1. Monmouth's Rebellion forms part of the background in Lorna Doone. Who was James Scott, Duke of Monmouth?

Why did he lead a rebellion against his uncle, James II? Why did he fail?

2. When the novel begins, John Ridd has been at Blundell's School for four years. The opening chapters give some indication of the nature of life at a school like Blundell's. Blundell's and schools like it still educate many of England's leading citizens. How are they prepared for their roles in society? How have schools such as Blundell's changed since the seventeenth century?

3. John Ridd, when he is knighted by James II, is at once proud and bewildered. He says, "Sir, I am very much obliged. But what be I to do with it?" He is very conscious of class distinctions, and never aspires to be anything other than...