Lorna Doone · Chapter
A Royal Invitation explained
John Ridd receives a royal summons to London to testify before the King's Bench, likely concerning the Doones.
What happens
John Ridd receives a royal summons to London to testify before the King's Bench, likely concerning the Doones. He struggles with the timing, as it prevents him from seeing Lorna before he leaves. Jeremy Stickles delays their departure until Saturday, and John tries in vain to signal Lorna from the cliffs. His mother is initially distressed but is reassured by Stickles that the King simply wants to meet John.
Themes in this chapter
Honor and Reputation
John feels bound by his duty to the King and his role as a churchwarden's son, weighing his personal desires against his sense of honor.
Love and Sacrifice
John's anguish at not being able to see Lorna before leaving highlights the tension between his love for her and his obligations.
Characters to notice
- John Ridd
Receives a royal summons and is torn between duty and his desire to see Lorna before leaving.
- Jeremy Stickles
The King's officer who delivers the summons and delays their departure to enjoy the Ridds' hospitality.
- Mistress Ridd
John's mother, who is initially alarmed by the summons but is reassured by Stickles.
- Annie Ridd
John's sister, present during the discussion of the summons.
- Lorna Doone
John tries and fails to signal her from the cliffs before his departure.
Key passages
“I felt myself to be, as it were, in a place of some importance; in a situation of trust, I may say; and bound not to depart from it.”
John feels he is in a position of responsibility and must not abandon his duty.
Reflects John's internal conflict between duty and personal desire.
“Therefore now my only chance of seeing Lorna, before I went, lay in watching from the cliff and espying her, or a signal from her.”
John's only hope to see Lorna before leaving is to watch for a sign from her on the cliff.
Highlights John's desperation and the obstacles to their love.