Tale of Two Cities

Motivation: Write a paragraph describing how you view yourself, using at least 3 adjectives. Do you think other people view you in the same way? Why or why not? What might cause people to view each other in different ways?

A) Chapter 4:
1. Briefly describe Mr. Stryver. In what way is he unfair to Mr. Carton?

He is 30 years old, but looks 50. Loud, red-faced, short and stout (bulky, heavy). He is very pushy and is not well-mannered. Intrudes into others conversations. He takes full credit for Darnay’s acquittal. Doesn’t acknowledge Carton’s help.

2. What evidence is there that Carton is jealous of Charles Darnay?

When they are toasting to Lucie, Carton gets angry and bitter he is not the one she likes. He compliments Lucie by telling Darnay what a fine lady she is. Talks to himself about how he could have been like Darnay. Rant about how alike they are. Drinks as a consolation.

B) Chapter 5:
1. What is the secret to Stryver’s success as an attorney?

Carton does all the work, Stryver presents his findings. He pushes his way to the top.

2. Briefly describe how Carton looks when he is working at Stryver’s desk.

Wet cold towels on his head….so he doesn’t sweat/can stay awake…the whole time he is drinking, he is focused, doesn’t look up from the work….”intent”

3. What do we learn about Carton’s childhood? What does Carton blame for his miserable life?

He claims bad luck is responsible for his miserable life….in school, he did everyone else’s homework but not his own….he and Stryver went to school together….

4. Find a quotation in this chapter which suggests that Carton may believe in fate.

“God knows it was my way I suppose….”
“Turn me in some other direction before I go…”
“You have fallen into your rank and I have fallen into mine…”

5. How would you characterize the relationship between Stryver and Carton?

Although they are friends, Stryver has an air of superiority when he talks to Carton. Jock/Nerd type rela. More equal when working in Stryver’s office, but in public, Stryver shows superiority. Stryver depends on Carton….Stryver doesn’t understand Carton – while Carton does understand him. Stryver is a flat/shallow character.

6. How is Carton like a jackal? And contrastingly, how is Stryver like a lion?
*NOTE: Jackals can best be described as opportunistic omnivores. They cooperatively hunt but prefer to pick over kills made by large carnivores and even frequent rubbish dumps in pursuit of food. Jackals are very cunning and resourceful.

Stryver charges ahead, makes the kill with confidence…..Carton waits for the scraps/leftovers….in a pride the male lion is big and intimidating but does little besides mate and eat….Stryver lets Carton do the work while he reaps the rewards

7. How does Carton really feel about Darnay? Why would he help someone he doesn’t like? How do his feelings about Darnay relate to his feelings about himself?

He is jealous of Carton, feels like he is similar to Darnay….when he helps him he feels he is helping himself (or what could have been for himself)….

C) Chapter 6:
1. Why is Miss Pross unhappy because there are “dozens” and “hundreds” of people coming to visit Lucie? (Pg. 92)

She thinks the suitors are not good enough for Lucie….

2. Who is Solomon? How does she feel about him?

Her brother….she thinks he is the only man worthy of Lucie….even though he stole from her and treated her poorly….she is forgiving, motherly and LOYAL to her family….

3. How does Miss Pross care for Lucie? To what extent is she overprotective and why?

She has taken care of her since she was 10. Pampers her, treats her as if it is her own daughter. Lucie feels close to her, shares things with her. Very attached to Lucie.

4. What questions does Mr. Lorry ask Miss Pross concerning the doctor and his shoemaking tools? What would you do about the tools?

He asks if Dr. Manette still has the shoemaking tools and if he uses them.

5. How do Miss Pross and Mr. Lorry express their concern? In what ways are they like parents?

They often wonder/discuss him and check in on him. They do hypothetical situations to discuss possible outcomes….shows they are worried about him and the future…

6. TWE has Dr. Manette recovered? Why is Dr. Manette afraid to remember his past?

He has recovered, has a rela with Lucie….though has flashbacks….and is scared to remember to much because he could return to his traumatized state…..

7. How does Dr. Manette react to the story about the prisoner in the tower? Why do you think Darnay’s story causes Dr. Manette to react this way?

He gets scared because it reminds him of his life in the prison….stood up fast, put his hands on his head….got very upset…..it could have been him the story was about….he may have a memory about stashing a note in his cell…..

D) Comment on Dickens’ use of foreshadowing at the end of this chapter when Lucie, Carton, and Darnay discuss the crowds in the streets of London. Some readers find this to be too lengthy. Did you?

Summary/ Answer AIM:
What are the echoing footsteps in the end of chapter 6? Who are the hundreds of people? How does Dickens foreshadow the future?

Answer Aim: _________________________________________________________________________________?

HW: Read Book 2 Chapters 7-12 and complete the Study Guide questions and Vocabulary.