# Honor and Reputation in Lorna Doone

> Theme guide for Lorna Doone by R. D. Blackmore.

Characters are deeply concerned with personal and family honor, from John's pride in his yeoman integrity to the Doones' fierce defense of their name. The narrative critiques how reputation can be manipulated, as seen in the Doones' dual identity as aristocrats and outlaws.

## Where it surfaces

- [An Important Item](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/ii-an-important-item): John feels a duty to maintain the manliness of the Ridd family and the honor of Exmoor by accepting the fight with Robin Snell, despite his reluctance.
- [A Very Rash Visit](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/iv-a-very-rash-visit): Sir Ensor Doone's pretense of gentlemanly honor contrasts with the Doones' violent actions, exposing the hypocrisy of their claims to nobility.
- [Tom Deserves His Supper](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/xi-tom-deserves-his-supper): Tom Faggus's pride in his riding skill and his reputation as a highwayman are central; John's courage earns Tom's respect, and Mistress Ridd's initial rejection of Tom reflects concerns about family honor.
- [A Man Justly Popular](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/xii-a-man-justly-popular): The Ridd family's ambivalence about Tom's fame reflects the tension between his criminal reputation and his personal honor.
- [A Motion Which Ends in a Mull](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/xiv-a-motion-which-ends-in-a-mull): Uncle Reuben's demand for punishment of the Doones and his insults to the parish highlight concerns over honor and reputation.
- [A Royal Invitation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/xxiii-a-royal-invitation): John feels bound by his duty to the King and his role as a churchwarden's son, weighing his personal desires against his sense of honor.
- [A Safe Pass for King's Messenger](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/xxiv-a-safe-pass-for-king-s-messenger): John struggles to maintain his honor to both the King and Lorna, feeling torn between duty and love.
- [John Is Drained and Cast Aside](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/xxvi-john-is-drained-and-cast-aside): John's concern about being seen begging his way home reflects the importance of honor and reputation in his community.
- [A Troubled State and a Foolish Joke](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/xxxix-a-troubled-state-and-a-foolish-joke): John insists on acting according to his conscience and honor, even when pressured by Stickles, and refuses to be drawn into a plan that would compromise his principles.
- [XLI: Cold Comfort](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/xli-cold-comfort): Sir Ensor's death elicits public admiration despite his evil deeds, reflecting on how honor and reputation can outlast a person's actions.
- [Squire Faggus Makes Some Lucky Hits](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/xlvi-squire-faggus-makes-some-lucky-hits): Tom's honesty is questioned due to his past; John and his mother are concerned with maintaining proper conduct and reputation in their household.
- [XLIX: Maiden Sentinels Are Best](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/xlix-maiden-sentinels-are-best): John confronts Carver Doone directly, asserting his manhood and honor, while the Doones' defeat challenges their reputation as lords of Exmoor.
- [A Visit from the Counsellor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/li-a-visit-from-the-counsellor): John's honesty is contrasted with the Doones' reputation for theft and violence, as highlighted by the Counsellor's comments about John's inability to steal.
- [LII: The Way to Make the Cream Rise](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/lii-the-way-to-make-the-cream-rise): The Counsellor's deceptive behavior and the theft of the necklace threaten the Ridd family's honor and financial stability.
- [Suitable Devotion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/lxvi-suitable-devotion): John refuses to flee because it would forfeit his family's farm and honor. He insists on standing trial to clear his name, demonstrating his commitment to personal integrity over self-preservation.
- [LXVII: Lorna Still Is Lorna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/lxvii-lorna-still-is-lorna): John insists on propriety and consulting Lorna's guardian, while Lorna values honesty and integrity in their relationship.
- [Compelled to Volunteer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/lxx-compelled-to-volunteer): John Ridd's sense of honor compels him to offer the Doones a fair challenge before resorting to force, and the community's pressure on him to lead.
- [A Long Account Settled](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/lxxi-a-long-account-settled): The yeomen and farmers are motivated by the need to restore their honor and community reputation after years of Doone depredations.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/themes/honor_and_reputation
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/themes