A tale of two cities study guide Essay Example
Chapter 1 - Five Years Later
1. In the following quotation, Dickens compares Tellson’s Bank with England. List the qualities, both positive and negative, that he attributes to the old bank and that he also attributes to old England. Be sure to include the bank’s position on capital punishment.
“In this respect the House was much on a par with the Country; which did very often disinherit its sons for suggesting improvements in laws and customs that had long been highly objectionable, but were only the more respectable.” (Pg. 53)
Tellson’s is described as small, dark, old, decaying, and very respectable; it is said to be ugly, lacking modern facilities, and very proud of its long history. The bank figuratively puts anyone to death who commits even the smallest of crimes.
2. Why do you think Jerry Cruncher is against his wife’s praying on his behalf? What is implied by the mud on his boots?
Jerry thinks his wife’s praying is going to prevent him from earning some money. He gets mud on his boots late at night, which implies that he is doing something after dark to earn money. Whatever it is, his wife disapproves of it and feels the need to pray for her husband.
3. How are young Jerry and his father alike? Why do you suppose Mr. Cruncher frequently has rust on his fingers?
They both have spiky hair and like to bully people. Answers will vary. Example: The rust is probably the result of Mr. Cruncher’s after-hours job, which also results in the mud on his boots.
Chapter 2 - A Sight
1. What is Jerry Cruncher’s opinion of execution by quartering?
He thinks that it is unnecessarily cruel and that killing a man should be enough of a punishment.
2. Briefly describe the prisoner, Charles Darnay. Why is he fascinating to the crowd?
He is a young, good-looking man with dark eyes, dark hair, a sunburned cheek, and a self-possessed manner. The crowd is fascinated by him because of the horrible sentence he faces.
3. Why is there a mirror over
1. In the following quotation, Dickens compares Tellson’s Bank with England. List the qualities, both positive and negative, that he attributes to the old bank and that he also attributes to old England. Be sure to include the bank’s position on capital punishment.
“In this respect the House was much on a par with the Country; which did very often disinherit its sons for suggesting improvements in laws and customs that had long been highly objectionable, but were only the more respectable.” (Pg. 53)
Tellson’s is described as small, dark, old, decaying, and very respectable; it is said to be ugly, lacking modern facilities, and very proud of its long history. The bank figuratively puts anyone to death who commits even the smallest of crimes.
2. Why do you think Jerry Cruncher is against his wife’s praying on his behalf? What is implied by the mud on his boots?
Jerry thinks his wife’s praying is going to prevent him from earning some money. He gets mud on his boots late at night, which implies that he is doing something after dark to earn money. Whatever it is, his wife disapproves of it and feels the need to pray for her husband.
3. How are young Jerry and his father alike? Why do you suppose Mr. Cruncher frequently has rust on his fingers?
They both have spiky hair and like to bully people. Answers will vary. Example: The rust is probably the result of Mr. Cruncher’s after-hours job, which also results in the mud on his boots.
Chapter 2 - A Sight
1. What is Jerry Cruncher’s opinion of execution by quartering?
He thinks that it is unnecessarily cruel and that killing a man should be enough of a punishment.
2. Briefly describe the prisoner, Charles Darnay. Why is he fascinating to the crowd?
He is a young, good-looking man with dark eyes, dark hair, a sunburned cheek, and a self-possessed manner. The crowd is fascinated by him because of the horrible sentence he faces.
3. Why is there a mirror over