2

2. The novel takes place, as its title suggests, in two cities: London and Paris. What are some of the differences between these two cities? Between their denizens? What about characters who travel—or move residence—from one to another? How are the cities themselves divided in two? In the first chapter of Tale of Two Cities Dickens states that “There was a king with a large jaw and a queen with a plain face on the throne of England; there was a king with a large jaw and a queen with a fair face on the throne of France” which is starting the book off with comparisons between England and France. Dickens portrays London as a more safe city then Paris, the trials are less cruel, and there are not heads rolling from the guillotine. Paris, on the other hand is more violent, and uses the guillotine to kill there queen. London is more of a “safe haven” and Paris is more of a hell-hole. During the last half of Tale of Two Cities it shows that France has made many new laws about emigrants, and hardly anyone is safe. They kill traitors, innocent, and pretty much everyone who they can prove guilty in court. England, on the other hand does not have any laws about emigrants being traitors, and do not have killing sprees of everyone in prisons.

6. Late in the novel, Carton is described as showing both pity and pride (page 226). Until this point in the novel, "pride" is a word we have not seen associated with Carton, who is full of mostly suppressed regret and anguish over his wasted life. What is Carton proud of, and do others see it? Do you think Dickens intends to convey that others see his pride? Carton is proud of his plan to save Charles Darnay, and how it worked. He is proud that he was able to keep his promise to Lucie, and was able to do everything in his power to keep Lucie happy, even if it meant losing his life for her. Others can see that he is proud, and some look upon him as brave even. Yes I think that Dickens intends for others to see his pride, because for once he is proud of himself, and feels like this is the best thing he’s done in his life. He deserves recognition for that.

9. Dickens prefaces the final paragraphs of the novel, which are in Carton's voice, by noting that "if he had given any utterance to his [thoughts], and they were prophetic, they would have been these" (page 254). How might we read the vision expressed in these words? Are we meant to take these thoughts as prophetic—that is, as a portrayal of what actually came after the end of the novel, in both France and in England? Among the beloved friends he has left behind? Yes, the words Dickens wrote in Carton’s voice, can be seen as prophetic. His dying thoughts, or what he would’ve said if he had the chance. What Carton did was brave, and selfless, and we might read the vision in words as a sign that Carton had become a better man, and finally was proud of himself.

11. The French Revolution was of great interest to Americans in the early days of their own republic. Given today's polarities of extreme wealth and poverty and strongly expressed patriotism, as well as the interest in early America, what parallels might we draw between our own time and what happens in A Tale of Two Cities? What lessons? The French and American Revolution were both fought during the late 1800’s although it seems as the French Revolution is what inspired the American. America learned from the French that you can question those in power, and if you don’t like something you can do something about it. The French Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen seemed to have taken out things from the Bill of Rights. America and French both borrowed ideas from each other throughout the revolution.