Lorna Doone

Lorna Doone is a historical romance novel by English author R. D. Blackmore, published in 1869. The novel is set in the late 17th century in the Exmoor region of Devon and Somerset, England. It is a tale of romance, adventure, and revenge, centered around the character of Lorna Doone and her love interest, John Ridd.

Plot Summary

The story begins with the protagonist, John Ridd, recounting his childhood and the murder of his father by the notorious Doone clan. The Doones are a family of outlaws who live in a secluded valley on Exmoor. As John grows up, he becomes determined to avenge his father's death.

During one of his ventures into the Doone Valley, John meets and falls in love with Lorna Doone, a beautiful young woman who is being held captive by the Doones. Lorna is revealed to be of noble birth, and her true identity becomes a central element of the plot.

John and Lorna's love faces numerous obstacles, including the violent and vengeful Doone clan, led by the ruthless Carver Doone. The novel also explores themes of social class, justice, and the struggle between good and evil.

Characters

• John Ridd: The protagonist and narrator of the story. A brave and determined young man who seeks to avenge his father's death and win Lorna's love.
• Lorna Doone: The heroine of the novel. She is of noble birth but is held captive by the Doone clan.
• Carver Doone: The main antagonist. A violent and ruthless leader of the Doone clan.
• Sir Ensor Doone: The aging patriarch of the Doone family.
• Annie Ridd: John's sister, who provides support and comfort to him throughout the story.
• Tom Faggus: A highwayman and friend of John Ridd.

Themes

The novel explores several themes, including:

• Love and Romance: The central love story between John and Lorna.
• Revenge and Justice: John's quest to avenge his father's murder.
• Social Class and Identity: Lorna's true noble identity and the social barriers between her and John.
• Good vs. Evil: The moral struggle between the virtuous John and the villainous Doones.

Setting

The novel is set in the picturesque and rugged landscape of Exmoor, a region in Devon and Somerset. The setting plays a significant role in the story, with the wild and remote Doone Valley serving as a backdrop for the novel's dramatic events.

Adaptations

Lorna Doone has been adapted into various film, television, and radio productions over the years. Some notable adaptations include:

• A 1922 silent film directed by Maurice Tourneur.
• A 1951 film directed by Phil Karlson.
• A 2000 television film produced by the BBC.

Legacy

Lorna Doone remains a beloved classic of English literature. Its blend of romance, adventure, and historical detail has captivated readers for generations. The novel has also contributed to the cultural heritage of the Exmoor region, attracting tourists and literary enthusiasts.

See Also

• R. D. Blackmore
• Exmoor
• Historical romance
• English literature