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To what does Dickens compare the dark, old-fashioned Tellson’s Bank? How are they alike?
We find out more about Jerry Cruncher. Add to his characterization. How does he offer comic relief? Why does he object to his wife’s “flopping”?
What is mysterious about Jerry?
We have had the “justice” systems of both England and France described. Show how the punishment awaiting the prisoner Charles Darnay is barbaric.
Of what is Charles Darnay accused?
Why are Miss Manette and her father present in the courtroom? How has Dr. Manette changed?
We meet some more characters – John Barsad, Roger Cly, and a wigged gentleman who stares at the ceiling. Briefly, identify them and the roles they play
Explain the “blue flies.”
How does the wigged gentleman, Mr. Carton, save the prisoner? What is his (Carton’s) attitude toward Miss Manette? What is the outcome of the “trial”?
What is the shadow that sometimes falls on Dr. Manette?
Why doesn’t Carton like Darnay?
What can Carton do that Stryver cannot?
Why is Carton called the Jackal and Stryver the Lion?
What is the significance of the title “Hundreds of People?”
Who visits Lucie?
How does Dr. Manette react when Darnay (rather tactlessly) asks him if he’s visited the Tower – England’s equivalent to the Bastille?
Find other examples of foreshadowing in this chapter.
The Monseigneur is a rich aristocrat; we hear of him no more after this chapter. What is the full significance of the hot chocolate scene associated with the Monseigneur?
Who says “I devote you to the devil” to the Monseigneur? (no name but describe him).
What happens to Gaspard’s child?
What is the aristocrat’s reaction to the accident?
Who throws the gold coin back into the carriage?
What is the significance of the setting sun in the opening scene?
What does the grizzled mender of roads tell the carriage’s occupant?
This aristocrat is so “humane.” Explain.
Explain the allusion to mythology – the Gorgon’s head.
What is Darnay’s relationship with the Marquis?
Whom does the Marquis inquire about in England?
What happened to the Marquis at chapter’s end? What is significant about the message left behind?
What are the two promises?
Why was it “dark and darker” when Lucie returned?
Whom does Stryver intend to marry?
How does Carton react?
How does Mr. Lorry respond when Stryver tells him his plans to “do her a favor” and marry Lucie?
How does Stryver rely on “sour grapes” to get him through this blow?
Explain Dickens’s use of humor in this chapter.
What takes place between Miss Manette and Sydney Carton?
What two promises are made?
Whose funeral is it?
How does the crowd react to this funeral?
We have another extended metaphor. How does Jerry go “fishing”?
Does Jerry “catch” anything? How do you know?
How does the “recall to life” theme show up in this chapter?
What does the mender of roads tell Defarge and the Jacques?
Describe the punishment the government gives Gaspard.
How was Damines punished after he tried to kill Louis XV?
Describe the death of Gaspard.
What is the register and what has just been put in it?
Why is John Barsad coming to the wine shop?
Madame shows some concern for her husband. How so? Should Dickens have put in this detail? Explain.
What news does Barsad tell the Defarges?
What is Monsieur’s reaction?
What is Madame’s reaction?
Who is Lucie’s bridesmaid? Who else attends?
What does Charles Darnay tell Dr. Manette?
What is Dr. Manette’s reaction?
What is significant about the chapter’s title, “Nine Days”?
Mr. Lorry tells another “story.” Why?
What do Mr. Lorry and Miss Pross do at chapter’s end? Significance?
Sydney Carton once again comes to the Manettes’ with an open heart, but this time he speaks with Darnay, asking him permission to visit the family from time to time. Compare Darnay’s attitude towards him with Lucie’s attitude in the similar situation
What happened to Lucie’s son?
How do Lucie’s children react to Carton?
How does Mr. Lorry know that something is “cooking” in France?
The footsteps that Lucie imagines in the tranquility of her home in Soho are juxtaposed to the footsteps of the revolutionaries in St. Antoine. What important historical event is described here and what is Dickens’s attitude towards the revolutionaries?
Defarge is looking for something in Dr. Manette’s cell. Does he find it?
Who killed the governor of the Bastille and how?
To what natural phenomenon does Dickens compare the revolution?
Joseph-Francois Foulon was an actual historical figure, a rich aristocrat who, at the beginning of the revolution, organized his own mock funeral to save himself from the rage of peasantry. His actual death is based on the accurate historical facts. Explain what happened
What important theme is evident in this chapter and how? (Chpt. 22)
What are the effects of the revolution?
What happened to the Marquis’s chateau?
Who is Gabelle?
How much time passed since the revolution started?
Why does Charles Darnay decide to go to Paris? What do you think about this decision?
