Lorna Doone - Week 7

[Deborah, Moderator]

John sneaks into Doone territory to see Lorna. Lorna tells a Ensor all about John, and Ensor requests to see him. While Ensor does not officially give his blessing. He seems to accept the relationship after some misgiving. Tom is pardoned by the King but continues his highway man ways. And a fierce winter storm,

1. What do you think about Tom’s actions? Do the ends justify the jeans?

2. Why is Ensor revered?

[Lori, Moderator]

I think Tom has made some enemies. Maybe what he did wasn't wise. I guess we will see.

I was surprised about Marwood Whichehalse. Of course, Justice Jeffries had wondered if the family was involved in a conspiracy, but I didn't expect them to be in league with the Doones. I assumed the Doones worked alone, too. Speaking of which, how did the Doones get so many men? They can't all be relatives. Do they recruit? If so, how? Did they recruit Marwood?

[Deborah, Moderator]

Lori wrote: "I think Tom has made some enemies. Maybe what he did wasn't wise. I guess we will see.

I was surprised about Marwood Whichehalse. Of course, Justice Jeffries had wondered if the family was involv..."

Good questions

[Charlotte]

I am still trying to figure out what Sir Ensor’s background and position is. It appears that the he was already a known figure before the novel was written.

Here are some notes and student projects on the Doones:
http://classprojects.kenyon.edu/engl/...

There is a conflict between the Counsellor/Carver and Sir Ensor, but what exactly is the story behind it...

[Lori, Moderator]

That's interesting, Charlotte! I didn't realize they were based on real (or legendary) people.

[Robin P, Moderator]

As someone who has lived in snowy climates, I really liked the section with the storm. It is definitely possible for houses to get snowed in and animals to be stranded.. They were lucky that the sheep had basically created an igloo for themselves. And as someone who grew up on a sheep farm, I am very impressed that John could carry two at a time through the drifts. We keep being told how big and strong he is but that is quite a feat to do 33 times!

[Deborah, Moderator]

Robin wrote: "As someone who has lived in snowy climates, I really liked the section with the storm. It is definitely possible for houses to get snowed in and animals to be stranded.. They were lucky that the sh..."

I enjoyed the storm too, and was awed by john’s strength

[Brian E]

It's interesting to see that the real Doone's were Scottish. I didn't read more of the article, though, as it started to seem like there might be spoilers.

The book section with Ensor was interesting, but I don't know why he was revered knowing knowing more. Probably, he is revered, as any leader is, because he led them to a so-far successful new life when they lost their status in regular society.

There are a lot of good questions raised. We're now at the half way point and I really don't feel like waiting for hundreds of more pages for answers. I wish there was less book left as I want the answers soon.

[Deborah, Moderator]

Brian wrote: "It's interesting to see that the real Doone's were Scottish. I didn't read more of the article, though, as it started to seem like there might be spoilers.

The section with Ensor was interesting ..."

I’d like some answers too