A Tale of Two Cities: Lecture Review

Comprehensive practice flashcards covering plot points, characters, symbols, and themes from Chapters 1 through 15 and Question 105 to 155 of Charles Dickens's A Tale of Two Cities.

Why and how is Charles Darnay arrested upon returning to France?

He returns to save Gabelle, his former servant, but falls into a legal trap as an aristocrat emigrant under new revolutionary laws. Guards restrict his travel at every checkpoint, and he is officially arrested "in secret" upon arriving in Paris.

What occurs during the dialogue between Charles Darnay and Ernest Defarge after Darnay's arrest?

Darnay begs Defarge for help contacting Mr. Lorry, but Defarge flatly denies the request, stating his absolute loyalty belongs only to the Republic and the people. The conversation demonstrates how political zeal replaces personal sympathy.

Where is Charles Darnay imprisoned initially, and what is the environment like?

He is imprisoned in La Force Prison, a gloomy, damp, and foul-smelling jail where aristocrats act like polite, refined ghosts of the old world. Darnay is locked isolated in a small cell.

What is the setting of Chapter Two: "The Grindstone"?

The Paris branch of Tellson's Bank, specifically in Mr. Lorry's rooms overlooking a central courtyard.

What scene takes place outside Mr. Lorry's window in Chapter Two?

A bloodthirsty mob gathers in the courtyard sharpening swords, axes, and pikes around a massive, blood-soaked spinning grindstone in a wild, savage, and terrifyingly violent atmosphere.

How does Dr. Manette interact with the bloodthirsty mob at the grindstone?

He uses his authority as a former Bastille prisoner to immediately command their respect. He calms them down, leading the mob to cheer for him and vow to help protect Darnay.

Why does Mr. Lorry take the Defarges to see Lucie in Chapter Three?

To deliver a secret letter written by Charles, to allow the Defarges to recognize Lucie and her daughter, and ostensibly to protect them from future street violence.

Describe the conversation and tone between Lucie and Madame Defarge in Chapter Three.

Lucie begs Madame Defarge to show mercy to her family, but Madame Defarge responds with cold, unyielding indifference, arguing that individual suffering means nothing compared to the historic oppression of the poor. The exchange is completely devoid of warmth or pity.

What are the literal, symbolic, and thematic meanings of the title "The Shadow" in Chapter Three?

Literally, it refers to the physical shadow Madame Defarge casts over Lucie's child. Symbolically, it signifies the looming threat of the guillotine over the family. Thematically, it represents the inescapable reach of revolutionary vengeance.

Who does the chapter title "Calm in the Storm" describe, and how?

It describes Dr. Manette, who finds new vigor and strength amid the revolution's chaos. His status as a former victim of the old regime acts as a protective shield, allowing him to remain focused and composed while Paris descends into madness.

How does Dr. Manette interact with Charles Darnay in Chapter Four?

He becomes a medical physician for three Parisian prisons, granting him access to visit Charles regularly inside La Force to bring messages and ensure his safety.

What historical references to the French Revolution does Dickens make in Chapter Four?

The height of the Reign of Terror, the dangerous Law of the Suspects, the ruthless Revolutionary Tribunal, and the public execution of King Louis XVI.

Who is the Wood-Sawyer in Chapter Five, and where did he appear previously?

He is the mender of roads who previously appeared wearing a blue cap in the village of Saint Antoine.

Why does Lucie interact with the wood-sawyer, and how does he treat her?

She stands outside his shop for two hours every day because it is a spot where Charles can briefly see her from his high prison window. The wood-sawyer torments and mocks her by pretending his saw is a guillotine chopping off her head.

What is the Carmagnole in Chapter Five?

A wild, frenzied revolutionary dance and song performed in the streets by mobs wearing red caps, which fills Lucie with absolute dread and terror.

What defense does Charles Darnay present at his trial before the Revolutionary Tribunal in Chapter Six?

He emigrated before laws against emigrants were enacted, voluntarily renounced his aristocratic titles and estate, returned to France exclusively to save a citizen's life, and is married to the daughter of the beloved patriot Dr. Manette.

What is the jury's verdict in Charles Darnay's Chapter Six trial, and why?

He is acquitted (found Not Guilty) because the jury is deeply swayed by Dr. Manette's passionate testimony.

How does the crowd react to Charles Darnay's acquittal in Chapter Six?

The crowd instantly shifts from bloodthirsty to celebratory, carrying Charles home on their shoulders in a chaotic triumph.

Who stays with the Manettes to assist with daily chores in Chapter Seven?

Miss Pross and Jerry Cruncher.

How and why must daily shopping be done for the Manette household in Chapter Seven?

It must be done by purchasing very small amounts of food from separate shops in order to avoid any suspicion of hoarding or possessing hidden wealth.

Who are the accusers responsible for Darnay's re-arrest in Chapter Seven?

Ernest Defarge, Thérèse Defarge, and Dr. Alexandre Manette (via his hidden letter).

What is Solomon's true name, and who identifies him in Chapter Eight?

His real name is John Barsad. Miss Pross recognizes him as her brother, and Sydney Carton confirms his identity as a spy.

What job held by Solomon (John Barsad) interests Sydney Carton?

He works as a turnkey (prison guard) at the Conciergerie.

How does Jerry Cruncher's grave digging provide leverage against Barsad in Chapter Eight?

Cruncher reveals that the spy Roger Cly faked his death, proven when Cruncher dug up Cly's coffin years ago and found it filled with stones. Carton uses this proof of collusion with a fraud to blackmail Barsad.

Explain the metaphor of "A Hand at Cards" in Chapter Eight.

Carton plays a metaphorical card game against Barsad where Carton holds all the winning cards (Barsad's secrets, lies, and espionage). Carton wins by threatening to expose Barsad to the revolutionary committee if he does not cooperate.

What favor does Sydney Carton extort from Barsad in Chapter Nine?

Secret, one-time entry into Charles Darnay's prison cell.

What does Sydney Carton buy while wandering the streets in Chapter Nine, and where does he purchase it?

A powerful, fast-acting chemical anesthetic/poison from a small, quiet chemist's shop in Paris.

What recurring biblical phrase echoes in Sydney Carton's mind in Chapter Nine?

"I am the resurrection and the life, saith the Lord…"

Who is the unnamed witness produced against Charles Darnay in Chapter Nine, and what is his reaction?

Dr. Manette, via his hidden Bastille diary. Dr. Manette is completely horrified and heartbroken to see his own past words weaponized against his son-in-law.

What physical evidence is produced against Darnay in Chapter Nine, and how was it recovered?

A handwritten manuscript written in blood and ink that Dr. Manette hid in a chimney cell in the Bastille, which Ernest Defarge uncovered during the storming of the prison.

How did Dr. Manette first become involved with the Evrémonde brothers in Chapter Ten?

The noble twin brothers forcibly drafted him into service to secretly treat an abused peasant woman and her dying brother.

According to Dr. Manette's letter, what was the fate of the peasant family ruined by the Evrémondes?

The wife was raped by the younger brother and died in madness; the husband was worked to death from exhaustion and heartbreak; the brother was fatally stabbed defending his sister's honor; the father died of a broken heart; and the younger sister was hidden away safely (later revealed to be Madame Defarge).

What took place during Dr. Manette's conversation with Charles Darnay's mother in Chapter Ten?

Deeply ashamed of her family's crimes, she begged Dr. Manette to help find the surviving sister to make amends and vowed that her young son, Charles, would dedicate his life to fixing those wrongs.

Why was Dr. Manette imprisoned in the Bastille at the conclusion of his story in Chapter Ten?

He wrote an official letter to the Minister of State detailing the Evrémonde brothers' crimes, but the brothers intercepted it and used a royal lettre de cachet to kidnap and imprison him indefinitely.

Give two examples from Chapter Eleven showing Sydney Carton taking a dominant role in directing the action.

He instructs Mr. Lorry on how to prepare the escape carriage, and he takes command of caring for the traumatized Dr. Manette.

What does Sydney Carton whisper to Lucie before leaving in Chapter Eleven, and who overhears him?

He kisses her face and whispers, "A life you love." Little Lucie hears him say this.

Whom does Dr. Manette go to see in Chapter Eleven, and why?

Powerful political prosecutors and influential court officials, to make one final, desperate appeal to save his son-in-law.

Where does Sydney Carton go in Saint Antoine in Chapter Twelve, and why?

He goes to Defarge's wine shop to make sure people see his face, establishing that an exact double of Charles Darnay is in Paris.

Explain the disagreement between Madame Defarge and Ernest Defarge in Chapter Twelve, including her motivation.

Ernest argues that the executions should end with Charles, but Madame Defarge demands the complete extermination of the Evrémonde bloodline. Her motivation is that she is the surviving sister of the peasant family ruined by the Evrémondes.

What psychological state does Dr. Manette return in during Chapter Twelve, and what caused it?

He suffers a complete psychological relapse and frantically searches for his old shoemaking bench, caused by the crushing despair of failing to save Charles.

What instructions does Carton give to Mr. Lorry regarding their escape at the end of Chapter Twelve?

Keep the travel carriage ready at exactly two o'clock, ensure all identification papers and passports are in order, and drive away immediately once Carton enters without waiting for anyone else.

What is Charles Darnay doing in Chapter Thirteen before Sydney Carton arrives at his cell?

Writing final goodbye letters to Lucie, Dr. Manette, and Mr. Lorry.

What four preparatory actions enable Carton's plan to replace Darnay at the guillotine in Chapter Thirteen?

1) Blackmailing Barsad to secure prison entry; 2) Purchasing unconsciousness-inducing chemical drugs; 3) Staging himself at Defarge's wine shop to establish his double presence; and 4) Securing his own exit passport to give to Charles.

Who discovers Sydney Carton's true identity in Chapter Thirteen, and how?

A poor, young seamstress scheduled for execution notices that his hands feel different and realizes he is sacrificing himself out of love.

What concerns does Madame Defarge have regarding her husband in Chapter Fourteen, and where does she go?

She fears Ernest is too soft-hearted to exterminate the family, so she heads straight to Lucie's lodgings to catch Lucie mourning an executed traitor as a legal pretext to arrest the entire family.

Why is Miss Pross alone at the lodgings when Madame Defarge arrives in Chapter Fourteen?

She stayed behind to pack and arrange a separate departure to throw off revolutionary suspicion.

What is the outcome of the violent confrontation between Miss Pross and Madame Defarge in Chapter Fourteen?

Madame Defarge draws a hidden pistol, but Miss Pross wrestles her, causing the weapon to discharge. Madame Defarge is killed instantly, and Miss Pross escapes permanently deafened by the gunshot blast.

Describe Barsad's interaction with a revolutionary as Carton is transported in Chapter Fifteen.

When a revolutionary comments on how peaceful the condemned "Darnay" looks, Barsad barks at him to be quiet and let the man die in peace.

What question does the seamstress ask Carton on the way to the guillotine, and how does he reply?

She asks if he will hold her hand and if the wait to see her sister in heaven will feel long. Carton gently reassures her that there is no time, sorrow, or distance in the afterlife.

What is Sydney Carton's final prophetic vision at the end of the novel?

He envisions a peaceful, beautiful France rising from the ruins of the Terror, Lucie and Charles living long, happy lives together, and a son named after him who honors and redeems the Carton name.

How is the theme of redemption illustrated through Sydney Carton and Dr. Alexandre Manette?

Carton achieves spiritual redemption by dying for the woman he loves, transitioning from a cynical drunkard into a Christ-like savior. Dr. Manette achieves psychological redemption after eighteen years in the Bastille, being "recalled to life" through Lucie's unconditional devotion.

How is the theme of redemption illustrated through Jerry Cruncher and Charles Darnay?

Jerry Cruncher achieves moral redemption by abandoning his trade as a gravedigger ("resurrection-man") to become an honest householder. Charles Darnay achieves ancestral redemption by renouncing the cruel Evrémonde legacy and building an honorable life in England.