A Tale of Two Cities

1. A Tale of Two Cities

2. Literature Circle Quiz- Book the First • Name one of the themes introduced in the first paragraph of Book the First and an example of that theme in ch. 1-6 of Book the First. • What literary device does the first paragraph of the novel display? • Choose one character introduced in Book the First, give an adjectives that applies to that character, and give an example of where the character displays that adjective.

3. Character and Color • Now that you’ve taken the color quiz for yourself, apply it to the characters. Choose 3 characters and explain how the colors used to describe them either fit or do not according to the color test. Use specific actions and descriptions from the text to support your claim.

4. Ch. 1-3 (Book the Second) • After reading Ch. 1-3- in groups, decide who is involved in the court trial. • Who is the plantiff and lawyers? • Who is the defendant and his lawyers? • What is the crime? • What is the evidence? • How stable is the evidence and how do youknow? • What's the verdict, and how does the crowd react?

5. Quotation practice • Pick a quote from the bag • Explain the following: • Context (when it is said or used and what’s going on) • Significance to the bigger picture of the novel • Any themes or motifs addressed • Any literary devices used and what they do to the larger meaning

6. Satire Practice • Go back through the book so far (especially ch. 1 of Book the first and ch.2 and 7-9 of book the second) and find 3 pieces of satire. • Write down the example and explain what Dickens is making fun of or what problem in society he is highlighting.

7. Symbolism-How do these relate to TTC? "Square" (as in Soho Square) = The square is the EARTH, as opposed to the heavens; it is geometric perfection, static, denoting honesty and straightforwardness, morality and integrity. "Brown" = As a Victorian symbol, shows lack of emotion. Sorrow, barrenness. Characteristics of those inclined to brown are calmness, passivity, conservative, dependable, practical and earthly."lightening" =The bolt of lightning is a traditional symbol of sudden illumination and the destruction of ignorance; it also represents a punishment of humans by the gods from the skies, most commonly attributed to Zeus, king of the gods. In dreams, the lightning bolt is an image of sudden and terrible events and a symbol of intuition. Although it can carry negative connotation, lightning is also a form of divine message, honoring those chosen • http://www.umich.edu/~umfandsf/symbolismproject/symbolism.html/

8. Darnay-Duty vs.Desire • Consider the theme duty verse desire in the situation with Darnayand his uncle the Marquis.  Is Darnayjustified in his decision to renounce the family name based on the character of the Marquis so far and their conversation? Is there any hope for Darnayto fufill his promise to his mother?  What judgement do you make about his character based on this decision?

9. Ch. 13-14 • How is Carton “Recalled to Life” at least for the moment in ch. 13? • What does Carton promise? • Explain all that’s involved in Jerry Cruncher’s idea that he’s an “honest tradesman”. • Why would Jerry be in trouble if “recalling to life” came into fashion? • What does it mean when there were “no fish for breakfast” at the Cruncher house at the end of ch. 14?

10. Ch. 15-16 • What does the mender of roads tell Defarge about? • Why is this and the location of the “interview” so important? • What did Defarge try to do for the Tall man? • What is the importance of the 40 ft gallows? • What is Madame Defarge knitting? • Why do they take the mender of the roads to see the nobles? • What does Dickens compare Madame Defarge to? How is this appropriate? • Why is it important that Madame Defarge doesn’t have children? • How does John Barsad indirectly link France with England in this chapter?

11. Subjective vs. Objective • Read the 3 versions of the Storming of the Bastille and the days that followed. • Circle words that show a subjective or opinionated point of view. • Write 3 completely factual statements from the excerpts. • Write 3 mixed statements (those with some fact and some opinion). • Now decide which excerpt paints the best picture of the climate, atmosphere, and events in France during the beginning of the revolution. Defend your decision using passages from the text. • Connect, based on the information you have read so far, were the peasants justified in their actions? Why or why not? Did they adhere to their duty to freedom or were they more concerned with their desire for revenge? Did you notice any excessive behavior that might have lead Dickens to write the scene to support his theme of the dangers of excess.

12. Connection • Read the Declaration of Independence. • In what ways were the French peasants following the American ideals set forth in this document? In what ways did they abuse them for their own purposes?

13. “Reading Art” • Look at the details from the pictures of the revolution. • What details stand out? • What “hidden” details are important? • What details from the factual text and Dickens do you see in these pictures? • What “tone” and impression does the artist want to make with the picture and what details give you this idea? • Look at the foreground and background. What items are the focus and what does that say about the overall message of the picture.