trial in London, accused of passing information between France and England. When the court’s attention is drawn to Sydney Carton, the members realize that the two men are virtually identical to one another. The resemblance plants the seed of doubt about whether someone else could be mistaken for Darnay. As the result of this possibility, and the circumstantial evidence, Darnay is acquitted and allowed to go. The trial even turns out to have been a positive event for Darnay, because it puts him back in contact with Lucie and Dr. Manette.
How does Madame Defarge die?
Madame Defarge is killed when her pistol
accidentally fires as she struggles with Miss Pross. Madame Defarge is trying to find Lucie and little Lucie in order to attack and kill them, and Miss Pross is determined to protect the family by concealing the fact that they have fled. The struggle between the two women becomes an opportunity to show how “the vigorous tenacity of love [is] always so much stronger than hate.” The fact that Madame Defarge is killed by her own weapon suggests that those who choose violence and hatred set themselves on a path that is likely to backfire and destroy them.
Why does Charles Darnay return to France
after his marriage?
Darnay receives a letter from Gabelle, an employee
who has been imprisoned due to his work for the Evremonde family. Gabelle begs Darnay to take responsibility and to help him. The letter makes Darnay realize that although he left behind his privilege in France, he has not really done anything to atone for the misdeeds of his family. It also appeals to his sense of moral responsibility: “the appeal of an innocent prisoner, in danger of death, to his justice, honour, and good name” (pg. 285). He decides to go back to France in order to intervene on behalf of Gabelle and perhaps even contribute to the Revolution’s effort to achieve justice and equality.
Why was Dr. Manette imprisoned?
Dr. Manette is imprisoned because he knows
about the crimes committed by the Evremonde brothers and has attempted to expose them to the authorities. As a young physician, Dr. Manette is summoned to treat a young woman who has been raped and later dies. Other members of her family have also been harmed by the Evremondes. Disturbed by what he knows, Dr. Manette writes a letter to the authorities even though he expects that “the matter would never be heard of.” Angry at what the Doctor might try to do, the Evremondes have him arrested, demonstrating the power and influence of the nobility to put even an innocent man in jail.
Who kills the Marquis d'Evremonde?
The Marquis d'Evremonde is killed by one of the
revolutionary figures who go by the generic name of “Jacques.” The Marquis is killed in an act of revenge because on the previous day he heartlessly ran over and killed a young child with his carriage. After the death of the child, the Marquis showed no remorse, and described the lives of working-class people as worthless. His murder foreshadows the further outbreaks of revolutionary violence that will come later.
A Tale of Two Cities In Plain and Simple English (Includes Study Guide, Complete Unabridged Book, Historical Context, Biography and Character Index)(Annotated)
