A Tale of Two Cities Chapters 1-6 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is the significance of the title 'Five Years Later'?

These chapters occur five years after the previous ones.

What year is it now in the story?

1780

Describe Tellsons Bank.

It is very old fashioned and they have an inconvenient way of doing things.

What angers Jerry Cruncher about his wife?

He hates that she prays and believes she is praying against him. Signup and view all the answers

What are two peculiar things we learn about Jerry Cruncher?

He always has rusty fingers and when he goes to bed his boots are clean but when he wakes up they are dirty. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the title 'A Sight'?

This refers to the gathering of spectators at the trial as well as the sight of the prisoner. Signup and view all the answers

What does Dickens refer to the crowd as and why?

He calls them big blue flies because the flies are dirty and they fly around the dead. Signup and view all the answers

Who is the prisoner and what is he accused of?

Charles Darnay, accused of treason by giving away naval positions to the French king. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Charles Darnay.

He is young, around 25, slender and handsome, with long dark hair and calm demeanor. Signup and view all the answers

Why are Lucie and Dr. Manette at the trial?

To testify against Charles Darnay. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the title 'A Disappointment'?

This refers to how the crowd is disappointed about the verdict and how Sydney Carton is a disappointment. Signup and view all the answers

How does John Barsad's testimony go?

His testimony is sketchy and mainly for personal reasons. Signup and view all the answers

How did Roger Cly's testimony go?

He is a former servant of Charles Darnay who testifies for personal reasons. Signup and view all the answers

What is Jarvis Lorry's testimony like?

They ask him ridiculous questions about whether Darnay could have been on the mail coach 5 years ago. Signup and view all the answers

What is Lucie Manette's testimony like?

She feels bad about testifying against Charles Darnay and expresses her compassion. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Charles Darnay's attorney?

Mr. Stryver Signup and view all the answers

Describe Mr. Stryver.

He is young, stout, loud, and often dominates conversations. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Mr. Stryver's associate and how does he behave during the trial?

Sydney Carton, who mostly stares at the ceiling. Signup and view all the answers

How does Mr. Stryver use Sydney Carton during the trial?

He points out their resemblance to confuse the witness. Signup and view all the answers

What is the verdict of the trial?

Charles Darnay is acquitted - there was not enough evidence to find guilt but not enough to clear him either. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the title 'Congratulatory'?

This means congratulations to Charles Darnay. Signup and view all the answers

What occurs while the group is talking to Charles Darnay after the trial?

Sydney Carton is in the shadows and Dr. Manette freezes up around Darnay. Signup and view all the answers

What is Sydney Carton's life philosophy?

He cares for no one and no one cares for him. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Sydney Carton dislike Charles Darnay?

Darnay reminds him of what he could have been and he is also jealous. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Setting the Scene

Storyset in 1780, five years after prior events, highlighting a significant time leap in the narrative.
Jerry Cruncher is employed as a porter at Tellsons Bank, an institution characterized by its old-fashioned and inconvenient practices.

Character Insights

Jerry Cruncher is a complex character, resentful of his wife's prayers which he believes undermine him; he reacts violently by throwing a boot at her during her praying.
Notable peculiarities about Jerry include his perpetually rusty fingers and his boots becoming dirty overnight.
Charles Darnay, the main prisoner, is depicted as young, slender, and calm during his trial, suggesting his composure in dire situations.
Sydney Carton, Darnay's lawyer's associate, remains mostly aloof during the trial, typifying his disengagement from life and responsibilities.

Trial Dynamics

The trial marks a gathering of spectators, referred to disparagingly as "big blue flies" by Dickens, indicating their morbid curiosity and the grim nature of the proceedings.
The witness testimonies against Darnay are dubious and self-serving, revealing a flawed judicial system. John Barsad and Roger Cly provide unreliable accounts primarily motivated by personal interests.
Jarvis Lorry's questioning highlights absurdity in the legal process, while Lucie Manette’s reluctant testimony underscores her internal conflict regarding Darnay’s character.

Legal Outcome

Darnay's acquittal reflects a judicial landscape where guilt is uncertain but overshadowed by doubt, leading to a mixed resolution.
Mr. Stryver, Darnay's attorney, is portrayed as boastful and domineering, whereas Sydney Carton's resemblance to Darnay complicates the trial, creating confusion among witnesses.

Thematic Elements

The disappointment of the crowd at the trial's outcome ties into broader themes of expectation versus reality.
Sydney Carton's philosophy of indifference illustrates his personal struggles and feelings of worthlessness, setting up a contrast with Darnay’s more optimistic outlook.
Darnay's presence triggers Carton’s self-reflection, showcasing themes of jealousy and lost potential.

Post-Trial Reflections

The chapter "Congratulatory" celebrates Darnay's exoneration but also hints at the underlying tensions, especially between him and Carton.
The interactions after the trial reveal social dynamics and unspoken resentments, particularly with Dr. Manette's fearful demeanor toward Darnay.
Sydney Carton's internal conflict and disdain for Darnay emphasize the darker facets of ambition and regret, foreshadowing future character developments.

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Description

Test your understanding of the first six chapters of 'A Tale of Two Cities' in this quiz. These flashcards cover important events and characters, focusing on the context and significance of key elements. Perfect for studying and reinforcing your knowledge of Dickens' classic.