This is a compilation of questions and answers pertaining to A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens.

Feel free to email me at ATaleofTwoCitiesHelp@gmail.com if you have any updates or corrections.


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Dickens describes England and France in 1775. How does he compare them?
Both are ruled by kings who enjoy divine right and appear to believe the status quo is not only unimpeachable but everlasting as well.

Both kings are described as having large jaws; what is Dickens telling us about them? They appear to be interchangeable and full of empty talk. He implies that they are stupid men who are out of touch with the real world inhabited by their subjects.

Why are the Dover mail drivers and passengers so apprehensive of each other?
They all fear robbery and murder by highwaymen and that one of them may even be an accomplice.

How does Dickens describe human beings?
We are a secret and a mystery to each other, even those we love.

Explain the meaning of "recalled to life."
A man has been released after 18 years in prison in France.

Identify Jarvis Lorry.
Mr. Lorry is an elderly gentleman from Tellson's Bank in London. He brought Lucie Manette to England after her mother's death, but he has not seen her since.

Why does Lucie faint upon hearing Mr. Lorry's story?
She learns her father is alive and has been in prison for eighteen years while she thought he was dead. She and Mr. Lorry are to bring him to England. This information is quite a shock to her.

Dickens uses the broken cask of wine spilling in the street to foreshadow what future event?
The time will come when blood will be spilled in the streets and people will be stained with it as they are stained with the spilled wine.

What is the significance of so many "Jacques" in Defarge's wine shop?
They are using the name "Jacque" as a common name for members of the revolution.

Who are seen peeping through a hole in the wall at Dr. Manette?
The three Jacques from the wine shop are seen looking in at Dr. Manette.

Why has Defarge allowed them to look in?
He says that the sight is likely to do them good; anger will feed the coming revolution.

What is Dr. Manette doing when Mr. Lorry and Lucie first see him?
He is making shoes in a dark little room near the wine shop.

Describe Madame Defarge.
She is tall, wears furs and jewelry, and is constantly knitting. She appears to be aware of all that is occurring around her, even though she doesn't often actually appear to be watching.

What is Dr. Manette's mental state?
His mind has focused on only one task to the exclusion of everything else.

Identify One Hundred and Five, North Tower.
That is Dr. Manette's old cell number which has come to be his identity.

How does Mr. Carton feel about himself?
He is a disappointment to himself and feels unworthy of love.

What name does Stryver call Carton?
Jackal.

What words does Dickens use to describe Stryver and Carton?
Lion and Jackal.

What does Carton actually do for Stryver?
Thinking and research.

How does Dickens describe the Manettes' home?
Sunny and cheery.

How does Dickens describe the privileged class in France?
Extravagant, superficial, and useless.