Themes
Dickens describes how the aristocracy are cruel and violent towards the starving commons and peasants.
How is social class represented in A Tale of Two Cities?
To symbolize the upcoming violence of the French Revolution?
What was the purpose of Gaspard writing the word "BLOOD" on the wall with wine?
Was hung forty feet high above the fountain with a knife stabbed through their hand, poisoning the water.
Who is Gaspard?
Marquis Evremonde was outraged that people can't take better care of their children and is always in his way. He is more worried that his horses could've been hurt than the child's death.
How does Marquis Evremonde react when his carriage runs over the child?
The year the story begins, described as "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times."
What is 1775?
As Charles Darnay and Dr Manette was talking, Darnay was about to tell him who he really was and was related to, but Dr Manette stopped him and told him not to reveal himself to them until the day of the wedding.
How is secrecy explained?
Marquis Evremonde believed his wealth and social class exchanges for the death of the child.
Why does Marquis Evremonde throw the gold coin at Gaspard after he ran over his child?
She faints when Lorry tells her that her father is alive and they have found him.
Who is Lucie Manette?
Dr. Manette recognizes Lucie's hair that was similar to the two stands of long golden hair in his pocket from his wife.
How does Dr. Manette first recognize his daughter when they first meet?
France lived in luxury, these people were higher in social class and were described as making paper money and spending it. England lived in lots of order and protection where crimes was very high.
How did Dickens describe France and England?
A spiritual resurrection and redemption, a second chance at life. This theme was embodied by Dr Manette.
What does "recalled to life" mean?
Madame Defarge was knitting a list of the aristocrats using symbols that will soon be killed.
Why was Madame Defarge always knitting?
Monseigneur has four servants making him hot chocolate.
What is his first appearance?
Dr Manette was found shoe making just as he was before meeting Lucie and doesn't remember Miss Pross or Jarvis Lorry.
What does Miss Pross find Dr Manette doing after Lucie leaves after getting married?
Jarvis Lorry told Lucie Manette that her father was found alive.
What happened in Dover?
Charles Darnay gets bad looks while walking around because everyone knows he's part of a family with a bad reputation, the Evremondes.
How is the theme "family" describe in the book?
A metaphor that shows symbolizes how many people are curious to see Charles Darnay's trial and shows their desire and eagerness to she the punishment.
What does the blue flies represent?
Ran over Gaspard's child with his carriage and threw a coin to the common people as a sorry for the death of the child.
Who is Marquis Evremonde?
All the commons quickly scooped up the wine with their hands from the ground to cure their starving state.
Why do the common people drink the spilled wine?
In Saint Antoine, everybody knows everything.
Describe the people of Saint Antoine.
Dr. Manette is willing to set aside his fears of an evil legacy for his daughter's happiness.
How does Dr. Manette describe the theme self-sacrifice when him and Charles Darnay talk?
Three fishermen crept through the churchyard. At first, fishing with a spade and adjusting like a corkscrew. After going in for a second time, they seemed to have got a bite.
How does Dickens represent Jerry Cruncher digging up the graves?
Confesses his love about Lucie Manette to her father, Dr. Manette. Is part of a cruel family history, but doesn't want to continue the title.
Who is Charley Darnay?
Young Jerry told his dad he wanted to become a Resurrection-Man when he grows up to please him.
Dr. Manette's prison cell he stayed in for the 18 years he was locked up.
What is the place "One hundred and five, North Tower"?