Lorna Doone · Chapter
Feeding of the Pigs explained
John Ridd grows increasingly anxious about Lorna's safety and the political unrest in the region, including rumors of rebellion against King Charles II.
What happens
John Ridd grows increasingly anxious about Lorna's safety and the political unrest in the region, including rumors of rebellion against King Charles II. Betty Muxworthy cryptically hints at Lorna's whereabouts and tests John's strength by having him carry a heavy bucket of pig's wash. Uncle Reuben Huckaback departs suddenly, leaving his granddaughter Ruth at the Ridd farm. John attempts to visit Lorna after eight weeks but fails to see her, and his gift of trout and eggs is stolen by Carver Doone.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Sacrifice
John's persistent concern for Lorna, his efforts to bring her gifts, and his willingness to risk danger for her sake.
Family and Loyalty
John's protective feelings toward his mother and sisters; Annie's loyalty in helping John; the Ridd family's instinct to shelter fugitives.
Social Class and Inequality
The Doones' outlaw status and potential alignment with a Protestant rising for revenge and recovery of estates; the contrast between wealthy landowners and rural farmers.
Characters to notice
- John Ridd
Narrator and protagonist; grows uneasy about Lorna and political conspiracies; demonstrates strength by carrying pig's wash; attempts to visit Lorna but fails.
- Lorna Doone
John's beloved; her absence and safety are a central concern; John fails to meet her despite waiting.
- Betty Muxworthy
Makes cryptic signs to John about Lorna; tests his strength by having him carry pig's wash; hints at helping him win Lorna.
- Annie Ridd
John's sister; helps him by gently discouraging Sally Snowe and covering for his absence.
- Carver Doone
Villainous Doone; steals John's gift of trout and eggs intended for Lorna.
- Uncle Reuben Huckaback
Departs suddenly, leaving his granddaughter Ruth at the farm; his political leanings are uncertain.
- Ruth Huckaback
Uncle Reuben's granddaughter; stays at the Ridd farm and seems happier there.
- Jeremy Stickles
Mentioned as having given hints about unrest; his warnings contribute to John's unease.
Key passages
“Jan Ridd, there be no other man in England cud a' dood it. Now thee shalt have Larna.”
Betty Muxworthy tells John that no other man in England could have carried the heavy bucket, and promises that he will win Lorna as a reward.
Betty's cryptic encouragement links John's physical strength to his romantic hopes.
“For it must be plain to any conspirator (without the example of the Doones) that for the secret muster of men and the stowing of unlawful arms, and communication by beacon lights, scarcely a fitter place could be found than the wilds of Exmoor...”
John reflects that Exmoor's remote landscape makes it ideal for secret gatherings and hiding weapons, especially given the Doones' precedent.
Highlights the political tension and the strategic importance of the region.
“But alas, I was utterly disappointed; for although I waited and waited for hours, with an equal amount both of patience and peril, no Lorna ever appeared at all, nor even the faintest sign of her.”
John waits in vain for Lorna, growing both patient and anxious, but she never comes.
Emphasizes John's longing and the growing sense of danger.
