A Tale of Two Cities Book II - Chapters 9-16 Quiz

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Questions and Answers

How is the home of the Marquis described?

The word stone is repeated many times to allude to the Gorgon who turns everything to stone.

Summarize the conversation between Charles Darnay and the Marquis.

Charles Darnay wants to renounce his title and family because he disagrees with their cruelty; the Marquis is unperturbed and believes Darnay will always return to the family.

Who is Charles Darnay related to?

He is the nephew of the Marquis.

What occupation does Darnay have?

Darnay is now a French teacher who is hardworking and gaining profit and becoming known. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the interaction between Darnay and Dr. Manette.

Darnay proclaims his love for Lucie and tries to tell Dr. Manette his real name, but Dr. Manette insists he should share it on his wedding day; he supports their love and will address Lucie's concerns. Signup and view all the answers

How does Dr. Manette's conversation with Charles Darnay affect him?

It causes him to regress and start making shoes again. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the conversation between Stryver and Carton.

Stryver discusses his plan to marry Lucie, while Carton begins to drink more heavily and Stryver makes passive-aggressive suggestions. Signup and view all the answers

Give examples of how appearance does not reflect reality in this section.

Darnay and Manette appear to have a normal conversation, but Dr. Manette is regressing; Stryver appears to give friendly advice, but he's being passive-aggressive. Signup and view all the answers

Who does Mr. Stryver represent?

He represents the oblivious upper class who believe they are above others, and the justice system that appears fair but is only for entertainment/appearance. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Sydney Carton feel indebted to Lucie?

He is loyal to her because he believes she brought joy and life back to him. Signup and view all the answers

How does Sydney Carton describe himself?

He describes himself as a heap of ashes transformed into fire by Lucie, although he feels he has no purpose. Signup and view all the answers

Who does Sydney Carton represent?

He represents the desperate peasant martyrs. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the events that occur after the Thinker comparison.

Roger Cly's funeral procession is attacked, Jerry Cruncher yells at his son for praying, Jerry Jr. runs home after seeing his father unbury a coffin, Jerry Sr. lashes out in anger, and Jerry Jr. expresses a desire to be a resurrection man. Signup and view all the answers

Who is compared to The Thinker? Why?

The Thinker is Dante, representing the need to question if Cruncher's immoral actions are justified. Signup and view all the answers

Who does Jerry Cruncher represent?

He represents commoners who are struggling economically and dissatisfied with life. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the progression of the mood in the chapter with the Resurrection man.

The mood progresses from calm to chaotic, angry, suspenseful, mysterious, sad/hopeless, to creepy, representing the mood of the French Revolution. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the comparison of Madame Defarge to the Fates?

She decides the fate of people's lives with her knitting just as the Fates do. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the comparison of Madame Defarge to Lady Macbeth?

She is the driving force (a silent leader) of the revolution. Signup and view all the answers

What spy comes to the Defarge's wine shop? What information is exchanged?

John Barsad comes to the Defarge's wine shop and informs them that Lucie Manette is marrying Darnay, the nephew of the Marquis. Signup and view all the answers

Why do the Defarges compliment the mender of the roads?

He compliments the king and queen passionately, portraying the peasants as innocent and respectful of the monarchy so their revolution stays unexpected. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Marquis' Home Description

The repeated use of the word "stone" symbolizes a Gorgon-like quality, suggesting a cold and unfeeling environment.

Darnay and the Marquis Conversation

Charles Darnay renounces his title and familial ties due to ethical disagreements with their cruelty.
The Marquis remains indifferent, confident that Darnay's return to the family is inevitable.

Family Relation

Charles Darnay is the nephew of the Marquis.

Darnay's Occupation

Darnay works as a French teacher, gaining recognition and making a comfortable living.

Interaction with Dr. Manette

Darnay expresses his love for Lucie and aims to build trust by revealing his true identity, but Dr. Manette insists on waiting until their wedding day.
Dr. Manette promises to advocate for Darnay if Lucie's feelings are questioned, reinforcing his support.

Dr. Manette's Regression

Darnay's presence prompts Dr. Manette to revert to making shoes, showcasing his psychological struggle.

Stryver and Carton Dialogue

Stryver shares his intention to marry Lucie while encouraging Carton to pursue wealthy prospects, grounded in a passive-aggressive demeanor.

Illusion vs. Reality

Darnay and Dr. Manette's seemingly normal interaction belies Darnay's concealed identity and Dr. Manette's mental decline.
Stryver's advice to Carton appears friendly but is deeply patronizing, reflecting underlying tensions.

Mr. Stryver's Symbolism

Represents the oblivious upper class that assumes power and status will last indefinitely.
Embodies the superficiality of the justice system, often prioritizing appearances over fairness.

Carton's Loyalty to Lucie

Sydney Carton feels indebted to Lucie for revitalizing his spirit and bringing joy into his life.

Carton's Self-Description

Carton sees himself as "a heap of ashes" and acknowledges Lucie as the fire that rekindles him, despite feeling purposeless.

Carton's Representation

Serves as a symbol of desperate martyrdom among the lower class.

Events Post Thinker Comparison

Roger Cly's funeral is violently interrupted due to public animosity towards spies.
Jerry Cruncher reprimands his son for praying, illustrating a turbulent home life.
Young Jerry witnesses his father in a grave robbing incident, leading to a conflict with his mother.

Thinker Comparison

Dante is likened to the Thinker, promoting self-examination of moral actions, particularly regarding Cruncher's ethically questionable decisions to support his family.

Jerry Cruncher's Representation

Reflects the hardships faced by commoners struggling economically and feeling discontent.

Mood Progression in the Chapter

Fluctuates from calm to chaotic, angry, suspenseful, mysterious, sad/hopeless, and finally, creepy, mirroring the emotional landscape of the French Revolution.

Madame Defarge's Fates Comparison

She embodies a fate-determining role, using her knitting as a tool for deciding individuals' destinies, akin to the mythological Fates.

Defarge and Lady Macbeth Comparison

Represents a silent yet influential force behind the revolution, similar to Lady Macbeth's role in driving her husband's actions.

Spy Encounter at Defarge's Wine Shop

John Barsad visits, revealing that Lucie Manette is engaged to Darnay, the Marquis' nephew.
Despite their animosity toward the situation, the Defarges deny any irritation over recent events.

Compliment to the Mender of the Roads

His praises for the monarchy depict the peasants as innocent and loyal, emphasizing the unexpected nature of their impending revolution.

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Description

Test your knowledge of 'A Tale of Two Cities' with this quiz focused on Book II, Chapters 9 through 16. Explore the key themes, character interactions, and important events that shape the narrative. Perfect for students looking to enhance their understanding of Dickens' classic.