JAMNABAI NARSEE SCHOOL

English Literature
Lochinvar
by Sir Walter Scott Std VIII

Ref 1. “He rode all unarm’d and he rode all alone,

So faithful in love, and so dauntless in war.”

Q1. Where did Lochinvar come from? How did he ride to Netherby Hall? Why does the
poet say he was late?
Ans1.Lochinvar rode all unarm’d and alone from West Scotland, stopping not for brake or
stone, he swam the river Eske where there was no ford and alighted at Netherby gate.
The poet says that he reached late because the bride had consented to marry another man.

Q2.How does Sir W.Scott describe Lochinvar in the opening stanza?

Ans2.Lochinvar was a brave young knight who rode out from West Scotland. He had the best
steed in the country, was faithful in love, fearless in war and save his good broadsword he
weapons had none.

Q3.Whom did Lochinvar love?

Ans3.Lochinvar loved Ellen of Netherby Hall.

Q4.As soon as Lochinvar enters Netherby Hall what does the bride’s father say to him?
Ans4.The bride’s father with his hand on his sword asks him if he had come there in peace or
war or to dance at their bridal.

Q5.How does Lochinvar reply to the bride’s father’s question?

Ans5.Lochinvar states that he long woo’d Ellen, his suit was denied, love swells like the
Solway, but ebbs like its tide. Now he had come, with this lost love of his to lead but one
measure, drink one cup of wine and that there was no scarcity of Scottish maidens who would
gladly be his bride.
Q6.How does the poet describe the bridegroom in the poem?
Ans6.The poet calls him a ‘laggard in love, and a dastard in war’. When Lochinvar reached
Netherby Hall, the poor craven bridegroom said never a word. While Lochinvar was dancing
with Ellen, he stood there dangling his bonnet and plume.

Ref 2- “So stately his form, and so lovely her face,

That never a hall such galliard did grace….”

Q1.What reaction did they evoke from the guests as they danced?
Ans1.The pair danced with merriment and everyone commented that they added to the charm
of the hall by their graceful dance. Ellen’s mother fretted and her father fumed while the
groom, stood dangling his bonnet and plume and the bride-maidens said that it would have
been much better to have matched Ellen with Lochinvar.

Q2.What was the sudden turn of events as they danced?

Ans2.While dancing with Ellen, Lochinvar touched her hand and whispered one word to his
lady-love. They went to the door of the hall where his horse was standing., He then swung
her onto the back of his horse and he swung on to the saddle in front of her. They rode over
bank, bush and scour, while the men of the different tribes followed them.There was racing
and chasing on Cannobie Lee, but the lost bride of Netherby never did they see.

Q3.Which line in the poem tells you that they were unable to catch the couple?
Ans3. ‘The lost bride of Netherby never did they see’.

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