Lorna Doone · Question
How does Lorna Doone develop the theme of Justice and Revenge?
Answer
Lorna Doone by R. D. Blackmore develops Justice and Revenge across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
The narrative contrasts lawful justice with vigilante revenge, particularly through the Doones' criminal exploits and the community's eventual uprising. John's quest to avenge his father's murder and the final assault on the Doone valley highlight the moral complexities of retribution.
The gibbet of Red Jem Hannaford symbolizes rough frontier justice, while the Doones represent lawless revenge.
Mistress Ridd seeks justice for her husband's murder but is met with a fabricated story of self-defense, highlighting the failure of informal justice and the seeds of future revenge.
The community's fear and inaction after John Ridd's father's murder illustrate the breakdown of legal order and the cycle of violence.
Evidence in the book
- The Warpath of the Doones
The gibbet of Red Jem Hannaford symbolizes rough frontier justice, while the Doones represent lawless revenge.
- A Very Rash Visit
Mistress Ridd seeks justice for her husband's murder but is met with a fabricated story of self-defense, highlighting the failure of informal justice and the seeds of future revenge.
- An Illegal Settlement
The community's fear and inaction after John Ridd's father's murder illustrate the breakdown of legal order and the cycle of violence.
- Necessary Practice
John's purchase of gunpowder is explicitly motivated by a desire to avenge his father's murder by the Doones.
- Tom Deserves His Supper
John's mother has weaned him from thoughts of revenge for his father's murder, and John reflects on the ambiguity of legal versus illegal robbery, questioning the justice of the King's tribute versus Tom's theft.
- A Man Justly Popular
John rejects revenge for his father's murder, while Tom Faggus turns to crime after being unjustly ruined by the law.
- Master Huckaback Comes In
Uncle Reuben is outraged at being robbed by the Doones and insists on seeking redress, reflecting the theme of justice.
- Quo Warranto?
The failure to obtain a warrant against the Doones underscores the inadequacy of formal justice, leading to plans for direct action.
