Social Class and Inequality

The book explores rigid class distinctions, as seen in John Ridd's humble yeoman status contrasted with Lorna's noble birth, and the Doones' aristocratic lawlessness. Characters frequently grapple with the tension between merit and birthright, especially in marriage and justice.

John Ridd reflects on his station as a yeoman's son and the limits of ambition for a farmer's son in education.

The division between boarders and day-boys ('caddes') is based on payment for schooling, highlighting class distinctions among the students.

The Doones' noble birth contrasts with their descent into robbery, highlighting class tensions and the failure of justice.

John reflects on the social gulf between himself as a yeoman's boy and Lorna as a born lady, noting that even generations of training could not give his family her natural noble bearing.