Childless and merciless, Madame Defarge is the antithesis of Lucie Manette. Both women possess the ability to inspire others, but while Lucie creates and nurtures life, Madame Defarge destroys it. Because her entire family perished when she was a young girl, Madame Defarge wants revenge, not merely on the family […]
Read more Character Analysis Therese DefargeCharacter Analysis Sydney Carton
Carton, Darnay’s double and alter-ego, has wasted his life on alcohol and apathy. He makes his intelligence obvious through his ability to analyze cases for Stryver. He makes clear that he had the same opportunities for success as Stryver, but for some reason chose not to take them. Besides some […]
Read more Character Analysis Sydney CartonCharacter Analysis Charles Darnay
Although Darnay rejects the Evremonde name and inheritance and moves to England, he cannot escape his family history. Trying to make amends to an unknown woman whose family was wiped out by his father and uncle, he is arrested for treason in England; trying to save a jailed family servant, […]
Read more Character Analysis Charles DarnayCharacter Analysis Lucie Manette, later Darnay
Dickens describes Lucie as being beautiful physically and spiritually, and she possesses a gift for bringing out the best qualities of those around her. She is one of the lesser-developed characters in the novel, but she is “the golden thread”that binds many of the characters’ lives together. A reader can […]
Read more Character Analysis Lucie Manette, later DarnayCharacter Analysis Doctor Alexandre Manette
A Tale of Two Cities is, in many ways, Doctor Manette’s story. The Doctor’s release from the Bastille begins the novel, and the mystery of his imprisonment creates tension throughout the book. The reading of his letter ultimately condemns Darnay to death, forcing Carton to sacrifice his life. Despite the […]
Read more Character Analysis Doctor Alexandre ManetteSummary and Analysis Book 3: Chapter 15 – The Footsteps Die Out Forever
Summary As the carts carrying the fifty-two prisoners roll through the Paris streets, people crowd to see Evremonde go to his death. In his cart, Carton ignores the yelling crowds, focusing instead on the seamstress. When they reach the guillotine, they discuss the afterlife, taking no notice of prisoners steadily […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Book 3: Chapter 15 – The Footsteps Die Out ForeverSummary and Analysis Book 3: Chapter 14 – The Knitting Done
Summary Madame Defarge tells The Vengeance and Jacques Three that she plans to denounce Lucie, Lucie’s daughter, and Doctor Alexandre Manette that evening after Darnay’s execution. She then leaves for Lucie’s residence, knowing she will find Lucie grieving for Darnay. Showing grief for an enemy of the Republic is considered […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Book 3: Chapter 14 – The Knitting DoneSummary and Analysis Book 3: Chapter 13 – Fifty-two
Summary On the eve of his execution, Darnay comes to terms with his imminent death. After writing letters to Lucie, Doctor Alexandre Manette, and Mr. Lorry, he spends the night restlessly trying to sleep. The next day, Carton enters the cell at one o’clock in the afternoon and exchanges clothes […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Book 3: Chapter 13 – Fifty-twoSummary and Analysis Book 3: Chapter 12 – Darkness
Summary Deciding to make himself known to the local citizens, Carton goes to the Defarge wine-shop. Madame Defarge notices the resemblance between Carton and Darnay, but she is soon convinced that Carton is not Darnay because Carton pretends that he knows very little French. As Carton appears to be absorbed […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Book 3: Chapter 12 – DarknessSummary and Analysis Book 3: Chapter 11 – Dusk
Summary Darnay’s death sentence devastates Lucie, but she manages to control her shock for her husband’s sake. As the crowd jubilantly leaves, the court grants her permission to embrace her husband one last time. She and Darnay say their farewells, and Doctor Alexandre Manette approaches them. Darnay tries to comfort […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Book 3: Chapter 11 – Dusk