Questions and Answers
In what year does the novel open?
1775
Who are the kings and queens of England and France at this time?
Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette in France; George III and Charlotte Sophia in England.
What events were taking place in America at this time?
The Revolutionary War.
According to the chapter, what inequities are present in France and England?
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What concepts are personified in the fourth paragraph?
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What wooden 'moveable framework' is associated with this time period in France?
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How does Dickens introduce the journey metaphor?
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How does Dickens make the transition between chapters 1 and 2?
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What are the weather conditions like and how does this affect the travelers?
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Why are passengers careful to keep to themselves?
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Who is Mr. Lorry and where is he employed?
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What messenger arrives for Mr. Lorry?
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What message does Mr. Lorry tell Jerry to bring back?
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What is Dickens' saying in the first paragraph, and do you agree or disagree?
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Study Notes
Setting and Context
- The novel opens in 1775, a pivotal year during a period of social upheaval in both England and France.
- The American Revolutionary War is ongoing, influencing political sentiments in Europe.
Monarchs of the Time
- King Louis XVI reigned from 1774 to 1793 in France; Marie-Antoinette was his consort.
- King George III ruled England from 1760 to 1820, with Charlotte Sophia as queen.
- Dickens describes the monarchs with distinctive physical features, suggesting their characters – strict kings and softer queens.
Social Inequities
- France experiences severe inequities, exemplified by a youth sentenced to death for disrespecting a monk, indicating potential for loss of respect toward authority.
- England's lack of order leads to fewer documented inequities; absence of authority makes changes easier, as public sentiment can sway power dynamics.
Personification and Themes
- Fate and death are personified through the figures of a farmer and woodcutter, illustrating themes of mortality and destiny.
The Guillotine
- The guillotine symbolizes the violent justice of the era, indicating the impending turmoil in French society.
Journey Metaphor
- Dickens introduces a journey metaphor with the phrase "along the roads that lay before them," signifying both a literal and figurative journey for the characters.
Chapter Transition
- A cliffhanger at the end of Chapter 1 leads directly into Chapter 2, creating suspense and continuity in storytelling.
Weather and Travel
- Muddy weather conditions hinder the movement of travelers, horses, and coaches, contributing to a sense of danger as they seek to avoid robberies.
Passenger Distrust
- Passengers maintain distance from one another due to fear of robbery, reflecting the era's insecurity; a quotation emphasizes the belief that any road user could be a threat.
Mr. Lorry
- Mr. Lorry is a banker at Tellson's Bank, playing a significant role in the unfolding narrative.
Messenger and Message
- A messenger from Tellson's Bank conveys a crucial message to Mr. Lorry about waiting for "Mamselle" and the phrase "recalled to life," hinting at themes of resurrection and change.
Communication Directive
- Mr. Lorry instructs Jerry, a character in his service, to return with the message "recalled to life," indicating an important plot element tied to identity and transformation.
Imagery and Diction
- Dickens employs rich imagery and careful diction in the opening paragraph, setting the tone for the novel and reflecting on dualities such as life and death.
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Description
Test your knowledge of the first book of 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens with these flashcards. Discover key details about the year the novel opens and the characterization of its historical figures. Perfect for revising important themes and characters.
