By Nick DiCerbo

1. By Nick DiCerbo

2. Significance of the Title • A grindstone is a tool used to sharpen weapons. It is important to this chapter because it shows time. While Dr. Manette is looking for Darnay, a mob returns every now and then to sharpen its weapons. This is not a good sign because as more time goes on, the grindstone is used more. That means the weapons keep getting dull from killing people. This worries Lorry that Dr. Manette and Darnay have been killed.

3. Characters • Monseigneur (mentioned) • Mr. Lorry • Lucie Manette • Lucie’s daughter • Dr. Manette • Miss Pross • Darnay (mentioned)

4. Summary • Tellson’s bank is part of the Monseigneur’s old house. • Lucie and Dr. Manette visit Lorry. • Lucie tells Lorry that Darnay has been in a jail in Paris for three or four days. • Lucie did not know Darnay was coming. (Gabelle) dramatic irony • The gate makes noise outside, and Lorry strongly urges Dr. Manette and Lucy not to look out the window. • Lorry is informed that Darnay is in La Force. • Lorry becomes nervous and takes Lucie into another room so he and Dr. Manette can talk alone. • Lorry tells Dr. Manette that the mob of bloody people outside are killing prisoners.

5. Summary Cont. • Dr. Manette convinces the mob to help him save Darnay. • The mob continues to use the grindstone to sharpen their weapons all night. • It becomes the morning and Dr. Manette has not returned yet.

6. Literary Devices • Imagery : When Lorry and Dr. Manette look out the window. • “two men, whose faces, as their long hair flapped back when the whirlings of the grindstone brought their faces up, were more horrible and cruel than the visages of the wildest savages in their most barbarous disguise. False eyebrows and false moustaches were stuck upon them, and their hideous countenances were all bloody and sweaty, and all awry with howling, and all staring and glaring with beastly excitement and want of sleep”(pg 272) • Simile: When Lorry and Dr. Manette look out the window • “All this was seen in a moment, as the vision of a drowning man, or of any human creature at any very great pass, could see a world if it were there.” (pg273)

7. Literary Devices • Repetition: When Lorry tells Lucie that she can not look out the window. • You must instantly be obedient, still, and quiet. You must let me put you in a room at the back here. You must leave your father and me alone for two minutes, and as there are Life and Death in the world you must not delay.”(pg271)

8. Essential Quote • “They are,’ Mr. Lorry whispered the words, glancing fearfully round at the locked room, ‘murdering the prisoners”(pg 273)