Lorna Doone · Chapter
Brought Home at Last explained
John Ridd successfully rescues Lorna Doone from the Doone valley by using the frozen waterslide as an escape route, sledding her home to the Ridd farm.
What happens
John Ridd successfully rescues Lorna Doone from the Doone valley by using the frozen waterslide as an escape route, sledding her home to the Ridd farm. Despite her unconscious state from cold and exhaustion, Lorna is welcomed by John's mother and the household, and she gradually revives in the warmth and care of her new home.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Sacrifice
John's determined rescue of Lorna, risking his own safety and enduring the cold, exemplifies selfless love and devotion.
Family and Loyalty
The Ridd family's warm welcome and care for Lorna, especially Mistress Ridd's blessing, highlight the theme of familial loyalty and acceptance.
Characters to notice
- John Ridd
Narrator and rescuer; devises the escape via the waterslide, pulls Lorna home on a sled, and tenderly cares for her upon arrival.
- Lorna Doone
Rescued from the Doone valley; unconscious from cold and exhaustion, she is carried into the Ridd farm and slowly revives.
- Gwenny Carfax
Lorna's loyal servant; accompanies the escape, helps keep Lorna warm on the sled, and later eats heartily while explaining how the Doone men tricked them.
- Mistress Ridd
John's mother; welcomes Lorna with tears and a blessing, and helps care for her.
- Annie Ridd
John's sister; assists with preparations and holds the light for mother to see Lorna.
- Betty Muxworthy
Household servant; helps carry Lorna inside and chatters about her beauty.
Key passages
“I’ll tak her by the toesen. No taime to stand here like girt gawks. Don’ee tak on zo, missus. Ther be vainer vish in the zea—Lor, but, her be a booty!”
Betty Muxworthy urges everyone to stop gawking and help carry Lorna inside, exclaiming that she is a beauty.
Betty's dialect speech shows her practical, no-nonsense character and her immediate affection for Lorna.
“For I felt that Lorna knew me, and no other soul but me; and that if not interfered with, she would soon come home to me.”
John believes that Lorna recognizes him and that, left undisturbed, she will naturally recover her senses and return to him.
Highlights John's intuitive understanding of Lorna's state and his gentle approach to her recovery.
“God bless you, my fair mistress! ... God bless you, my sweet child!”
Mistress Ridd first addresses Lorna formally, then with growing affection calls her a sweet child.
Shows the transition from formal welcome to maternal acceptance as Lorna wins Mistress Ridd's heart.