A Tale of Two Cities Characters and Plot

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Questions and Answers

Why did Mrs. Manette tell Lucie that her father was dead?

So she would not have to face the problem of trying to locate him.

What is Lucie's job?

To nurse her father back to health.

Where have Lucie and Mr. Lorry met before?

When Mr. Lorry carried Lucie on the boat.

Who is Lucie's father?

Doctor Alexandre Manette. Signup and view all the answers

What country was Mr. Manette held in?

France. Signup and view all the answers

Why was Doctor Manette imprisoned?

We do not know yet. Signup and view all the answers

How many passengers made it all the way to Dover?

Just one. Signup and view all the answers

How was the coach described?

Mildewy with a disagreeable smell. Signup and view all the answers

How was the coffee room described?

Lit by the fire, with no other occupants. Signup and view all the answers

What showed that Mr. Lorry was actually quite an emotional man?

His eyes. Signup and view all the answers

Where is Tellson's Bank located?

London and Paris. Signup and view all the answers

What was Miss Manette's room like?

A funeral parlor. Signup and view all the answers

What expression was Lucie's face showing when she first met Mr. Lorry?

A mix of confusion, wonder, fear, and keen awareness. Signup and view all the answers

Where does Lucie live?

England. Signup and view all the answers

What does Mr. Lorry keep repeating?

It is a business matter. Signup and view all the answers

How old was Lucie when her mother died?

Two. Signup and view all the answers

What does Mr. Lorry compare his emotions to?

A machine. Signup and view all the answers

What did Mr. Lorry keep adjusting?

His wig. Signup and view all the answers

What does Mr. Lorry have Lucie do to make the conversation seem more business-like?

Repeat math problems. Signup and view all the answers

What does Lucie keep whispering?

I am going to see his ghost. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'recalled back to life' refer to?

The name of the secret mission to get Mr. Manette back to England. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Characters

Lucie Manette: Tasked with nursing her father, Doctor Alexandre Manette, back to health after his long imprisonment.
Doctor Alexandre Manette: Lucie's father, who was imprisoned in France; the circumstances of his imprisonment are currently unknown.
Mr. Lorry: A banker from Tellsons Bank, has a history of caring for Lucie; emotionally affected by past events.

Plot Points

Mrs. Manette informed Lucie that her father was dead to spare her the distress of searching for him.
Lucie and Mr. Lorry previously met when he carried her on a boat, indicating a bond from her childhood.
One passenger reached Dover, emphasizing a significant element of isolation or unintended journey.

Settings

Tellsons Bank: Operates in both London and Paris, representing a bridge between two worlds.
Description of the coach as "mildewy with a disagreeable smell," indicating discomfort and neglect.
The coffee room was portrayed as warm and inviting, yet solitary, focusing on Mr. Lorry's solitude.

Themes and Symbols

"Recalled back to life" symbolizes the mission to bring Doctor Manette back to England, hinting at themes of resurrection and hope.
Mr. Lorry's eyes reveal his emotional depth, contrasting with his business-like demeanor.

Lucie's Experiences and Emotions

Lucie's first impression upon meeting Mr. Lorry was a complex mix of confusion, wonder, fear, and keen awareness, suggesting a significant emotional moment.
At age two, Lucie experienced her mother’s death, shaping her character and nurturing instincts.

Mr. Lorry's Actions

He repeatedly insists that the situation is a "business matter," reflecting his struggle to manage emotions and maintain professionalism.
He keeps adjusting his wig and has Lucie repeat math problems to create a semblance of normalcy and business-like conversation.

Notable Correspondences

Lucie's whispered statement "I am going to see his ghost" reveals her fear and the haunting past associated with her father's long absence.
Lucie’s room is evocatively compared to a funeral parlor, suggesting themes of death and mourning in her life.

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Description

Explore the key characters and significant plot points from 'A Tale of Two Cities'. This quiz will test your understanding of Lucie Manette, Doctor Alexandre Manette, and Mr. Lorry, while also delving into the essential settings that shape their stories. Prepare to engage with the themes of isolation and connection central to this classic tale.