Lorna Doone · Chapter
Necessary Practice explained
John Ridd, still grieving his father's murder by the Doones, procures gunpowder from Mr.
What happens
John Ridd, still grieving his father's murder by the Doones, procures gunpowder from Mr. Pooke in Porlock to practice shooting against his father's enemies. He returns home, frightened at the site of the murder, and later shows Annie a secret project involving melting lead.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because it presents John Ridd’s psychological peak of tension and respo…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Justice and Revenge
John's purchase of gunpowder is explicitly motivated by a desire to avenge his father's murder by the Doones.
- Family and Loyalty
John's interactions with his mother, Annie, and Betty highlight the family's grief and mutual support after the father's death.
Characters to notice
- John Ridd
Narrates his purchase of gunpowder and his determination to avenge his father.
- Annie Ridd
John's gentle sister, who helps him and is beloved by all.
- Betty Muxworthy
The scolding farm servant who distrusts book-learning and dotes on Annie.
- Mistress Ridd
John's mother, still mourning her husband and worrying about John.
- John Fry
Farm hand whose blunderbuss John borrows for his journey.
- Mr. Pooke
The Porlock shopkeeper who sells John powder and lead, frightened by John's gun.
Key passages
“I had never fired a shot without thinking, 'This for father's murderer'; and John Fry said that I made such faces it was a wonder the gun went off.”
Every time John shot his gun, he imagined it was aimed at his father's killer, and John Fry joked that his angry expressions nearly prevented the gun from firing.
Shows John's obsessive focus on revenge.
“But now I wanted the powder so much that I went and kissed mother very shyly, looking round the corner first, for Betty not to see me.”
John reluctantly kissed his mother to get a shilling for gunpowder, careful to avoid being seen by Betty.
Illustrates John's boyish embarrassment and his determination to get what he needs.
