Questions and Answers
What are tumbrels?
One of the carts used during the French Revolution to convey victims to the Guillotine.
What does atheistic mean?
The doctrine or belief that there is no God; disbelief in the existence of a supreme being or beings.
What is a retinue?
A group of providers, advisors, or assistants accompanying an important person.
What does adjuration mean?
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What does unfathomable mean?
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What does inexorable mean?
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What does sonorous mean?
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What does pecuniary mean?
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In what year does the book start off?
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Which two places does Dickens mention in the book?
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Why does Dickens describe the Kings as having large jaws and the Queens as having plain or fair faces?
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Dickens describes trees that were used to hang innocent people being cut down. What are the trees made into?
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What is a pilferer?
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Describe Dover.
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Why did the passengers have to stand outside the coach?
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Were the coach guard and the coachman educated people?
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What were the names of the coachman and guard?
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What does the guard do when he sees horses in the distance?
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What passenger is the messenger looking for?
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What does the guard warn the messenger about?
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What does the guard say about Jerry?
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What does 'T. and Co' mean?
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Who said 'I belong to Tellson's Bank'?
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What message does Lorry give to Jerry?
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Do the guard and coachman care about the message that Lorry gave to Jerry?
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Why does Jerry act so nervous?
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How does Dickens begin Chapter Three?
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What does Mr. Jarvis Lorry do to stay calm?
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What does Lorry think about when his thoughts about being at the bank do not calm him down?
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What does Jarvis Lorry accidentally reveal in Chapter Four?
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What is Dickens foreshadowing by describing Miss Manette's apartment?
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Where was Miss Manette's father from?
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What does Lorry ask Miss Manette to do so he could clear his head?
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What does Mr. Jarvis Lorry reveal about Miss Manette's father?
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What does Miss Manette do once she hears the news?
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Study Notes
Vocabulary and Definitions
- Tumbrels: Carts used during the French Revolution to transport victims to the Guillotine.
- Atheistic: The belief that there is no God or supreme being.
- Retinue: A group of advisers or assistants accompanying an important person.
- Adjuration: An earnest or solemn request or urging.
- Unfathomable: Something that cannot be understood or comprehended; incomprehensible.
- Inexorable: Relentless or unyielding; impossible to persuade or move.
- Sonorous: Producing a deep, resonant sound; rich in tone.
- Pecuniary: Relating to or consisting of money.
Context and Setting
- Year Setting: The narrative opens in the year 1775.
- Location: The story contrasts the conditions of England and France during this period.
- Description of Kings and Queens: Kings are portrayed with large jaws, symbolizing foolishness, while Queens have fair faces but are equally indifferent.
Key Plot Points
- Dover Description: The town is a dangerous place filled with thieves and closest to the English Channel.
- Coach Travel: Passengers need to stand outside the coach to lighten the load for the horses on the uphill journey.
- Character Names: The coachman is named Tom and the guard is named Joe.
Character Interactions
- Guard's Nervousness: The guard warns the messenger to stay still to avoid accidental gunfire due to his nerves.
- Mr. Jarvis Lorry: Claims connection to Tellson's Bank with the significant line "I belong to Tellson's Bank" and delivers the cryptic message "Recalled to life".
Themes and Foreshadowing
- Nervousness of Jerry: Jerry is unsettled by the strange message of "Recalled to life".
- Human Capacity: Dickens comments on human potential through the narrative's opening in Chapter Three.
- Foreshadowing in Chapter Four: The description of Miss Manette's apartment hints at her difficult future.
Miss Manette's Backstory
- Father's Background: Miss Manette's father is from Beauvais and has been imprisoned.
- Reaction to News: Upon learning about her father, Miss Manette faints from shock.
Mr. Jarvis Lorry's Actions
- Calming Techniques: Lorry attempts to calm himself by thinking of the bank and engages Miss Manette by asking her mathematical questions to clear his mind.
- Unintentional Reveal: Lorry inadvertently discloses he did not travel alone from France during a conversation with Miss Manette.
Conclusion
- Lorry's Duty: Lorry's underlying responsibility is to safely reconnect Miss Manette with her father, marking the beginning of significant events in their lives.
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Description
Test your knowledge of key vocabulary terms related to the French Revolution, including their meanings and contexts. This quiz will help you understand essential concepts and language used in literature from this historical period.