lorna confesses she had given up hope and prepared to die without John knowing.
Lorna's despair highlights the dire situation she faces.
“If I warrant to take you safe, and without much fright or hardship, Lorna, will you come with me?”
John promises to lead Lorna to safety if she agrees to escape with him.
John proposes a rescue plan, emphasizing his confidence and care.