Remember: you are NOT summarizing! You are ANALYZING an element of your reading so that we can think about the text in new and interesting ways. Push us! Draw some conclusions!
Dr. Manette is afraid to tell Lucie about the events that led up to him being put in jail. It's like he is rescued by Lucie and pretends as if he was never put in jail. In a way it makes me think that Dr. Manette has a secret also. He has something to hide and he is confused about what to do and how to approach the situation. " It's plain enough, I should think, why he may be. It’s dreadful remembrance. Besides that, his loss of himself grew out of it. Not knowing how he lost himself, or ho he rediscovered himself, he may never feel certain of not loosing himself again" (101- 102). Dr. Manette doesn't want to remember what happened because it was so awful that it was like he was turned into a completely different person. Mousier Manette was truly dead for 18 years. He is confused about life; everything has changed since he has been gone for 18 years. He is at a point where "his mind is walking up and down in his old prison" (102). It is going to take him to stop living in the past just so he can deal with the present.
The significance of names becomes more apparent in chapters 4-6 of Book 2 in A Tale of Two Cities. Lucie means light, as stated in class, and on page 83 Dickens describes her as having "the power of charming this black brooding from his mind" and "the golden thread that united him to a Past beyond his misery, and to a Present beyond his misery." Dickens also states that "the sound of her voice, the light of her face, the touch of her hand, had a strong beneficial influence with him almost always" (Dickens 83). Based on these passages, the reader can conclude that Lucie has brought much light to her father's life after he had been stuck in a dark phase and place for 18 years. Also, many people seem to think that Lucie is beautiful as Stryver proclaims, "Why, man alive, she was the admiration of the whole Court!" (Dickens 94). Being pretty is generally a good character trait that could bring light to someone's day. Lucie also has golden blonde hair, a light color. The title of Book 2 is also "A Golden Thread" so this could be a book about Lucie and how she has changed her father's life and what their life is like together. Mr. Stryver is another character whose name seems to be significant to his story. Stryver sounds like strive, meaning to try to achieve a result, and is described as "already fast shouldering his way to a large and lucrative practice, behind his compeers in this particular, any more than in the drier parts of the legal race" (Dickens 90). This shows that he is striving to be the best at what he does and he is becoming more and more successful. Also, on page 93, Carton and Stryver have a conversation about their younger days and Stryver states, "I had to get into the front rank; I was not born there, was I?" This quote suggests that Stryver was not born as a successful man but that he had to work his way up from the bottom to get to the top. Dickens choosing this character's name as Stryver is not a coincidence, and his name could foreshadow that he is going to strive to do more things in the future.
In chapter five, there significance of Mr. Carton's and Mr. Stryver’s conversation. They are referenced as lions and jackals which I concluded to mean that Mr. Stryver is very powerful and wise as an attorney, while Mr. Carton may be aggressive he doesn't have the prestige or wisdom of Mr. Stryver. Drinking is also an important action to note because it makes them free to express their emotions and perhaps secrets without being taken seriously, because drinking was not a disgrace to your character. During this conversation Mr. Carton mentions he thinks Lucie is beautiful and Mr. Carton denies this so much that Mr. Carton and the reader gets the impression that Mr. Stryver is suppressing his feelings for Lucie by ridiculing her. At the end of their gathering there is tension between the "friends" over this matter of Lucie and Mr. Carton feels offended and angry by Mr. Stryvers remark and then a depressed. You can tell this by the setting outside. The cool air is cooling him off and then the loneliness of the empty streets and how "Sadly, Sadly the sun rose..." (pg.107)
Scattered throughout pages 107 and 108 there are many examples that foreshadow the storm of the Bastille. Darnay, Lorry, and Carton were talking and they were observing the incredible storm. Darnay says, "And I hear them!... Here they come, fast, fierce, and furious!" , even though this statement was referring to the rain, it could be foreshadowing the storm of the Bastille, and comparing the rain to the outraged people (Dickens 107). Also on page 107, it describes the storm and says that, "there was not a moment's interval in crash, and fire, and rain, until after the moon rose at midnight.", it is interesting that even though it is a storm with rain, lightening, and thunder, it talks about "fire" and "crash" (Dickens 107). This is another example of foreshadowing of the outbreak of war, commotion, and fire, of the storm of the Bastille. On page 108 the last paragraph is highly significant. The text reads, "Perhaps. Perhaps, see the great crowd of people with its rush and roar, bearing down upon them, too" (Dickens 108). This also points out, almost directly, that some form of an uprising is coming.
I would agree with Hallie Belle on the fact that Mr. Carton does not have the intellect of Mr. Stryver, however Dickens implies that Sydney Carton does posses an equal wisdom but does not know how to empower it. Dickens directly refers to Carton saying that he is “… the man of good abilities and good emotions, incapable of their directed exercise…” (Dickens 95). Stryver and Carton also argue over who is to blame for Carton’s getting nowhere and he blames Stryver for his failure in saying, “You were always driving and riving and shouldering and pressing, to that restless degree that I had no chance for my life but in rust and repose.” Based on this quote, we can conclude that Stryver is the type of person who is willing to sacrifice a friendship or relationship in order to win, to succeed. From his attitude so far, it seems that he reliant on the work that Sydney does for him. I believe that Sydney has the potential to make something out of his life, but he is stuck in the shadow of Mr. Stryver. If he was successful he would have the opportunity to be a leader, yet he is currently stuck as a sidekick. It is apparent that Mr. Carton regrets his inability to match the efforts and success of Mr. Stryver, but so far we have seen no effort on his part to actually get somewhere. My prediction, based on this regret, is Mr. Carton will eventually work harder to meet the accomplishments of Mr. Stryver’s, but at the moment he is resolving to stay where he is.
I agree with India when she says that Dr Manette is afraid to tell Lucie what happened to him before he was put in jail. Maybe he doesn't want her to know, or maybe its just too bad of a memory for him to revisit. Nevertheless, Lucie is always there for her dad. "Ladybird has learnt to know then, that his mind is walking up and down, walking up and down, in his old prison. She hurries to him, and they go on together, walking up and down, walking up and down until he is composed." (Dickens 102) the prison in the quote could quite possibly be referring to Dr Manette's mind. The locked gates that he has around his head, telling him to not inform Lucie of his life, are getting him "caught up". He paces his room and when Lucie hears this, even though she has no idea as to what he is thinking, she will calm him down, she is quite the loyal one.
In A Tale of Two Cities, Book 2, chapter 4, the chapter is summarizing the interaction between Sydney Carton and Charles Darnay. With them looking alike, it seems as if they are one person with two different sides. Charles Darnay represents the good side and Sydney Carton represents the dark side, but for now, the main focus is Sydney Carton. When the book speaks about Carton, it introduces him as, “another person who had not joined the group, or interchanged a word with any one of them, but who had been leaning against the wall where its shadow was darkest, had silently strolled out after the rest, and had looked on until the coach drive away” (Dickens 85). This run-on sentence is implying that Carton is a mysterious man but also very skeptic of Darnay since he waited to be alone with Darnay to actually begin to speak. Throughout Carton’s and Darnay’s meal, Carton is very straightforward with Darnay and at one point, while drunk, he asks, “do you think I particularly like you?” (Dickens 88). Both of the men answer with a no and there is no reason at all not to like Darnay. After this question, Carton reveals to the readers about how he feels towards himself saying, “I am a disappointed drudge, sir. I care for no man on earth, and no man cares for me” (Dickens 89). Through Carton describing himself, Dickens is showing the reader than Carton is a very unhappy man who lives a life for no one and mostly dislikes himself. However, after Darnay leaves, while Carton speaks to himself in the mirror, he is imagining Darnay’s face rather than his own looking back at him. In this paragraph, he mostly reveals that he does not have a legitimate reason to not like Darnay, but his reasoning for why he happens to is because he hates himself and every time he looks at Darnay, he sees himself.
I agree with Rachel when she says that Mr. Carton blames Mr. Stryver for his failure in life, but I disagree with her belief that Mr. Carton will begin to work harder for his own benefit. I believe that Mr. Carton would be more happy if he would work harder for himself, but he describes his entire life as doing "exercises for other boys, and seldom did my own" (Dickens 94). If he has spent his full life doing jobs for other people, then why would he change now? He is completely "incapable of his own help and his own happiness" (Dickens 97). Mr. Carton realizes he is unhappy, but he has "fallen into [his] rank and [Mr. Stryver has] fallen into his" (Dickens 95). Mr. Carton has no hope of changing the status quo; he will continue to live his same life, happily or not. This is one reason Dickens gives him the nickname "The Jackal." A jackal is not only an animal, but is also a person that works for another. It's can almost be compared to a servant. This is the case in the relationship between Mr. Stryver and Mr. Carton. Mr. Stryver, the lion, has power over the jackal. When Mr. Carton begins to have an attitude, Stryver asks him, "What has roughened your temper? Put some punch to it and smooth it again" (Dickens 94). As the lion, Mr. Stryver can tell Mr. Carton how to act , and Mr. Carton will accept whatever he says. I do not think Mr. Carton will stand up to Mr. Stryver, although this is what's required of him in order to achieve happiness.
In Book 2 Chapter 6 it is clear that Miss Pross is a jealous person when it comes to Lucie, her “Ladybird.” While talking to Mr. Lorry she says “…not that I have any fault to find with Doctor Manette, except that he is not worthy of such a daughter,…” (99) I feel that she knows something about Dr. Manette that the reader does not to make such a comment. She said that she had been taking care of Lucie since she was ten. I believe she could possibly know what Dr. Manette did to cause him to be in jail for so long. She could have possibly made the statement about Dr. Manette because he had been in prison so long and never had a real close relationship with Lucy until he was freed, in which Miss Pross may think is not fair. Miss Pross also thinks that only one man was worthy enough for Lucie. On page 100 she makes the statement “There never was, nor will be, but one man worth of Ladybird and that was my brother Solomon if he hadn’t made a mistake in life.” I think that Miss Pross said this because he was her brother, and some cases siblings act just like each other. She wanted a man for Lucie that acted just like her. She didn’t want another man to come into Lucie’s life. On page 104, when Mr. Darnay first arrived out the house, it says “Doctor Manette received him kindly, and so did Lucie. But Miss Pross suddenly became afflicted with a twitching in the head and body, and retired into the house. “She clearly was not too fond of Mr. Darnay. Miss Pross obviously had a close relationship with Lucie, so close that she didn’t want anything or anyone to come in between it
Like Haley Smith said in the 1st blog post, there is motif of doubling. I'd like to specifically discuss the doubling between Sydney Carton and Charles Darnay. I agree with Margaret that the two men do seem like two different sides of the same person. Carton and Darnay look very similar and could have led the same life. Carton says "I thought he was rather a handsome fellow, and I thought I should have been much the same sort of fellow, if I had had any luck"(pg.91). Carton has a dislike for Darnay because he realizes that Darnay is his successful double with the life he wanted but failed to get. At this point in the book Carton is "the jackal", which by definition is a person who performs dishonest or base deeds as the follower or accomplice of another. By the end of the book I believe that Carton will take influence from his successful double, Charles Darnay, and turn his life around.
I agree with Sadie that on p 107 that it is foreshadowing that storm of the Bastille. Dickens describes the tread feet that were coming from different directions in the street. He also says that the “footsteps are destined to come for all of us.” Also I think that the name of the title was foreshadowing why would he name the chapter “hundreds of people” if there were not hundreds of people? I think that Dr. Mennete know that something that is going on because on p 102 his mind is still “walking up and down in his own prison” and how he never says the reason why he cannot sleep. He might have heard something about the war in his cell when he was in prison and is afraid that if he talks about it he will be executed.
I agree with Jalesa. I also think Miss Pross is jealous of Lucie. I do not agree that Miss Pross knows why Dr. Manette was in jail because Miss Pross has taken care of Lucie since she was ten years old, but Dr. Manette was already in jail when Lucie was two years old. Miss Pross could be upset that she doesn't know and it probably bothers her not to know. I believe Miss Pross is also jealous Lucie because the man she lost is now back in her life. Miss Pross lost her brother, Solomon. Mr. Lorry explains, "Her brother Solomon was a heartless scoundrel who had stripped her of everything she possessed." Now that Lucie has her father, Miss Pross and Lucie don't have losing someone in their lives in common anymore. Miss Pross probably misses her brother and is jealous of the fact that Lucie gets to be with her father. Also, Miss Pross could be jealous of the wealth of Lucie's father because Miss Pross has nothing due to her brother.
In the first post India made a point about how Lorry taking Lucie to meet her father might not be strictly business. I agree with this. Not because I think he is in love with her and is seeing her for the first time since she was a child. That is just plain creepy. But I do think he cares for her. The last time he saw her she was two years old, so that is his only image of her. An innocent child with a father in jail and a dead mother. He could be so nervous about being reunited with her because he feels he must protect this young girl. Even though Lucie is now 18, Lorry maybe view her as a helpless young girl that is depending on him for a new life. On p.12, Lorry says, "Wait! It would kill me if I saw her too soon." That statement probably wouldn't have been made if this situation with Lucie was "strictly business".
I agree with India when she says that Dr. Manette is afraid to tell Lucie about the events that put him in jail because he was taken away when she was two years old so he doesn't really trust her I think. By not telling Lucie proves that he has a secret because if he didn't then the readers and Lucie would know why he was in jail. I also disagree with India when she says that Dr. Manette doesn’t want to tell Lucie why he was in jail, I think it's because he doesn't remember what happened because he has been in jail for so long that he only remembers his wife by seeing Lucie and the curls of hair he took when he was taken to jail.
In chapters 4 and 5 of A Tale of Two Cities, it is clear that Mr. Carton gets carried away with drinking when he starts insulting both Mr. Darnay and Lucie. He asks Darnay the question straight to his face, "Do you think I particularly like you?" It doesn't make a lot of sense for Carton to say this, because he has just helped to prove him innocent in a trial. The reasoning of him saying this is because since Darnay and him look almost identical, he says that you should not particularly like a man who resembles yourself. On page 89, he states, "There is nothing in you to like." Clearly, meaning if you don't like yourself, you shouldn't like someone just like you. They don't appear to act very similar, so obviously Carton is caught up in looks when he says this. Later on, on page 94, Mr. Carton and Stryver are talking and drinking. Stryver insists that Miss Lucie Manette is quite a beautiful girl, but Carton refuses to believe this because she and Darnay have been eyeing each other, which he claims is unfair. He's mad that he identical to Darnay and that Lucie isn't attracted to him, so he insults her by calling her a "golden-haired doll".
In the beginning of the book A Tale of Two Cities, Mr. Jarvis Lorry is determined to release Monsieur Manette out of solitary confinement. His motto at this time was "Recalled to Life." Recalled to life is referring to resurrection of the dead: not limited to the literal dead, but the figurative dead as well. There are multiple references to resurrection throughout chapters one through six of book 2. One example is during the trial of Charles Darnay. During this specific time period, anyone on trial was considered to be a walking dead man. This is because very, very few people were found innocent, and the punishment for any crime no matter how great or small, was death. Considering this information, Mr. Darnay was already a dead man. During the trial, Mr. Darnay's attorney points to a man in the crowd by the name of Sydney Carton, who looks exactly like Mr. Darnay. By pointing Mr. Carton out to the jury, the jury finds Mr. Darnay not guilty, because they feel insecure about which man was the one who committed the treason. Therefore, Sydney Carton resurrected Charles Darnay during the Darnay vs. the State trial. Also, at the end of chapter six, Mr. Lorry says, "What a night it has been! Almost a night, Jerry [Cruncher], to bring the dead out of their graves." (107) I think that this is foreshadowing to one of the character's secrets. Combining this phrase with the mysterious appearance of mud on Mr. Cruncher's boots and the rust on his fingers. I think that the two add up to equal Mr. Jerry Cruncher's secret. Also, in chapter six, Dr. Manette tells Lucie a story about when he was in prison. He told her about three letters he saw inscribed on a stone of the inner-wall of the prison. He says, "At first, they were read as D.I.C.; but, on being more carefully examined, the last letter was found to be a G." He later goes on to tell her that there were no records of any criminal with those initials. He also mentioned how it was later suggested that the letters were not initials, but the complete word DIG. This isn't the resurrection of a person, however I believe that this is the author trying to resurrect the idea that each reader should dig beyond the surface of the book to find hidden meanings, and details that he purposefully included. I feel like he is resurrecting this idea into the readers' minds, because sometimes the audience can get so caught up in the plot, that they miss all of the hints that the author is putting in the text. And this is why Dickens resurrects the "digging" idea.
In this book, at the beginning of chapter four, there is a motif of cooking. "...the last sediment of the human stew that had been boiling there all day, was straining off, when Dr. Manette, Lucie Manette, Mr Lorry, the solicitor for the defence, and its counsel Mr Stryver, stood gathered round Mr Charles Darnay- just released- congratulating him on his escape from death." (83) The words stew, boiling, and straining off all refer to an aspect of cooking yet refer to what had happened that day. The use of those words makes the whole sentence sound like those humans in that courtroom were nothing but ingredients in a large stew. Meaning that their lives are not valued and that when the revolution comes, the people will be killing people left and right also because they are nothing compared to the bigger picture. Just as the last sediment in a stew is nothing compared to the entire stew.
I agree with Grace. I do not think that Lorry is mixing business and pleasure. He cares for Lucie, but he cares for her well-being and that is why he is taking her to meet her father. If he did not think that Dr. Manette would be a good father, he would not take her to meet him. Lorry is NOT in love with Lucie. He is making sure that she is taken care of. He has kept his word to Dr. Manette about making sure that Lucie gets taken care of. Miss Pross has done an amazing job taking care of Lucie for the past 17 years, but its time that her dad does now. I do not think that Lucie is in love with Lorry either. She went to see him and then found out about Dr. Manette. If anything, she is grateful of an amazing friend like that in her life. I do not think that Lorry ever mixed up business and pleasure.
In book 2 chapters 4-6, Lucie Manette is referred to as a pretty girl and she seems to be getting more attention from the men in the book. In book 4 Mr. Darnay gives his toast to Miss Manette and after that Carton tries to get Mr. Darnay to admit he might have feelings for Miss Manette. Though Mr Darnay tries to keep his feelings a secret even though Mr. Carton can easily tell, even if he is drunk, that Mr. Darnay has feeling for Lucie. Another instant that it is clear Lucie is receiving more attention as a woman is when, in chapter 5, Mr. Stryver says that Miss Manette was the pretty witness that day. He also implies that Miss Manette is golden-haired doll and since she is a doll she is gorgeous and innocent. Finally, in Chapter 6, Miss Pross mentions to Mr. Lorry that Hundreds of people have been coming to look after Miss Manette. While Mr. Lorry is there Mr. Darnay comes by and while he is there he sits by Lucie so that he can at least try to get her attention. Mr. Carton also comes by, but he is mainly that dark force just wanting to observe and wait for his chance to strike. Even though Lucie is getting all of this new attention, she is staying devoted to her father’s well-being and him getting better.
I have to disagree with Jalesa and Corey. I think that Miss Pross is not jealous, though she loves Lucie her "Ladybird" so much that she does not think anyone is good enough for her. If anything, she wants Lucie to have the best and Mr. Darnay and Sydney Carton aren't good enough. She comes across as she is jealous, but she means no harm other than intimidation. Though the hundreds of people didn't seem to show up, the beating down of rain were the footsteps growing louder in the end of Chapter 6 in Book 2. Did Miss Pross seriously invite "hundreds of people" though?
I agree with Kimberly that Darnay and Carton are "doubles" of each other. However, I think that they are compared to each other to show who they might have been under different circumstances. This is also a key in revealing their secrets. Something has happened to Charles Darnay to keep him from turning into the uncaring, mysterious person that Carton has become. After the trial, Carton says that it "it's not so long since you were pretty far advanced on your way to another [world]" suggesting that Darnay had a previous near-death experience, perhaps with the law. While the two are dining together Darnay seems to be influenced by Carton with "his fully half-insolent manner upon him." (Dickens 87) This shows that while Darnay has been a seemingly good character, he is easily persuaded, even though he is completely against this alternate form of himself. Carton could also be seen as the evil conscience within a person, an example of a man vs. self conflict within Darnay.
I agree with India, Dr. Mannette is still haunted by those dark days in confinement. On page 101 Miss Pross said straight out that he is afraid. Afraid because he lost himself, and doesn't remember why and in fear of it happening again. I think he keeps his shoe making bench in his room for a reminder that it really did happen and could happen again. He gets up in the middle of the night and paces, silently, and Lucie comes to comfort him. Together they pace, not saying a word until he is calmed down again. That really shows Lucie's love for her father and how horrible those 18 years in prison must have been. But on page 102, the word echo or echoes was used four times, I think that symbolizes a far deeper meaning and that you really must dig. When Mr. Darnay comes over, he tries to make small talk, but in doing so he hits a nerve talking about prison. Dr. Mannette tenses up, and spaces out, and starts worrying about the rain as if he was refusing to think about his years. Lucie was able to calm him down again, as always. She truly is his light. Mr. Darnay likes Lucie, and wants to make a good impression on her father but at this point it is'nt working out too well for him, and Miss Pross definately doesn't like him. Miss Pross will probably never be happy unless Lucie were to marry her brother, but she can't accept the fact that her brother was a scoundrel who stole everything from her. Miss Pross still loves her brother even after everything he's put her through, and I think she believes that she will be happy if she can make her brother and Lucie happy in one move. Miss Pross treasures all that she loves. I think Miss Pross's deep sincere love may end up hurting her in the long run.
Savannah, I think the rain symbolizes the hundreds of people, like a mob or army. On page 107 they were talking about the footsteps, which were really raindrops, so i think the raindrops/ footsteps are the hindreds of people revolting in a mob type deal... And at the top of 107 the "great crowd coming one day into our lives" could be a foreshadow of French Rev.
As many have noticed, Sydney Carton and Charles Darnay are two very different men. However, they share one common goal: Lucie. Their affection for her has been prevalent throughout the second book. For instance, on page 87, they toast to her and continue to speak of her. On page 104 both Carton and Darnay show up at the Manette residence in order to be in the presence of Lucie. However, I was puzzled by a statement Carton made on page 88. While talking to Darnay about Lucie after being at the tavern, Carton asks, "Is it worth being tried for one's life, to be the object of such sympathy and compassion, Mr Darnay?" We know from the trial that Lucie had met Darnay on her journey back to England five years ago. This makes me think that Lucie has a large part in the cause Darnay's trial. It is still unknown what their previous relationship was, but I believe Lucie's secret has something to do with Darnay and his trial. This begs the following question: What is Lucie and Darnay's previous/current relationship, and why did Darnay risk his life to be the object of Lucie's compassion?
Commenting on what Haley said, Lucie might be loyal now but might get frustrated with him later and not be loyal. As of right now their relationship is pretty good. Lucie also comforts him pretty well. In Chapter 4, page 83, it says, "...the sound of her voice, the light of her face, the touch of her hand, had a strong beneficial influence with him almost always. Not absolutely always, for she could recall some occasions on which her power had failed..." So according to this quote she can comfort him and be there for him when he needs it, but not always. If this continues the way it is, she might get frustrated with the whole situation. In addition to that, with Dr. Manette not telling her about his past might be the breaking point for her.
MARY GRACE ARNOLD In Book 2, Chapter 1, Mr. Cruncher is awoken by his wife praying in the corner of his room. As soon as he sees her he throws his mud-covered boot at her and demands her to stop praying for him. Why does he want her to stop praying for him? Usually, people want other people to pray for them if they are going through a difficult time. “I was not praying against you; I was praying for you… You weren’t. And if you were, I won’t be took the liberty with.” (Dickens 58) Jerry Cruncher thinks that since Mrs. Cruncher is praying for him that she must know his secret. He thinks that she is taking advantage of him when she is praying. What is his secret? My guess is that he sneaks out at night without awaking his wife or son and goes out drinking. Then comes back to the house, falls down on the bed unconscious and then wakes up the next morning with mud-covered boots, not remembering what he had done or where he had gone the night before. The way Mr. Cruncher acts is very suspicious, defensive and paranoid. Mr. Cruncher also takes offense to the fact that his wife is praying to God. “You’ve got a dutiful mother, you have, my son. You’ve got a religious mother, you have, my boy: going and flopping herself down, and praying…” (Dickens 58) Jerry Cruncher says this in sort of a laughing joking way, as if he is laughing at his wife and thinking that she is crazy for praying for him. Could Jerry Cruncher be an atheist or just not have an opinion or say when it comes to religion and prayer? Along with most of the other characters in this novel, Mr. Cruncher has a secret. What is Jerry Cruncher’s secret?
I agree with what Mae said above. The two characters are giving the nickname of animals. Mr. Carton is called the jackal and Mr. Stryver is called the lion. A jackal is portrayed as a deceitful, tricky animal, which fits because he has a dark side. A lion is portrayed as a strong powerful leader figure, and is sometimes God like, which fits because of his good qualities. Dickens used animals to portray the characteristics of these important characters.
On page 89, the last paragraph, the statement of Mr. Carton. He knew he didn’t like Mr. Darnay .He admired Mr. Darnay, but he was jealous of the commiseration that Miss Manette gave him. On page.90, the dialogue between Mr. Stryver and Mr. Carton shows us the relationship between themselves, the lion and the jackal, a great sunflower and a idlest, most unpromising and humble capacity. Mr. Carton wanted be the same sort of person that Mr. Darnay was. He loved Miss Manette and he was not satisfied with his jobbut he lacked the courage to try something different. Just like the things he had done at school, like helping others do homework but never doing his own. He just worked hard for Mr. Stryver but he couldn’t use his good abilities and good emotions to earn his own happiness, just lulled him by drinking.
Dr. Manette is afraid to tell Lucie about the events that led up to him being put in jail. It's like he is rescued by Lucie and pretends as if he was never put in jail. In a way it makes me think that Dr. Manette has a secret also. He has something to hide and he is confused about what to do and how to approach the situation. " It's plain enough, I should think, why he may be. It’s dreadful remembrance. Besides that, his loss of himself grew out of it. Not knowing how he lost himself, or ho he rediscovered himself, he may never feel certain of not loosing himself again" (101- 102). Dr. Manette doesn't want to remember what happened because it was so awful that it was like he was turned into a completely different person. Mousier Manette was truly dead for 18 years. He is confused about life; everything has changed since he has been gone for 18 years. He is at a point where "his mind is walking up and down in his old prison" (102). It is going to take him to stop living in the past just so he can deal with the present.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThe significance of names becomes more apparent in chapters 4-6 of Book 2 in A Tale of Two Cities. Lucie means light, as stated in class, and on page 83 Dickens describes her as having "the power of charming this black brooding from his mind" and "the golden thread that united him to a Past beyond his misery, and to a Present beyond his misery." Dickens also states that "the sound of her voice, the light of her face, the touch of her hand, had a strong beneficial influence with him almost always" (Dickens 83). Based on these passages, the reader can conclude that Lucie has brought much light to her father's life after he had been stuck in a dark phase and place for 18 years. Also, many people seem to think that Lucie is beautiful as Stryver proclaims, "Why, man alive, she was the admiration of the whole Court!" (Dickens 94). Being pretty is generally a good character trait that could bring light to someone's day. Lucie also has golden blonde hair, a light color. The title of Book 2 is also "A Golden Thread" so this could be a book about Lucie and how she has changed her father's life and what their life is like together. Mr. Stryver is another character whose name seems to be significant to his story. Stryver sounds like strive, meaning to try to achieve a result, and is described as "already fast shouldering his way to a large and lucrative practice, behind his compeers in this particular, any more than in the drier parts of the legal race" (Dickens 90). This shows that he is striving to be the best at what he does and he is becoming more and more successful. Also, on page 93, Carton and Stryver have a conversation about their younger days and Stryver states, "I had to get into the front rank; I was not born there, was I?" This quote suggests that Stryver was not born as a successful man but that he had to work his way up from the bottom to get to the top. Dickens choosing this character's name as Stryver is not a coincidence, and his name could foreshadow that he is going to strive to do more things in the future.
ReplyDeleteIn chapter five, there significance of Mr. Carton's and Mr. Stryver’s conversation. They are referenced as lions and jackals which I concluded to mean that Mr. Stryver is very powerful and wise as an attorney, while Mr. Carton may be aggressive he doesn't have the prestige or wisdom of Mr. Stryver. Drinking is also an important action to note because it makes them free to express their emotions and perhaps secrets without being taken seriously, because drinking was not a disgrace to your character. During this conversation Mr. Carton mentions he thinks Lucie is beautiful and Mr. Carton denies this so much that Mr. Carton and the reader gets the impression that Mr. Stryver is suppressing his feelings for Lucie by ridiculing her. At the end of their gathering there is tension between the "friends" over this matter of Lucie and Mr. Carton feels offended and angry by Mr. Stryvers remark and then a depressed. You can tell this by the setting outside. The cool air is cooling him off and then the loneliness of the empty streets and how "Sadly, Sadly the sun rose..." (pg.107)
ReplyDeleteScattered throughout pages 107 and 108 there are many examples that foreshadow the storm of the Bastille. Darnay, Lorry, and Carton were talking and they were observing the incredible storm. Darnay says, "And I hear them!... Here they come, fast, fierce, and furious!" , even though this statement was referring to the rain, it could be foreshadowing the storm of the Bastille, and comparing the rain to the outraged people (Dickens 107). Also on page 107, it describes the storm and says that, "there was not a moment's interval in crash, and fire, and rain, until after the moon rose at midnight.", it is interesting that even though it is a storm with rain, lightening, and thunder, it talks about "fire" and "crash" (Dickens 107). This is another example of foreshadowing of the outbreak of war, commotion, and fire, of the storm of the Bastille. On page 108 the last paragraph is highly significant. The text reads, "Perhaps. Perhaps, see the great crowd of people with its rush and roar, bearing down upon them, too" (Dickens 108). This also points out, almost directly, that some form of an uprising is coming.
ReplyDeleteI would agree with Hallie Belle on the fact that Mr. Carton does not have the intellect of Mr. Stryver, however Dickens implies that Sydney Carton does posses an equal wisdom but does not know how to empower it. Dickens directly refers to Carton saying that he is “… the man of good abilities and good emotions, incapable of their directed exercise…” (Dickens 95). Stryver and Carton also argue over who is to blame for Carton’s getting nowhere and he blames Stryver for his failure in saying, “You were always driving and riving and shouldering and pressing, to that restless degree that I had no chance for my life but in rust and repose.” Based on this quote, we can conclude that Stryver is the type of person who is willing to sacrifice a friendship or relationship in order to win, to succeed. From his attitude so far, it seems that he reliant on the work that Sydney does for him. I believe that Sydney has the potential to make something out of his life, but he is stuck in the shadow of Mr. Stryver. If he was successful he would have the opportunity to be a leader, yet he is currently stuck as a sidekick. It is apparent that Mr. Carton regrets his inability to match the efforts and success of Mr. Stryver, but so far we have seen no effort on his part to actually get somewhere. My prediction, based on this regret, is Mr. Carton will eventually work harder to meet the accomplishments of Mr. Stryver’s, but at the moment he is resolving to stay where he is.
ReplyDeleteI agree with India when she says that Dr Manette is afraid to tell Lucie what happened to him before he was put in jail. Maybe he doesn't want her to know, or maybe its just too bad of a memory for him to revisit. Nevertheless, Lucie is always there for her dad. "Ladybird has learnt to know then, that his mind is walking up and down, walking up and down, in his old prison. She hurries to him, and they go on together, walking up and down, walking up and down until he is composed." (Dickens 102) the prison in the quote could quite possibly be referring to Dr Manette's mind. The locked gates that he has around his head, telling him to not inform Lucie of his life, are getting him "caught up". He paces his room and when Lucie hears this, even though she has no idea as to what he is thinking, she will calm him down, she is quite the loyal one.
ReplyDeleteIn A Tale of Two Cities, Book 2, chapter 4, the chapter is summarizing the interaction between Sydney Carton and Charles Darnay. With them looking alike, it seems as if they are one person with two different sides. Charles Darnay represents the good side and Sydney Carton represents the dark side, but for now, the main focus is Sydney Carton. When the book speaks about Carton, it introduces him as, “another person who had not joined the group, or interchanged a word with any one of them, but who had been leaning against the wall where its shadow was darkest, had silently strolled out after the rest, and had looked on until the coach drive away” (Dickens 85). This run-on sentence is implying that Carton is a mysterious man but also very skeptic of Darnay since he waited to be alone with Darnay to actually begin to speak. Throughout Carton’s and Darnay’s meal, Carton is very straightforward with Darnay and at one point, while drunk, he asks, “do you think I particularly like you?” (Dickens 88). Both of the men answer with a no and there is no reason at all not to like Darnay. After this question, Carton reveals to the readers about how he feels towards himself saying, “I am a disappointed drudge, sir. I care for no man on earth, and no man cares for me” (Dickens 89). Through Carton describing himself, Dickens is showing the reader than Carton is a very unhappy man who lives a life for no one and mostly dislikes himself. However, after Darnay leaves, while Carton speaks to himself in the mirror, he is imagining Darnay’s face rather than his own looking back at him. In this paragraph, he mostly reveals that he does not have a legitimate reason to not like Darnay, but his reasoning for why he happens to is because he hates himself and every time he looks at Darnay, he sees himself.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Rachel when she says that Mr. Carton blames Mr. Stryver for his failure
ReplyDeletein life, but I disagree with her belief that Mr. Carton will begin to work harder for his own benefit. I believe that Mr. Carton would be more happy if he would work harder for himself, but he describes his entire life as doing "exercises for other boys, and seldom did my own" (Dickens 94). If he has spent his full life doing jobs for other people, then why would he change now? He is completely "incapable of his own help and his own happiness" (Dickens 97). Mr. Carton realizes he is unhappy, but he has "fallen into [his] rank and [Mr. Stryver has] fallen into his" (Dickens 95). Mr. Carton has no hope of changing the status quo; he will continue to live his same life, happily or not. This is one reason Dickens gives him the nickname "The Jackal." A jackal is not only an animal, but is also a person that works for another. It's can almost be compared to a servant. This is the case in the relationship between Mr. Stryver and Mr. Carton. Mr. Stryver, the lion, has power over the jackal. When Mr. Carton begins to have an attitude, Stryver asks him, "What has roughened your temper? Put some punch to it and smooth it again" (Dickens 94). As the lion, Mr. Stryver can tell Mr. Carton how to act , and Mr. Carton will accept whatever he says. I do not think Mr. Carton will stand up to Mr. Stryver, although this is what's required of him in order to achieve happiness.
In Book 2 Chapter 6 it is clear that Miss Pross is a jealous person when it comes to Lucie, her “Ladybird.” While talking to Mr. Lorry she says “…not that I have any fault to find with Doctor Manette, except that he is not worthy of such a daughter,…” (99) I feel that she knows something about Dr. Manette that the reader does not to make such a comment. She said that she had been taking care of Lucie since she was ten. I believe she could possibly know what Dr. Manette did to cause him to be in jail for so long. She could have possibly made the statement about Dr. Manette because he had been in prison so long and never had a real close relationship with Lucy until he was freed, in which Miss Pross may think is not fair. Miss Pross also thinks that only one man was worthy enough for Lucie. On page 100 she makes the statement “There never was, nor will be, but one man worth of Ladybird and that was my brother Solomon if he hadn’t made a mistake in life.” I think that Miss Pross said this because he was her brother, and some cases siblings act just like each other. She wanted a man for Lucie that acted just like her. She didn’t want another man to come into Lucie’s life. On page 104, when Mr. Darnay first arrived out the house, it says “Doctor Manette received him kindly, and so did Lucie. But Miss Pross suddenly became afflicted with a twitching in the head and body, and retired into the house. “She clearly was not too fond of Mr. Darnay. Miss Pross obviously had a close relationship with Lucie, so close that she didn’t want anything or anyone to come in between it
ReplyDeleteLike Haley Smith said in the 1st blog post, there is motif of doubling. I'd like to specifically discuss the doubling between Sydney Carton and Charles Darnay. I agree with Margaret that the two men do seem like two different sides of the same person. Carton and Darnay look very similar and could have led the same life. Carton says "I thought he was rather a handsome fellow, and I thought I should have been much the same sort of fellow, if I had had any luck"(pg.91). Carton has a dislike for Darnay because he realizes that Darnay is his successful double with the life he wanted but failed to get. At this point in the book Carton is "the jackal", which by definition is a person who performs dishonest or base deeds as the follower or accomplice of another. By the end of the book I believe that Carton will take influence from his successful double, Charles Darnay, and turn his life around.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Sadie that on p 107 that it is foreshadowing that storm of the Bastille. Dickens describes the tread feet that were coming from different directions in the street. He also says that the “footsteps are destined to come for all of us.” Also I think that the name of the title was foreshadowing why would he name the chapter “hundreds of people” if there were not hundreds of people? I think that Dr. Mennete know that something that is going on because on p 102 his mind is still “walking up and down in his own prison” and how he never says the reason why he cannot sleep. He might have heard something about the war in his cell when he was in prison and is afraid that if he talks about it he will be executed.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Jalesa. I also think Miss Pross is jealous of Lucie. I do not agree that Miss Pross knows why Dr. Manette was in jail because Miss Pross has taken care of Lucie since she was ten years old, but Dr. Manette was already in jail when Lucie was two years old. Miss Pross could be upset that she doesn't know and it probably bothers her not to know. I believe Miss Pross is also jealous Lucie because the man she lost is now back in her life. Miss Pross lost her brother, Solomon. Mr. Lorry explains, "Her brother Solomon was a heartless scoundrel who had stripped her of everything she possessed." Now that Lucie has her father, Miss Pross and Lucie don't have losing someone in their lives in common anymore. Miss Pross probably misses her brother and is jealous of the fact that Lucie gets to be with her father. Also, Miss Pross could be jealous of the wealth of Lucie's father because Miss Pross has nothing due to her brother.
ReplyDeleteIn the first post India made a point about how Lorry taking Lucie to meet her father might not be strictly business. I agree with this. Not because I think he is in love with her and is seeing her for the first time since she was a child. That is just plain creepy. But I do think he cares for her. The last time he saw her she was two years old, so that is his only image of her. An innocent child with a father in jail and a dead mother. He could be so nervous about being reunited with her because he feels he must protect this young girl. Even though Lucie is now 18, Lorry maybe view her as a helpless young girl that is depending on him for a new life. On p.12, Lorry says, "Wait! It would kill me if I saw her too soon." That statement probably wouldn't have been made if this situation with Lucie was "strictly business".
ReplyDeleteI agree with India when she says that Dr. Manette is afraid to tell Lucie about the events that put him in jail because he was taken away when she was two years old so he doesn't really trust her I think. By not telling Lucie proves that he has a secret because if he didn't then the readers and Lucie would know why he was in jail. I also disagree with India when she says that Dr. Manette doesn’t want to tell Lucie why he was in jail, I think it's because he doesn't remember what happened because he has been in jail for so long that he only remembers his wife by seeing Lucie and the curls of hair he took when he was taken to jail.
ReplyDeleteIn chapters 4 and 5 of A Tale of Two Cities, it is clear that Mr. Carton gets carried away with drinking when he starts insulting both Mr. Darnay and Lucie. He asks Darnay the question straight to his face, "Do you think I particularly like you?" It doesn't make a lot of sense for Carton to say this, because he has just helped to prove him innocent in a trial. The reasoning of him saying this is because since Darnay and him look almost identical, he says that you should not particularly like a man who resembles yourself. On page 89, he states, "There is nothing in you to like." Clearly, meaning if you don't like yourself, you shouldn't like someone just like you. They don't appear to act very similar, so obviously Carton is caught up in looks when he says this. Later on, on page 94, Mr. Carton and Stryver are talking and drinking. Stryver insists that Miss Lucie Manette is quite a beautiful girl, but Carton refuses to believe this because she and Darnay have been eyeing each other, which he claims is unfair. He's mad that he identical to Darnay and that Lucie isn't attracted to him, so he insults her by calling her a "golden-haired doll".
ReplyDeleteIn the beginning of the book A Tale of Two
ReplyDeleteCities, Mr. Jarvis Lorry is determined to release Monsieur Manette out of solitary confinement. His motto at this time was "Recalled to Life." Recalled to life is referring to resurrection of the dead: not limited to the literal dead, but the figurative dead as well. There are multiple references to resurrection throughout chapters one through six of book 2. One example is during the trial of Charles Darnay. During this specific time period, anyone on trial was considered to be a walking dead man. This is because very, very few people were found innocent, and the punishment for any crime no matter how great or small, was death. Considering this information, Mr. Darnay was already a dead man. During the trial, Mr. Darnay's attorney points to a man in the crowd by the name of Sydney Carton, who looks exactly like Mr. Darnay. By pointing Mr. Carton out to the jury, the jury finds Mr. Darnay not guilty, because they feel insecure about which man was the one who committed the treason. Therefore, Sydney Carton resurrected Charles Darnay during the Darnay vs. the State trial. Also, at the end of chapter six, Mr. Lorry says, "What a night it has been! Almost a night, Jerry [Cruncher], to bring the dead out of their graves." (107) I think that this is foreshadowing to one of the character's secrets. Combining this phrase with the mysterious appearance of mud on Mr. Cruncher's boots and the rust on his fingers. I think that the two add up to equal Mr. Jerry Cruncher's secret. Also, in chapter six, Dr. Manette tells Lucie a story about when he was in prison. He told her about three letters he saw inscribed on a stone of the inner-wall of the prison. He says, "At first, they were read as D.I.C.; but, on being more carefully examined, the last letter was found to be a G." He later goes on to tell her that there were no records of any criminal with those initials. He also mentioned how it was later suggested that the letters were not initials, but the complete word DIG. This isn't the resurrection of a person, however I believe that this is the author trying to resurrect the idea that each reader should dig beyond the surface of the book to find hidden meanings, and details that he purposefully included. I feel like he is resurrecting this idea into the readers' minds, because sometimes the audience can get so caught up in the plot, that they miss all of the hints that the author is putting in the text. And this is why Dickens resurrects the "digging" idea.
In this book, at the beginning of chapter four, there is a motif of cooking. "...the last sediment of the human stew that had been boiling there all day, was straining off, when Dr. Manette, Lucie Manette, Mr Lorry, the solicitor for the defence, and its counsel Mr Stryver, stood gathered round Mr Charles Darnay- just released- congratulating him on his escape from death." (83) The words stew, boiling, and straining off all refer to an aspect of cooking yet refer to what had happened that day. The use of those words makes the whole sentence sound like those humans in that courtroom were nothing but ingredients in a large stew. Meaning that their lives are not valued and that when the revolution comes, the people will be killing people left and right also because they are nothing compared to the bigger picture. Just as the last sediment in a stew is nothing compared to the entire stew.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Grace. I do not think that Lorry is mixing business and pleasure. He cares for Lucie, but he cares for her well-being and that is why he is taking her to meet her father. If he did not think that Dr. Manette would be a good father, he would not take her to meet him. Lorry is NOT in love with Lucie. He is making sure that she is taken care of. He has kept his word to Dr. Manette about making sure that Lucie gets taken care of. Miss Pross has done an amazing job taking care of Lucie for the past 17 years, but its time that her dad does now. I do not think that Lucie is in love with Lorry either. She went to see him and then found out about Dr. Manette. If anything, she is grateful of an amazing friend like that in her life. I do not think that Lorry ever mixed up business and pleasure.
ReplyDeleteIn book 2 chapters 4-6, Lucie Manette is referred to as a pretty girl and she seems to be getting more attention from the men in the book. In book 4 Mr. Darnay gives his toast to Miss Manette and after that Carton tries to get Mr. Darnay to admit he might have feelings for Miss Manette. Though Mr Darnay tries to keep his feelings a secret even though Mr. Carton can easily tell, even if he is drunk, that Mr. Darnay has feeling for Lucie. Another instant that it is clear Lucie is receiving more attention as a woman is when, in chapter 5, Mr. Stryver says that Miss Manette was the pretty witness that day. He also implies that Miss Manette is golden-haired doll and since she is a doll she is gorgeous and innocent. Finally, in Chapter 6, Miss Pross mentions to Mr. Lorry that Hundreds of people have been coming to look after Miss Manette. While Mr. Lorry is there Mr. Darnay comes by and while he is there he sits by Lucie so that he can at least try to get her attention. Mr. Carton also comes by, but he is mainly that dark force just wanting to observe and wait for his chance to strike. Even though Lucie is getting all of this new attention, she is staying devoted to her father’s well-being and him getting better.
ReplyDeleteI have to disagree with Jalesa and Corey. I think that Miss Pross is not jealous, though she loves Lucie her "Ladybird" so much that she does not think anyone is good enough for her. If anything, she wants Lucie to have the best and Mr. Darnay and Sydney Carton aren't good enough. She comes across as she is jealous, but she means no harm other than intimidation. Though the hundreds of people didn't seem to show up, the beating down of rain were the footsteps growing louder in the end of Chapter 6 in Book 2. Did Miss Pross seriously invite "hundreds of people" though?
ReplyDeleteI agree with Kimberly that Darnay and Carton are "doubles" of each other. However, I think that they are compared to each other to show who they might have been under different circumstances. This is also a key in revealing their secrets. Something has happened to Charles Darnay to keep him from turning into the uncaring, mysterious person that Carton has become. After the trial, Carton says that it "it's not so long since you were pretty far advanced on your way to another [world]" suggesting that Darnay had a previous near-death experience, perhaps with the law. While the two are dining together Darnay seems to be influenced by Carton with "his fully half-insolent manner upon him." (Dickens 87) This shows that while Darnay has been a seemingly good character, he is easily persuaded, even though he is completely against this alternate form of himself. Carton could also be seen as the evil conscience within a person, an example of a man vs. self conflict within Darnay.
ReplyDeleteI agree with India, Dr. Mannette is still haunted by those dark days in confinement. On page 101 Miss Pross said straight out that he is afraid. Afraid because he lost himself, and doesn't remember why and in fear of it happening again. I think he keeps his shoe making bench in his room for a reminder that it really did happen and could happen again. He gets up in the middle of the night and paces, silently, and Lucie comes to comfort him. Together they pace, not saying a word until he is calmed down again. That really shows Lucie's love for her father and how horrible those 18 years in prison must have been. But on page 102, the word echo or echoes was used four times, I think that symbolizes a far deeper meaning and that you really must dig. When Mr. Darnay comes over, he tries to make small talk, but in doing so he hits a nerve talking about prison. Dr. Mannette tenses up, and spaces out, and starts worrying about the rain as if he was refusing to think about his years. Lucie was able to calm him down again, as always. She truly is his light. Mr. Darnay likes Lucie, and wants to make a good impression on her father but at this point it is'nt working out too well for him, and Miss Pross definately doesn't like him. Miss Pross will probably never be happy unless Lucie were to marry her brother, but she can't accept the fact that her brother was a scoundrel who stole everything from her. Miss Pross still loves her brother even after everything he's put her through, and I think she believes that she will be happy if she can make her brother and Lucie happy in one move. Miss Pross treasures all that she loves. I think Miss Pross's deep sincere love may end up hurting her in the long run.
ReplyDeleteSavannah,
ReplyDeleteI think the rain symbolizes the hundreds of people, like a mob or army. On page 107 they were talking about the footsteps, which were really raindrops, so i think the raindrops/ footsteps are the hindreds of people revolting in a mob type deal... And at the top of 107 the "great crowd coming one day into our lives" could be a foreshadow of French Rev.
As many have noticed, Sydney Carton and Charles Darnay are two very different men. However, they share one common goal: Lucie. Their affection for her has been prevalent throughout the second book. For instance, on page 87, they toast to her and continue to speak of her. On page 104 both Carton and Darnay show up at the Manette residence in order to be in the presence of Lucie. However, I was puzzled by a statement Carton made on page 88. While talking to Darnay about Lucie after being at the tavern, Carton asks, "Is it worth being tried for one's life, to be the object of such sympathy and compassion, Mr Darnay?" We know from the trial that Lucie had met Darnay on her journey back to England five years ago. This makes me think that Lucie has a large part in the cause Darnay's trial. It is still unknown what their previous relationship was, but I believe Lucie's secret has something to do with Darnay and his trial. This begs the following question: What is Lucie and Darnay's previous/current relationship, and why did Darnay risk his life to be the object of Lucie's compassion?
ReplyDeleteCommenting on what Haley said, Lucie might be loyal now but might get frustrated with him later and not be loyal. As of right now their relationship is pretty good. Lucie also comforts him pretty well. In Chapter 4, page 83, it says, "...the sound of her voice, the light of her face, the touch of her hand, had a strong beneficial influence with him almost always. Not absolutely always, for she could recall some occasions on which her power had failed..." So according to this quote she can comfort him and be there for him when he needs it, but not always. If this continues the way it is, she might get frustrated with the whole situation. In addition to that, with Dr. Manette not telling her about his past might be the breaking point for her.
ReplyDeleteMARY GRACE ARNOLD
ReplyDeleteIn Book 2, Chapter 1, Mr. Cruncher is awoken by his wife praying in the corner of his room. As soon as he sees her he throws his mud-covered boot at her and demands her to stop praying for him. Why does he want her to stop praying for him? Usually, people want other people to pray for them if they are going through a difficult time. “I was not praying against you; I was praying for you… You weren’t. And if you were, I won’t be took the liberty with.” (Dickens 58) Jerry Cruncher thinks that since Mrs. Cruncher is praying for him that she must know his secret. He thinks that she is taking advantage of him when she is praying. What is his secret? My guess is that he sneaks out at night without awaking his wife or son and goes out drinking. Then comes back to the house, falls down on the bed unconscious and then wakes up the next morning with mud-covered boots, not remembering what he had done or where he had gone the night before. The way Mr. Cruncher acts is very suspicious, defensive and paranoid. Mr. Cruncher also takes offense to the fact that his wife is praying to God. “You’ve got a dutiful mother, you have, my son. You’ve got a religious mother, you have, my boy: going and flopping herself down, and praying…” (Dickens 58) Jerry Cruncher says this in sort of a laughing joking way, as if he is laughing at his wife and thinking that she is crazy for praying for him. Could Jerry Cruncher be an atheist or just not have an opinion or say when it comes to religion and prayer? Along with most of the other characters in this novel, Mr. Cruncher has a secret. What is Jerry Cruncher’s secret?
I agree with what Mae said above. The two characters are giving the nickname of animals. Mr. Carton is called the jackal and Mr. Stryver is called the lion. A jackal is portrayed as a deceitful, tricky animal, which fits because he has a dark side. A lion is portrayed as a strong powerful leader figure, and is sometimes God like, which fits because of his good qualities. Dickens used animals to portray the characteristics of these important characters.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteOn page 89, the last paragraph, the statement of Mr. Carton. He knew he didn’t like Mr. Darnay .He admired Mr. Darnay, but he was jealous of the commiseration that Miss Manette gave him. On page.90, the dialogue between Mr. Stryver and Mr. Carton shows us the relationship between themselves, the lion and the jackal, a great sunflower and a idlest, most unpromising and humble capacity.
ReplyDeleteMr. Carton wanted be the same sort of person that Mr. Darnay was. He loved Miss Manette and he was not satisfied with his jobbut he lacked the courage to try something different. Just like the things he had done at school, like helping others do homework but never doing his own. He just worked hard for Mr. Stryver but he couldn’t use his good abilities and good emotions to earn his own happiness, just lulled him by drinking.