A Tale of Two Cities: Characters and Themes

Questions and Answers

Who were the 'brothers' who asked Dr. Manette for help?

Darnay's father and Darnay's uncle

What does Dr. Manette's letter say?

The letter tells the story of Manette's imprisonment.

What is Darnay sentenced to?

Death

Why does Charles' mother come to see Dr. Manette?

She hoped to find and help the surviving sister of the abused peasant family. Signup and view all the answers

What happened to the letter that Dr. Manette sent to the authorities detailing the crimes of the Evrémonde brothers?

The Marquis intercepted and burned Manette's letter. Signup and view all the answers

What did the brothers do to the young peasant girl?

Raped the young woman Signup and view all the answers

What did the brothers do to the husband?

Killed him Signup and view all the answers

What did the brothers do to her brother?

Stabbed him and he dies later Signup and view all the answers

Why is Darnay sentenced to death by hanging?

Because the court read Dr. Manette's letter. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the brothers ask for Dr. Manette's help?

Needed his medical expertise Signup and view all the answers

When did the noble men meet Dr. Manette?

December 1757 Signup and view all the answers

What is the title of the chapter?

The Substance of the Shadow Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Characters and Relationships

Darnay's father and uncle, referred to as "the brothers," sought assistance from Dr. Manette.
Darnay's mother approached Dr. Manette to find the surviving sister of a peasant family subjected to abuse.

Dr. Manette's Letter

Dr. Manette's letter recounts his imprisonment and details the crimes committed by the Evrémonde brothers.
The letter serves as crucial evidence during Darnay's trial, leading to grave consequences.

Darnay's Judgment

Darnay is sentenced to death as a result of the court's reliance on Dr. Manette's letter.
His sentence is specifically death by hanging, highlighting the severity of the situation.

Crimes of the Evrémonde Brothers

The Evrémonde brothers raped a young peasant girl, showcasing their brutal actions.
They murdered her husband and fatally stabbed her brother, emphasizing their violent disregard for human life.

Interception of the Letter

The Marquis Evrémonde intercepted Dr. Manette's letter detailing his brothers' crimes and burned it, preventing justice from being served.

Timeline and Background

The noblemen, including the Evrémondes, met Dr. Manette in December 1757, marking a significant turn in the narrative.

Themes

The title "The Substance of the Shadow" alludes to deeper themes of injustice, memory, and the lingering effects of trauma.

Description

Explore the intricate relationships and pivotal events in 'A Tale of Two Cities.' Understand the impact of Dr. Manette's letter, the Evrémonde brothers' crimes, and Darnay's judgment. This quiz delves into the critical themes of justice and morality presented in the novel.