# Ruth Is Not Like Lorna explained — Lorna Doone

> Chapter companion for Lorna Doone by R. D. Blackmore.

## What happens

John Ridd's mother, Mistress Ridd, begins to devise plans to rescue Lorna from the Doones, but John explains the dangers. Meanwhile, Ruth Huckaback overhears Mistress Ridd's unkind words about her and leaves hurt. John visits Lorna, who gives him an ancient ring as a love token, and they discuss their hopes and fears for the future.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Sacrifice

John and Lorna exchange rings as tokens of their love, despite the dangers and obstacles posed by the Doones and social class.

### Social Class and Inequality

The chapter highlights the class divide between John the yeoman and Lorna the noblewoman, as well as Mistress Ridd's disdain for Ruth's lower status.

### Family and Loyalty

Lorna's loyalty to her grandfather prevents her from fleeing, while John's mother shows protective loyalty to her son.

## Character check-ins

### John Ridd

John navigates his mother's plans and his love for Lorna, receiving a ring from her as a token.

### Lorna Doone

Lorna gives John an ancient ring, expresses her longing for peace, and insists on staying with her grandfather.

### Mistress Ridd

John's mother devises plans to rescue Lorna and inadvertently offends Ruth Huckaback.

### Ruth Huckaback

Ruth overhears Mistress Ridd's harsh words about her and her grandfather, and announces her intention to return to Dulverton.

### Annie Ridd

Annie is mentioned as part of the household, helping with plans for Lorna.

### Carver Doone

Carver is referenced as a threat to John and Lorna, having nearly killed John.

### Uncle Reuben Huckaback

Uncle Reuben is mentioned as the grandfather of Ruth, whose schemes Mistress Ridd criticizes.

### Counsellor Doone

The Counsellor is mentioned as a wicked figure in the Doone valley.

## Key lines

> I never can believe, dear John, that after all the crime and outrage wrought by my reckless family, it ever can be meant for me to settle down to peace and comfort in a simple household.

Lorna doubts she can ever find peace in a simple home because of her family's violent reputation.

_Lorna expresses her fear that her Doone heritage will prevent her from having a normal life with John._

> I will bind you to me, you dearest, with the very poorest and plainest thing that ever you set eyes on.

Lorna gives John a simple old ring as a token of her love, valuing honesty over wealth.

_Lorna exchanges rings with John, giving him an ancient ring as a symbol of their commitment._

> If the common farmer had won the great lady of the ancient race, what were rings and old-world trinkets, when compared to the living jewel?

Mistress Ridd says that John's love for Lorna is more valuable than any ring or heirloom.

_John's mother comforts him, emphasizing that Lorna herself is the true treasure._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/xxxv-ruth-is-not-like-lorna
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lorna_doone_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters