A Tale of Two Cities

Charles Dickens
A Tale of Two Cities

Why the French Revolution began Why the French Revolution ended What was happening in England during the French Revolution Why this book is important The Bastille The guillotine Charles Dickens PS – library books will be due 12/10 (just before we finish it) Background we need:

Get into your groups Draw a topic card Research your topic Create a 4-5 slide keynote with the most important information Email it to Mrs. Russell-Read Be prepared to present it to the class Small Groups (chosen for you)

Holy moly we have A LOT of reading to do in a short time. Many of you will be gone part of next week, we Thanksgiving after that, and then it won’t be long until midterms. Look on PHSiTeach for the Pacing Guide. You may ALWAYS read ahead (I recommend it). This is the minimum to keep up in class. Yes, it is a lot. You also have quite a bit of time off in the near future. Use it wisely! After presentations:

Take notes as you read. I am not going to suggest what to look for in the reading – yet. In part 1, I want you to notice what seems to be important in the story. How can that be a developing theme? How does Dickens use events, characters, dialogue, and description to “teach” us something? We won’t have a lot of discussion about the novel until after the reading for Part 1 is due. Take notes as you read if you have questions or observations! Annotations

On PHSiTeach, under documents: Helpful reading websites http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/7869 Read it aloud http://www.sparknotes.com/nofear/lit/a-tale-of-two-cities/book-1-chapter-1-the-period/ Puts the original text right next to a modern text version Helpful Websites

Dickens released this in chapters, not as an entire novel. The chapter titles are almost an outline of the story. Themes and symbols develop rapidly in the first part. Interesting info:

England and France 1775 Part 1: Recalled to Life - Setting

Explanation of happenings in England and France. France was extremely violent and indiscriminant killings were common. This was a country deeply in debt. England was less violent but still riddled with crime (highwaymen) and harsh punishments on even the lowliest criminals The guillotine became commonplace. Part 1: Recalled to Life – Ch. 1

Mr. Jarvis Lorry works for Tellson’s Bank Jerry Cruncher odd-job man for bank Part 1: Recalled to Life - Ch. 2 Characters

Mr. Lorry is in England enroute to an inn to meet someone. Mr. Cruncher stops him to give him a message. Lorry responds with the cryptic “Recalled to life.” Part 1: Recalled to life – Ch. 2

Mr. Lorry is reflecting on the bank, his work there, and this mission that he is currently pursuing. He imagines he is talking to a ghost (he has someone in mind) and asks the ghost if he wants to be “recalled to life.” He also cryptically mentions a “her” that the ghost may want to meet. Ch. 3 (no new characters)

Lucie Manette – a young woman from London Miss Pross – Lucie’s maid Ch. 4 - characters

Lucie meets with Lorry thinking it is business about her dead father’s estate. He tells her the truth: her father is alive and staying with former servants in France. Lorry is to take her to see him. Chapter 4

Monsieur and Madame DeFarge: former servants of the man upstairs and current owners of a wine shop. A white-haired man upstairs (to be revealed in chapter 6) Ch. 5 Characters

Wine spills in the street (big time foreshadowing!!!!) MonsierDeFarge calls all 3 men at a table “Jacques” – this is code for “revolutionaries”, and he sends them to the 5th floor. He walks Lucie and Mr. Lorry up the stairs to see a white-haired man. DeFarge admits that he sometimes sneaks people to see the man because it is good for them to see. Ch. 5

Lucie approaches her father, the white-haired man who is making shoes. He responds to questions with an “unused” voice. He recognizes her hair for he has a few strands of similar hair wrapped up. He thinks Lucie is his wife. Lucie’s presence causes a wave of emotions and he collapses. Lucie insists that they take him back to England immediately. Ch. 6 (no new characters)

(Psst. Titles are frequently hints!) Themes: what do we see developing?

Think of a teacher you have (or have had) at PHS that you want to thank. (It can’t be me.) Explain why you enjoy their class. BE VERY SPECIFIC. Generalizations are nice, but the specifics are what make it special. Sign your name and turn it in. I will put it in their mailbox. Write a teacher a thank you letter

5 years later: 1780 Back and forth between England and France Part 2: The Golden Thread

New (ish) Characters: Jerry Cruncher – again. Young Jerry Cruncher Jerry starts his day by yelling at his wife and accusing her of praying against him. Goes to work (sits outside of Tellson’s) and waits with his son to be sent on an errand. He sent to the courthouse to await further instructions. His son wonders why his dad’s hands are always covered in rust. Ch. 1 Five years later

Character: Charles Darnay Jerry is sent to assist Jarvis Lorry who is at a trial for a young man accused of treason. Charles Darnay is accused of telling British secrets to the French king. Dr. and Miss Manette are at the hearing to be witnesses against Darnay. Chapter 2: A Sight

John Basard and Roger Cly – witnesses against Darnay Mr. Stryver – defense attorney Sydney Carton – Stryver’s assistant Basard and Cly are shot down by Stryver because they are less than pristine in character Lorry knew Darnay from a shared carriage ride 5 years ago (remember that?) The Manette’s shared a ride back from France on a cargo ship with Darnay. It is pointed out that Darnay and Carton look a lot alike. Ch. 3 A Disappointment

The jury deliberates and comes back with an acquittal. Congratulations all around. Lucie is mentioned as “the golden thread” that ties her father’s past to his present. Carton “requests” Darnay join him for dinner. Carton is drunk and asks Darnay if being tried for his life is worth Lucie’s sympathy. (Jealous much?) We learn that Carton doesn’t like his life and sees no joy in it. Ch. 4 Congratulatory

Stryver and Carton work very well together. They frequently meet in the evening and work late into the night. Stryver points out that Carton leads a very unhealthy life. Stryver also points out that Lucie is pretty cute. Carton acts uninterested, but Stryver wonders if he means it. Ch. 5 The Jackal

Miss Pross is back. It’s 4 months later. Miss Pross tells Mr. Lorry that she is upset (jealous) of all of the attention from “hundreds of people” she believes that Lucie is getting. There are only 3 that she sees: Stryver, Carton, and Darnay. Chapter ends with some foreshadowing. Ch. 6 Hundreds of People

Back in France . . . We meet Monseigneur. No other name is given. He is among the wealthy, but is running out of money (no wonder). This chapter really expresses the extravagance of the wealthiest and titled people. His carriage runs over a small child. He throws a gold coin to settle the issue. He never understands the anger of the crowd. Madame and Mr. DeFarge are in the crowd. Ch. 7 Monseigneur in Town

As he travels to his chateau in the country, we observe his heartlessness to the starving people on his land. Ch. 8 Monseigneur in the country

The monseigneur’s nephew shows up. We know him as Charles Darnay, but that is not his real name. He does not tell us his real name. No love between the two. Darnay says he wants nothing to do with the family wealth. Darnay is gone the next morning and the monseigneur is dead. Ch. 9 The Gorgon’s Head

Darnay asks Dr. Manette for Lucie’s hand in marriage. Promise 1: Dr. Manette will not tell Lucie he has asked so that he doesn’t sway her true feelings. Promise 2: Darnay wants to tell his real name to Dr. Manette. Dr. Manette won’t ask for it until the wedding day. Ch. 10 Two Promises

Stryver tells Carton he is thinking of asking for Lucie’s hand in marriage. She would be a good companion and he would be a good catch. Carton is not happy about this. Stryver suggests Carton settle down with someone who will take care of him since he is going to be a train wreck soon and will need someone to take care of him. Ch. 11 A Companion Picture

Stryver is going to ask Lucie to marry him, but stops by to see Lorry first. Lorry suggests that his request would not be welcomed and offers to feel out the waters for him. Lorry comes back with an answer that reinforces what he thought. Stryver gets “mean girl” about it. Ch. 12 The Fellow of Delicacy

Carton has a private conversation with Lucie. Says she has given him reason to think about living again. She does not return his interest. He says he would give his life for her. Insists he will never speak of this again. Ch. 13 The Fellow of No Delicay

Jerry and Jerry Jr. again Jerry heads out late at night – again. Jerry Jr. follows him and discovers his father is stealing bodies from the cemetery. His father is a “resurrection man.” Ch. 14 The Honest Tradesman

Resurrection and Death Sacrifice Violence in Revolution Themes

Motifs are recurring structures, contrasts, and literary devices that can help to develop and inform the text’s major themes Doubles (Darnay and Carton) Opposites (light and shadows) Motifs

Let’s discuss! 2 reading pieces – fiction, non-fiction Mostly multiple choice with some short answer Academic vocabulary will be used and you be expected to know those words. You will be given a study guide of these terms with references to the material we read with them. Mid-term final

Group projects Finish vocabulary Finish A Tale of Two Cities Test over novel 2 essay questions (you will only write one) 20 vocabulary words – 5 from each section (use your sentences) Study guide for mid-term Next 2 weeks

First – questions? What do you need help understanding? Second – what motifs and themes are becoming clear? http://www.60secondrecap.com/study-guide/charles-dickens-a-tale-of-two-cities-motif/ Third – Predictions? Fourth – Where do the characters fall? Good or evil? (characters are pretty flat) Pt. 1 and Pt. 2 – Complete!

The mender of roads (remember him?) meets with other Jacques and Mr. DeFarge. Tells the story of the man hanging under the carriage of the Marquis (Monseigneur). We realize it’s the father of the child hit by the carriage. He must have killed the Marquis. That man was put in prison and killed for the crime despite efforts to release him. Part 2, Ch. 15 Knitting (about a year later)

We discover why Madame DeFarge knits. Cont.

Town – St. Antoine John Barsard (remember him?) Basard is sent as a spy among the revolutionaries, but the DeFarges are too smart for him. Madame DeFarge uses the info about Darney marrying Lucie to add Darney to her list. Mr. DeFarge is not very comfortable with this. Chapter 16 Still Knitting

Dr. Manette is finally well enough (emotionally) to discuss his days in prison with Lucie. Doesn’t even wake up that night to work at his bench. Chapter 17 One Night

Right before Lucie and Darney get married, Darney tells his real name to Dr. Manette. As soon as Lucie and Darney depart for their honeymoon, Dr. Manette seems to completely lose his mind and revert back to his prisoner self. Lorry and Pross are at a loss as to how to help him. He only seems to get worse each day. Chapter 18 Nine Days

On the 10th day Dr. Manette seems to have snapped out of it on his own. After much discussion, Manette agrees to allow his shoemaker’s bench to be destroyed. Chapter 19 An Opinion

Carton visits Lucie and Darney right after they return from their honeymoon. He asks to be a “privileged” person in their home. It’s an odd request, but acceptable for a good friend. Darney thinks that Carton is kind of wild, but Lucie defends him saying that he has a good heart. Chapter 20 A Plea

London: Years go by and the couple is happy. A baby girl is born and later a boy. The boy dies very young. Lucie likes to listen to the footsteps of passersby. This is symbolic of the “footsteps” of the mob developing in France. France: the Bastille is stormed and the DeFarges have played a leading role. Chapter 21 Echoing Footsteps

Continue the metaphor of a sea of peasants rising over the aristocracy and destroying them. New Character: The Vengeance Foulon is an aristocratic who is captured and mutilated by the peasant crowd. He symbolizes what is happening all over the country to aristocrats. Chapter ends with a paradox. Peasants return their lives as normal. Chapter 22: The sea still rises

The French countryside is in ruins as the peasants rise up and destroy everything they can of the aristocracy. A Jacques sets the Marquis’ chateau on fire. The tax collector that worked for the Marquis is nearly killed by the crowd. Chapter 23: Fire Rises

Three years pass. We are back in England. Mr. Lorry is about to leave for Paris to help Tellson’s bank. They need his help to protect their clients interests. Darney shows up and begs him not to go. It is very dangerous to be in France now, but Lorry says he is taking Cruncher as a bodyguard (LOL – good one, Dickens!) Chapter 24: Drawn to the Loadstone rock

Through a series of events, Darney receives a letter from Gabelle, the tax collector for his (dead uncle’s) estates. Gabelle is in prison and begs Darney to help him. Darney feels he owes the man his help, and secretly leaves in the night. He leaves a note for his wife since he knows she would never allow him to go. Cont.

You will teach the class about a topic that you choose. A list to choose from will be provided. You may present your information as a handout, keynote, song and dance, video, etc. Choose your partner(s) – 2-3 in a group Sign up for topic. In 2 blocks you present your information to the class. Group work

It should last at least 5 minutes All members should be presenting some aspect of the presentation. Research of your topic is a MUST. Make specific references to the text as often as possible as evidence. Using direct quotes is necessary. This is worth 30 points. Expectations for Group project

Research your topic. The Internet is FULL of information on these topics. Really learn a lot on this topic and then decide what is most important for your presentation. Decide how you want to present it. This is very much up to you. Be as creative as possible! You will have the rest of this class and most of next block to work on this. Once your group has completed the work, you may work on vocab or reading. Here’s the plan:

I will go over the next 5 chapters (Pt. 3 ch. 1-5) Work time Next block:

Back to France Pick up where we left off. We are following Darney. Part 3: The Track of a Storm

As expected, Darney struggles to travel through France. He is captured and put in a prison called La Force. He is kept “in secret.” This is code for solitary confinement. He runs into Mr. DeFarge. DeFarge refuses to help him. Ch. 1: In Secret

Lucie and Dr. Manette hurry to Mr. Lorry at Tellson’s bank in Paris to get his help. Lorry has Lucie go to the back room while Lorry shows Manette that the people are sharpening their weapons on the grindstone to kill the prisoners. (This scene is a reflection of the wild scene with wine in part 1. This time blood instead of wine.) Manette is convinced that as a former prisoner he can get their help. He is right. Ch. 2: The Grindstone

Lorry takes Madame DeFarge and The Vengeance to visit Lucie, the child, and Miss Pross. This is to protect them in case they are ever in trouble, Madame DeFarge will know them. Lucie asks for DeFarge’s mercy. She very icily responds that the revolution will not stop for Lucie or her family. LOTS of shadow references in this chapter as DeFarge’s shadow is cast over Lucie and her child. Dum-dum-duuummmm! Ch. 3: The Shadow

Dr. Manette is able to keep Darney from being killed and becomes the prison doctor so he can keep on eye on him. Dr. Manette is stronger and more confident than we have seen him. He seems to enjoy the role of being needed. The guillotine has become a fixture in the streets. The king and queen have been beheaded. Darney has been in prison for a 1 year and 3 months. Ch. 4: Calm in Storm

Dr. Manette tells Lucie of a window in the prison that Darney sometimes passes and could see her on the street. She stands out there for 2 hours - Every. Single. Day. A wood-sawyer (formerly known as “mender of roads”) jokes about his saw being a guillotine to Lucie. She is not amused. Manette tells Lucie that Darney is to be tried the next day, but he is expected to be released. Ch. 5 The Wood-Sawyer

Darney goes on trial. The crowd hears that he is Dr. Manette’s son-in-law. They respond favorably to that. They hear from several witnesses that Darney gave up his title and land years ago. They like that, too. He is acquitted, and the crowd carries him home in a chair on their shoulders. Ch. 6 Triumph

Darney is home with his family, but Lucie remains terrified that this will not last. She is right for just a few hours later 4 soldiers are at the door to arrest Darney. When Dr. Manette asks who the accusers are, they say that they are not supposed to say, but . . . Madame and Mr. DeFarge, and one other person. He won’t find out who that is until the next day. Ch. 7 A Knock at the Door

Jerry Cruncher and Miss Pross were out looking for party supplies (unaware of Darney’s arrest) and run into Miss Pross’ long lost brother – Solomon. Jerry recognizes him from Darney’s trial. He was one of the witnesses against, but he can’t remember his name. Voila! Carton shows up behind him and says that Solomon’s name was BASARD at the trial. Ch. 8 A Hand at Cards

Carton has been lying low for a day until he felt he could be useful. (okaaayyy.) He forces Solomon Pross/John Barsard to go with him to Tellson’s or he will tell the revolutionaries about his spy status. They go to Tellson’s to tell Lorry about Darney’s arrest. Carton believes that with Solomon’s forced assistance, he can do something about this. Carton has seen Solomon talking with Cly who is supposed to be dead and buried in England. Jerry speaks up and says that there was no body in the casket, only rocks. He doesn’t want to explain how he knows this. Cont.

Lorry yells at Cruncher for having a side job. Cruncher points out that many doctors that bank at Tellson’s pay for his work. Cruncher promises to become a gravedigger as penance. Carton tells Lorry that he has been able to arrange to see Darney before his trial. Carton wanders through the night thinking about Lucie and a priest’s words about resurrection. It is announced that Darney’s accusers were the DeFarges and Dr. Manette. Dr. Manette refutes this, but they present a letter he wrote in prison. Ch. 9 The Game Made

Mr. DeFarge reads the letter that Manette wrote while imprisoned. Let’s read this together . . . Ch. 10 The substance of Shadow

Ch. 11 Dusk

Ch. 12 Darkness

Ch. 13 Fifty-two

Ch. 14 The Knitting Done

Ch. 15 The Footsteps Die Out Forever

A Tale of Two Cities