Tale of Two Cities: Book 1 Flashcards

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Why is chapter 1 titled 'The Period'?

It was the period in 1775 - all the events leading up to the revolution occurred - it sets problems and social ills.

Where and when does this novel take place?

England and France in 1775.

What are the English worried about?

Superstitions - ghosts, messages to the English crown (King George III) from British congress in America.

What is going on in France?

Excessive money spending by the elites resulting in a burden of debt and building of guillotines from trees, abuses of the church, horrible punishments to the poor (cutting youth's hand off). Signup and view all the answers

What is the Woodman, Fate, making?

It is making chopped boards to be transformed into the guillotine. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Farmer, Death, making?

It is gathering tumbrills (a cart to carry dung) to be vehicles in which the doomed were led to Fate - the guillotine. Signup and view all the answers

Why do you think Dickens chose to write the first two paragraphs in such an extraordinary manner?

To show contrasting themes like good/evil and belief/disbelief were emphasized (doubles will be a prevalent theme throughout the novel). Signup and view all the answers

Why is chapter 2 called 'The Mail'?

A mail coach goes from London to Dover. Signup and view all the answers

What is the setting of chapter 2?

Shooter's Hill - the perfect place for ambush. Signup and view all the answers

Why are the mail coach passengers walking?

There is no more room in the carriage - it is already overweight and the horses are struggling to keep it up as it is. Signup and view all the answers

How do the travelers react to a man appearing out of the mist?

Wearily - fearing it is a robber, so they prepare their blunderbusses. Signup and view all the answers

What message does Mr. Lorry receive from Jerry Cruncher?

'Wait at Dover for Mam'selle'. Signup and view all the answers

How does Mr. Lorry know Jerry Cruncher?

Both work at Tellson's bank. Signup and view all the answers

What message does Mr. Lorry give Jerry Cruncher to deliver?

'Recalled to life'. Signup and view all the answers

Why is chapter 3 called 'The Night Shadows'?

Night time - indicative of setting, concerns, worries, dreams; shadow of day; spooky mood - ghost; man buried alive 18 years. Signup and view all the answers

What does each human being pose to every other human being?

A mystery: we are like books where he can only read one page - like a pond frozen - like death. Signup and view all the answers

What does Mr. Lorry dream about at first?

Tellson's bank. Signup and view all the answers

What 'current of impression that never cease[d] to run' is bothering Mr. Lorry?

The ghost - someone who is buried is going to come out. Signup and view all the answers

Who is he having imaginary conversations with?

The girl's father - Dr. Manette / Dr. Beauvais. Signup and view all the answers

How long has his imaginary friend been buried?

18 years. Signup and view all the answers

What is being 'buried' a metaphor for?

The jail: Bastille - it means that Dr. Manette is not dead/buried, but he is imprisoned in the Bastille. Signup and view all the answers

What are the letters de cachet and what do they show?

Letters given by the king to members of the aristocracy which allowed indefinite imprisonment without trial - it shows absolutism, social injustice, and corruption. Signup and view all the answers

What does Mr. Lorry ask his imaginary companion?

'How long have you been buried?' Signup and view all the answers

What different reactions does the imaginary companion have to Mr. Lorry's questions?

<ol> <li>Claims that he would die if he were to see this woman. 2. Weeps or pleads to see the woman immediately.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

Why is chapter 4 called 'The Preparation'?

It prepares Lucie for news of/meeting her father. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Mr. Lorry's appearance.

60 years old, trustee for Manettes, formally dressed - befits persona of a banker. Signup and view all the answers

After Mr. Lorry arrives in Dover, who else has arrived from London?

Lucie Manette - 'short, slight, pretty figure'. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapter 1: The Period

Title reflects the tumultuous year 1775, foreshadowing the revolution's impact on society.
Highlights social issues and tensions leading to unrest in both England and France.

Setting

Primarily set in England and France during 1775.
Establishes a backdrop of instability and societal troubles.

English Concerns

Superstitions prevalent among the English, particularly fears of ghosts and ominous messages affecting King George III.

French State

French elites engage in excessive spending, increasing national debt.
Social injustices include severe punishments, exemplified by brutal treatment of the poor.

Symbolism of Fate and Death

Woodman represents Fate, crafting materials for the guillotine.
Farmer symbolizes Death, preparing carts (tumbrills) for condemned individuals; contrasts life-giving crops with death.

Themes Introduced

Emphasis on duality (good vs. evil, belief vs. disbelief) in the writing style, suggesting significant upcoming contrasts.

Chapter 2: The Mail

Title indicates the journey of a mail coach traveling from London to Dover.
Setting at Shooter's Hill, known for ambush potential.

Travel Conditions

Passengers walk due to overloading of the carriage, indicating logistical challenges.

Encounter with Mystery

Travelers react with wariness to a figure emerging from mist, highlighting theme of mystery.

Messages Between Characters

Mr. Lorry receives a message from Jerry Cruncher: "Wait at Dover for Mam'selle."
Both men are associated as employees at Tellson's bank.

Revelation of Past

Mr. Lorry conveys the message "recalled to life," hinting at significant events related to resurrection and redemption.

Chapter 3: The Night Shadows

Title alludes to nighttime concerns, fears, and unknowns, establishing a spooky atmosphere.
Themes of secrecy and the reality of being "buried alive" resonate throughout.

Human Relationships

Each individual represents a mystery to others, akin to reading a single page of a book, hinting at deeper complexities.

Mr. Lorry's Dreams

His troubling dreams center around Tellson’s bank, indicating personal and professional stress.
He envisions a ghostly figure, reflecting his worries about someone imprisoned.

Imaginary Conversations

Mr. Lorry imagines dialogue with Dr. Manette, who has been buried emotionally for 18 years, alluding to his incarceration.

Metaphors of Imprisonment

Symbolic "burial" refers to Dr. Manette's wrongful imprisonment in the Bastille, emphasizing the theme of loss and suffering.

Letters de cachet

These royal letters authorized imprisonment without trial, illustrating systemic corruption and oppression before legal reforms like the Habeas Corpus Act.

Mr. Lorry’s Confrontation with the Past

He grapples with questions about the duration of Dr. Manette's confinement, representing the struggle to confront painful history.

Responses from the Imaginary Companion

The phantom exhibits conflicting emotions: despair at the thought of seeing a woman (Lucie) or a yearning to reunite immediately.

Chapter 4: The Preparation

Prepares Lucie for the forthcoming news and meeting with her father, focusing on emotional readiness.

Mr. Lorry’s Description

Described as a 60-year-old banker, formally attired, reflecting his professional stature and responsibilities.

Lucie Manette's Arrival

Lucie is introduced as a short, slight, and pretty figure, contrasting with the weighty themes of the story.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Test your knowledge of Book 1 of 'A Tale of Two Cities' with these flashcards. Explore key themes, historical context, and the setting of the novel. Perfect for students familiarizing themselves with the text during their studies.