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A Tale of Two Cities

A Tale of Two Cities is a novel written by Charles Dickens. The novel follows the plight of several protagonists under French aristocracy. It is one of the most famous novels in fictional literature.

692 Questions

What are the 'tumbrils of the revolution' in the first chapter of A Tale of Two Cities?

A tumbril is a farm cart, such as might be used to carry manure to the fields. In the late 1780s a lot of these had been brought to Paris to assist with transporting human remains from the Cimetiere des Innocents (now the site of the Forum des Halles) to the catacombs (entered in Place Denfert-Rochereau). It was these carts that were used to transport condemned people from prison to the guillotine.

What is the only city to lie on two continents?

There are actually a total of 4 transcontinental cities. The largest and most known would of course be Istanbul, Turkey located in Europe and Asia. The others include Atyrau, Kazakhstan (Europe/Asia), Orenburg, Russia (Europe/Asia), and Suez, Egypt (Africa/Asia).

What person is on the cover of the book the Tale of Two Cities?

On the cover of "A Tale of Two Cities", we can see that the person who is being executed is King Louis the Sixteenth, whose title was reduced to nothing, so that he was executed as "Citizen Louis". I hope that this answers your questions on that matter.

Examine the motifs of light and dark in A Tale of Two Cities?

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There are also many good sites on Charles Dickens and his works, one of them being the Wikipedia articles.

How does the Declaration of Man and the Declaration of Independence reflect in Charles Dickens novel A Tale of Two Cities?

There are thousands of people at WikiAnswers willing to help you out. However, just giving you test or homework answers wouldn't be helping you at all. It would actually be cheating and that is not what the site is all about.

It always helps to search for a third party website (like this one) that can help explain the material.

If you would like some tips or help getting through your homework, there is a category just for this.

See Learning Tips link below:

You may browse the category or post your own question.

Wiki Answers > Categories > Jobs and Education > Education > Learning Tips Questions

There are also many good sites on Charles Dickens and his works, one of them being the Wikipedia articles.

How is the manette household described in Book the second chapter six of A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens?

The Manette household is described as a modest and tranquil abode, with Dr. Manette's shoemaking tools neatly kept in a corner. The household is portrayed as a place of comfort and safety, where Lucie Manette and Miss Pross work diligently to create a warm and welcoming environment for Dr. Manette.

What is the importance of the hot chocolate episode in The Tale of Two Cities?

The hot chocolate episode in The Tale of Two Cities serves as a moment of warmth and humanity amidst the chaos and brutality of the French Revolution. It symbolizes compassion, kindness, and hope in a time of darkness. Additionally, it highlights the theme of sacrifice and selflessness as characters like Sydney Carton show acts of generosity and care towards others.

What two cities are they talking about in A Tale of Two Cities?

The two cities referred to in A Tale of Two Cities are London and Paris. The novel contrasts the events unfolding in the two cities against the backdrop of the social turmoil of the French Revolution.

What is the movable framework in the Tale of Two Cities first chapter?

The movable framework in the first chapter of "A Tale of Two Cities" refers to the setting of the story switching between London and Paris, providing a contrasting backdrop for the unfolding events. This framework enables readers to see the stark differences between the two cities and sets the stage for the larger themes of duality and revolution that run throughout the novel.

In A Tale of Two Cities describe Jarvis Lorry's compassion loyalty and strength under pressure?

Jarvis Lorry demonstrates compassion by taking care of Lucie Manette and standing by her side through her hardships. His loyalty is evident through his unwavering dedication to his work and his commitment to protecting the Manette family. Lorry's strength under pressure is seen when he successfully navigates difficult situations with composure and decisiveness, making tough decisions to ensure the safety and well-being of those he cares about.

In A Tale of Two Cities why does darney return to France?

He went back to France because an old family servant, who was a friend to him, sent him a letter begging for help. This servant, Gabelle, had been imprisoned and he was asking for Darnay to come and deliver him.

What is the critical evaluation of the story A Tale of Two Cities?

T he year is 1775, and social ills plague both France and England. Jerry Cruncher, an odd-job man who works for Tellson's Bank, stops the Dover mail-coach with an urgent message for Jarvis Lorry. The message instructs Lorry to wait at Dover for a young woman, and Lorry responds with the cryptic words, "Recalled to Life." At Dover, Lorry is met by Lucie Manette, a young orphan whose father, a once-eminent doctor whom she supposed dead, has been discovered in France. Lorry escorts Lucie to Paris, where they meet Defarge, a former servant of Doctor Manette, who has kept Manette safe in a garret. Driven mad by eighteen years in the Bastille, Manette spends all of his time making shoes, a hobby he learned while in prison. Lorry assures Lucie that her love and devotion can recall her father to life, and indeed they do.

The year is now 1780. Charles Darnay stands accused of treason against the English crown. A bombastic lawyer named Stryver pleads Darnay's case, but it is not until his drunk, good-for-nothing colleague, Sydney Carton, assists him that the court acquits Darnay. Carton clinches his argument by pointing out that he himself bears an uncanny resemblance to the defendant, which undermines the prosecution's case for unmistakably identifying Darnay as the spy the authorities spotted. Lucie and Doctor Manette watched the court proceedings, and that night, Carton escorts Darnay to a tavern and asks how it feels to receive the sympathy of a woman like Lucie. Carton despises and resents Darnay because he reminds him of all that he himself has given up and might have been.

In France, the cruel Marquis Evrémonde runs down a plebian child with his carriage. Manifesting an attitude typical of the aristocracy in regard to the poor at that time, the Marquis shows no regret, but instead curses the peasantry and hurries home to his chateau, where he awaits the arrival of his nephew, Darnay, from England. Arriving later that night, Darnay curses his uncle and the French aristocracy for its abominable treatment of the people. He renounces his identity as an Evrémonde and announces his intention to return to England. That night, the Marquis is murdered; the murderer has left a note signed with the nickname adopted by French revolutionaries: "Jacques."

A year passes, and Darnay asks Manette for permission to marry Lucie. He says that, if Lucie accepts, he will reveal his true identity to Manette. Carton, meanwhile, also pledges his love to Lucie, admitting that, though his life is worthless, she has helped him dream of a better, more valuable existence. On the streets of London, Jerry Cruncher gets swept up in the funeral procession for a spy named Roger Cly. Later that night, he demonstrates his talents as a "Resurrection-Man," sneaking into the cemetery to steal and sell Cly's body. In Paris, meanwhile, another English spy known as John Barsad drops into Defarge's wine shop. Barsad hopes to turn up evidence concerning the mounting revolution, which is still in its covert stages. Madame Defarge sits in the shop knitting a secret registry of those whom the revolution seeks to execute. Back in London, Darnay, on the morning of his wedding, keeps his promise to Manette; he reveals his true identity and, that night, Manette relapses into his old prison habit of making shoes. After nine days, Manette regains his presence of mind, and soon joins the newlyweds on their honeymoon. Upon Darnay's return, Carton pays him a visit and asks for his friendship. Darnay assures Carton that he is always welcome in their home.

The year is now 1789. The peasants in Paris storm the Bastille and the French Revolution begins. The revolutionaries murder aristocrats in the streets, and Gabelle, a man charged with the maintenance of the Evrémonde estate, is imprisoned. Three years later, he writes to Darnay, asking to be rescued. Despite the threat of great danger to his person, Darnay departs immediately for France.

As soon as Darnay arrives in Paris, the French revolutionaries arrest him as an emigrant. Lucie and Manette make their way to Paris in hopes of saving him. Darnay remains in prison for a year and three months before receiving a trial. In order to help free him, Manette uses his considerable influence with the revolutionaries, who sympathize with him for having served time in the Bastille. Darnay receives an acquittal, but that same night he is arrested again. The charges, this time, come from Defarge and his vengeful wife. Carton arrives in Paris with a plan to rescue Darnay and obtains the help of John Barsad, who turns out to be Solomon Pross, the long-lost brother of Miss Pross, Lucie's loyal servant.

At Darnay's trial, Defarge produces a letter that he discovered in Manette's old jail cell in the Bastille. The letter explains the cause of Manette's imprisonment. Years ago, the brothers Evrémonde (Darnay's father and uncle) enlisted Manette's medical assistance. They asked him to tend to a woman, whom one of the brothers had raped, and her brother, whom the same brother had stabbed fatally. Fearing that Manette might report their misdeeds, the Evrémondes had him arrested. Upon hearing this story, the jury condemns Darnay for the crimes of his ancestors and sentences him to die within twenty-four hours. That night, at the Defarge's wine shop, Carton overhears Madame Defarge plotting to have Lucie and her daughter (also Darnay's daughter) executed as well; Madame Defarge, it turns out, is the surviving sibling of the man and woman killed by the Evrémondes. Carton arranges for the Manettes' immediate departure from France. He then visits Darnay in prison, tricks him into changing clothes with him, and, after dictating a letter of explanation, drugs his friend unconscious. Barsad carries Darnay, now disguised as Carton, to an awaiting coach, while Carton, disguised as Darnay, awaits execution. As Darnay, Lucie, their child, and Dr. Manette speed away from Paris, Madame Defarge arrives at Lucie's apartment, hoping to arrest her. There she finds the supremely protective Miss Pross. A scuffle ensues, and Madame Defarge dies by the bullet of her own gun. Sydney Carton meets his death at the guillotine, and the narrator confidently asserts that Carton dies with the knowledge that he has finally imbued his life with meaning.

Who is Charles Dickens referring to when he mentions Mrs Southcott in 'A Tale of Two Cities'?

In 'A Tale of Two Cities', Charles Dickens is referring to Joanna Southcott, an English religious prophetess who claimed to have special powers and predicted the coming apocalypse. Mrs. Southcott was known for her controversial prophecies and held a significant following during her time. Dickens uses her name as a symbol of superstition and false prophecy in the novel.

What is Mr Lorry's weakness in A Tale of Two Cities?

Mr. Lorry's weakness in "A Tale of Two Cities" is his overly cautious and conservative nature, which sometimes hinders him from taking risks or pursuing potential opportunities. This stems from his desire for stability and fear of change, causing him to prioritize safety over growth or innovation.

Why are the kings described as having large jaws in A Tale of Two Cities?

Appearances are all that matter now....

The comparison between the monarchies of Great Britain and France only concern shallow details of appearance because that is all they represent to the people. The aristocracy is no longer working for the good of the people, so there is nothing more significant about them than their appearances.

The kings are said to have large jaws because it is describing the harsh authoritive rule that the King George III (Great Britain) and King Louis XVI (France) exihibit during this time.

What is the tone of the author towards the Monseigneur In the story A tale of two cities?

The tone of the author towards Monseigneur in "A Tale of Two Cities" is critical and satirical. Monseigneur is depicted as arrogant, selfish, and disconnected from the suffering of the common people, reflecting the author's condemnation of the French aristocracy during the time of the French Revolution.

List all examples of antithesis in A Tale of Two Cities?

The book is filled with oxymorons. The stark differences between Sydney Carton and Charles Darnay; the differences between Lucie Manette and Madame Defarge; and the differences between the two cities of London and Paris are but a few.

Who was the vendor in a tale of two cities?

The vendor in "A Tale of Two Cities" is named John Barsad. He is a spy who plays a key role in the plot of the novel by Charles Dickens. Barsad's character is closely tied to the French Revolution and the themes of betrayal and loyalty.

What is the best description of the character Jarvis Lorry in the book A Tale of Two Cities?

Jarvis Lorry is a loyal and trustworthy character in "A Tale of Two Cities" by Charles Dickens. He is a senior agent at Tellson's Bank, dedicated to his work and fiercely protective of his clients' interests. Lorry is portrayed as a reliable and principled individual who plays a key role in the novel's intricate plot.

What passage from A Tale of Two Cities implies a respect for established rules and regulations?

In A Tale of Two Cities, one passage that implies a respect for established rules and regulations is when Sydney Carton decides to sacrifice himself for Charles Darnay, stating, "It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to than I have ever known." This act shows Carton's acceptance of the consequences for breaking the law and his willingness to abide by the established rules of society, even at great personal cost.

In a tale of two cities Why was crunchers fishing tackle?

Jerry Cruncher was hiding his use of his fishing tackle as a cover for his nighttime grave-robbing activities. He didn't want anyone to know about his illegal activities, so he pretended to be a harmless fisherman when he was actually committing more sinister deeds at night.

What can be concluded from the information in this reading passage a take if two cities?

The reading passage provides information about two cities, which could be used to compare aspects such as population size, geographical location, cultural landmarks, economic status, and infrastructure development. By analyzing these details, one could draw conclusions about the differences and similarities between the two cities, potentially highlighting unique characteristics or areas for improvement in each.

Choose the passage from A Tale of Two Cities that projects a mood of hopelessness?

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way--in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only."