Lorna Doone · Chapter
An Early Morning Call explained
John Ridd rises early and makes his way to the Bagworthy water, where he witnesses a beautiful sunrise.
What happens
John Ridd rises early and makes his way to the Bagworthy water, where he witnesses a beautiful sunrise. He meets Lorna Doone, and they confess their love for each other. Lorna accepts John's ring but then expresses doubt that their love can ever be realized.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Sacrifice
John and Lorna confess their love for each other, but Lorna's doubt hints at the sacrifices and obstacles ahead.
Nature and the Rural World
The chapter opens with a vivid description of the October sunrise and the landscape, reflecting the beauty of the rural world.
Characters to notice
- John Ridd
John rises early and climbs to the Bagworthy water, where he meets Lorna and confesses his love.
- Lorna Doone
Lorna meets John in the morning, accepts his love and his ring, but then expresses doubt about their future.
Key passages
“I have loved you long and long, when you were a little child, as a boy I worshipped you: then when I saw you a comely girl, as a stripling I adored you: now that you are a full-grown maiden all the rest I do, and more—I love you more than tongue can tell, or heart can hold in silence.”
John tells Lorna that he has loved her since childhood, and his love has only grown stronger over time.
John's declaration of enduring love.
“Darling, you have won it all. I shall never be my own again. I am yours, my own one, forever and forever.”
Lorna tells John that she belongs to him completely and forever.
Lorna's acceptance of John's love.
“It can never, never be, Who am I, to dream of it? Something in my heart tells me it can be so never, never.”
Lorna doubts that their love can ever come to fruition, feeling unworthy or foreseeing obstacles.
Lorna's doubt about their future together.