A Tale of Two Cities
Charles Dickens
Ashley Quiring
Setting
As its title suggests, the book takes place in two cities and their surrounding areas: Paris and London.
Background Information
MAIN CHARACTERS
Dr. Alexandre Manette
Lucie Manette
Charles Darnay
Mr. Jarvis Lorry
Sydney Carton
The Defarges
Summary
Book One
Book two
In France, the people are beginning to get fed up with the nobles ruling them. The Monsieur the Marquis only increases this hatred by running over and killing a child with no regrets. Charles Darnay is found to be the marquis's nephew. The Marquis is killed by the citizens of France.
Back in England, Charles, Mr. Stryver, and Sydney all fall in love with Lucie. Charles talks to Dr. Manette, and when he tries to tell him what his real last name is, the doctor stops him.
In Paris, the Defarges along with the rest of the citizens, are planning a revolution.
In London, Lucie and Charles are married, and Lucie has a daughter.
In 1789, the revolution begins, and the peasants attack. The Marquis's house is set on fire, and the officials are all hung. The violence continues to get progressively worse, and three years later, Mr. Lorry decides to travel to the bank's branch in Paris. Charles receives a letter from a former servant who has been imprisoned, and also leaves to see him released.
Book three
Turning Point
Outcomes
1) The Revolution
Because the peasants overthrew their government, the outcome was chaos, panic, and widespread looting. Many officials were hanged, and this caused nobles to flee to London. Charles Darnay returned to Paris after receiving word that one of his trusted officials was in prison.
2) Sydney Carton's change of heart
Sydney Carton's change of character had a major effect on the story. Because he now desired to be remembered for the good he had done, he was willing to sacrifice his life for Charles. This led to the outcome of Charles escaping form prison. Another outcome from Sydney's sacrifice was that Lucie and Charles were able to live a long and happy life together.
3) Madame Defarge's death
Towards the end of the novel, Madame Defarge was killed by Miss Pross. This allowed for the Manettes and Charles to escape Paris and to return to England.
Recommendation
*****/*****
Picture Links
Dr. Manette: immortalephemera.com
Lucie Manette and Charles Darnay: www.allmovie.com
Mr. Lorry: www.aveleyman.com
Sydney Carton: http://themave.com/Colman/films/Tale2Cit.htmThe Defarges: honour-mcmillan.blogspot.com
Works Cited
Background Info:
“French Revolution.” The History Channel website. n.p. 2013. Web. 1 Apr. 2013. http://www.history.com/topics/french-revolution
“The Guillotine.” The History Channel website. n.p. 2013. Web. 1 Apr 2013. http://www.history.comhttp://www.history.com/shows/modern-marvels/videos/guillotine.