This is a compilation of questions and answers pertaining to A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens.
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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.
What feelings does Monsieur the Marquis have toward the child his carriage has run down?
None.
What is the countryside of France like?
The fields have the same starved look that the people do.
Charles visits his uncle the Marquis and informs him that he renounced his name and property. Why does Charles Darnay do this?
To honor his mother's dying wish.
In the conversation between the Marquis and Charles, Dickens gives a hint that at one time the Marquis was able to have someone imprisoned. Who?
Dr. Manette.
Why was the Marquis killed?
The common people rose up against him for running down the child.
Why doesn't Dr. Manette want Charles to reveal his true name?
He suspects a connection between his past imprisonment and Charles' family.
How does Stryver view his marriage to Lucie?
He will possess a pretty object who will be pleased to marry such a distinguished and gallant man.
Describe Carton's responses to Stryver's self-flattery.
Carton stabs him with ironic, verbal jabs which completely pass over Stryver's head.
What promise does Sydney Carton make to Lucie?
He would sacrifice himself for those she loves.
What "fish" does Cruncher go fishing after?
Dead bodies.
Why are Cruncher's fingers always rusty?
He gets them dirty on his fishing trips.
Who was the doomed man the road-mender told the Jacques about?
The man who stabbed the Marquis.
What register does Madame Defarge keep?
Names of those who are enemies to the common people.
Why does Madame Defarge wear a rose in her hair?
The rose is a signal that a spy is in the shop.
Why is it ironic that John Barsad should come that particular day?
Madame Defarge is knitting his name into the register.
Who else's name is Madame Defarge knitting?
Madame Defarge is knitting his name into the register.
Who else's name is Madame Defarge knitting?
Charles Darnay.
Why does Dr. Manette cobble for nine days after Lucie and Charles are married?
It is his way of escaping from distressing news.
What does Dr. Manette allow Lorry and Miss Pross to do?
Destroy his benchwork.
Why does Lucie ask her husband to speak kindly toward Carton?
She has seen that he has a good heart and is full of suffering.
Lucie's fanciful thought years ago of the echoes of a multitude of footsteps becomes a reality in France. What has occurred?
The mob has stormed the Bastille in Paris.
What metaphor does Dickens use to describe the mob?
A surging sea.
Who is The Vengeance?
Madame Defarge's lieutenant.
Why was grass put in Foulon's mouth?
He had told the starving people to eat grass.
Why does Mr. Lorry have to go to Paris?
He had to go on bank business.
Why does Darney go to France?
To help Gabelle.
Why is it foolish of Charles Darnay to go to France?
He is a member of the French nobility.
Why is Charles imprisoned?
He is an emigrant and an aristrocrat.
Why does the crowd at the grindstone take up Dr. Manette's cause to free Charles?
Dr. Manette is a folk hero, so the people support his cause.
Why does Madame Defarge wish to see Lucie and the younger Lucie?
She wants to remember what they look like so she can register them.
What change has occurred within Dr. Manette?
He has become strong again.
What is the Carmagnole?
A frenzied dance of the mob.
What caused the jury to acquit Charles?
All of the above.
How must Miss Pross and Jerry Cruncher perform the household shopping?
They both go and make small purchases in many shops.
Why is Charles arrested again on the day of his release?
He was denounced by the Defarges and others.
Where does Miss Pross find her brother?
At a wine shop.
Who identifies Solomon Pross as John Barsad?
Sidney Carton.
What does Carton want from Solomon Pross (Barsad)
Access to Charles Darnay.
Why is Mr. Lorry appalled at Cruncher?
Jerry has been a grave robber.
What arrangement has Carton made with Barsad?
He has arranged to see Darnay.
Dr. Manette worked to free Darnay during the first imprisonment. Who appears to be quietly working now?
Carton.
None.
What is the countryside of France like?
The fields have the same starved look that the people do.
Charles visits his uncle the Marquis and informs him that he renounced his name and property. Why does Charles Darnay do this?
To honor his mother's dying wish.
In the conversation between the Marquis and Charles, Dickens gives a hint that at one time the Marquis was able to have someone imprisoned. Who?
Dr. Manette.
Why was the Marquis killed?
The common people rose up against him for running down the child.
Why doesn't Dr. Manette want Charles to reveal his true name?
He suspects a connection between his past imprisonment and Charles' family.
How does Stryver view his marriage to Lucie?
He will possess a pretty object who will be pleased to marry such a distinguished and gallant man.
Describe Carton's responses to Stryver's self-flattery.
Carton stabs him with ironic, verbal jabs which completely pass over Stryver's head.
What promise does Sydney Carton make to Lucie?
He would sacrifice himself for those she loves.
What "fish" does Cruncher go fishing after?
Dead bodies.
Why are Cruncher's fingers always rusty?
He gets them dirty on his fishing trips.
Who was the doomed man the road-mender told the Jacques about?
The man who stabbed the Marquis.
What register does Madame Defarge keep?
Names of those who are enemies to the common people.
Why does Madame Defarge wear a rose in her hair?
The rose is a signal that a spy is in the shop.
Why is it ironic that John Barsad should come that particular day?
Madame Defarge is knitting his name into the register.
Who else's name is Madame Defarge knitting?
Madame Defarge is knitting his name into the register.
Who else's name is Madame Defarge knitting?
Charles Darnay.
Why does Dr. Manette cobble for nine days after Lucie and Charles are married?
It is his way of escaping from distressing news.
What does Dr. Manette allow Lorry and Miss Pross to do?
Destroy his benchwork.
Why does Lucie ask her husband to speak kindly toward Carton?
She has seen that he has a good heart and is full of suffering.
Lucie's fanciful thought years ago of the echoes of a multitude of footsteps becomes a reality in France. What has occurred?
The mob has stormed the Bastille in Paris.
What metaphor does Dickens use to describe the mob?
A surging sea.
Who is The Vengeance?
Madame Defarge's lieutenant.
Why was grass put in Foulon's mouth?
He had told the starving people to eat grass.
Why does Mr. Lorry have to go to Paris?
He had to go on bank business.
Why does Darney go to France?
To help Gabelle.
Why is it foolish of Charles Darnay to go to France?
He is a member of the French nobility.
Why is Charles imprisoned?
He is an emigrant and an aristrocrat.
Why does the crowd at the grindstone take up Dr. Manette's cause to free Charles?
Dr. Manette is a folk hero, so the people support his cause.
Why does Madame Defarge wish to see Lucie and the younger Lucie?
She wants to remember what they look like so she can register them.
What change has occurred within Dr. Manette?
He has become strong again.
What is the Carmagnole?
A frenzied dance of the mob.
What caused the jury to acquit Charles?
All of the above.
How must Miss Pross and Jerry Cruncher perform the household shopping?
They both go and make small purchases in many shops.
Why is Charles arrested again on the day of his release?
He was denounced by the Defarges and others.
Where does Miss Pross find her brother?
At a wine shop.
Who identifies Solomon Pross as John Barsad?
Sidney Carton.
What does Carton want from Solomon Pross (Barsad)
Access to Charles Darnay.
Why is Mr. Lorry appalled at Cruncher?
Jerry has been a grave robber.
What arrangement has Carton made with Barsad?
He has arranged to see Darnay.
Dr. Manette worked to free Darnay during the first imprisonment. Who appears to be quietly working now?
Carton.
Who is the other person that the court claims has denounced Darnay?
Dr. Manette.
Who is Madame Defarge in Dr. Manette's letter?
The younger sister.
Why is Charles condemned to die?
He must pay for the evils of his family, especially his father and uncle.
How has Carton changed since he landed in France?
All of the above.
Where does Madame Defarge plan to end her vengenance?
With the total extermination of all aristocrats.
Why does Carton have Darnay write the letter?
He wants it in Darnay's own handwriting.
How does Cruncher change?
He swears to never go fishing again.
Why is Miss Pross in a "queer condition"?
She killed Madame Defarge and has been deafened by the gun's explosion.
Sydney Carton said he would die young because of a dissipated and wasted life. How was he both right and wrong?
Love and sacrifice.
How is Madame Defarge cheated?
Her wish of total extermination will never come true.
A Tale of Two Cities opens in 1775. Which of the following does not characterize this period?
The guillotine stands as a much-feared fixture on the streets of Paris.
Why are the drivers of the Dover mail coach hesitant to stop for Jerry Cruncher’s message?
They fear that he is a highwayman attempting to rob the passengers.
What object does Doctor Manette keep during his imprisonment in order to escape “in spirit”?
A lock of his wife’s hair.
By what name do the men in Defarge’s wine shop call their fellow revolutionaries?
Jacques.
What skill did Doctor Manette develop in order to pass the time during his incarceration?
Shoemaking.
What symbol does Dickens use to portend the bloodshed of the French Revolution?
The broken wine cask.
During her testimony, to whom does Lucie claim that Charles Darnay alluded on the boat ride from Calais to Dover?
George Washington.
After Darnay’s acquittal, why does Sydney Carton claim to dislike him?
Darnay reminds him of how far he has fallen and everything he might have been.
To which animal does Dickens compare Sydney Carton?
A jackal.
A Tale of Two Cities was published in weekly installments from April to November of what year?
1859.
What image does Dickens frequently use to describe Lucie Manette?
A golden thread.
What sound does Lucie often hear echoing off the street when she is in her home?
Footsteps.
Which of the following characters is related to the Marquis, whose carriage runs down a small child?
Charles Darnay.
Who does Miss Pross believe is the ideal suitor for Lucie Manette?
Her brother, Solomon.
What does Mr. Lorry try to persuade Mr. Stryver not to do?
Propose to Lucie Manette.
Who promises Lucie Manette that he would, if necessary, die for her?
Sydney Carton.
What does Jerry Cruncher frequently go out to do at night?
Dig up bodies in the cemetery.
Who informs the Defarges that Lucie Manette has married Charles Darnay?
John Barsad.
On the night after Lucie and Charles are married, what does Doctor Manette do?
He reverts to his prison pastime of making shoes.
During the storming of the Bastille, who decapitates the fortress’s guard?
Madame Defarge.
What is the duration of Manette’s psychological relapse after Lucie leaves for her honeymoon?
Nine days.
Who develops a habit of watching and speaking to Lucie as she waits on a Paris street corner each day, hoping that Darnay will be able to see her from his prison window?
A wood-sawyer.
Who does the spy John Barsad turn out to be?
Miss Pross’ brother, Solomon.
Why was Doctor Manette imprisoned?
The Marquis Evrémonde feared that Manette would reveal one of the Marquis’ dark secrets.
TAGS
A Tale of Two Cities, Charles Dickens, Test Answers, Test key, Questions and Answers, Packet answers, Homework help, Answer key
Dr. Manette.
Who is Madame Defarge in Dr. Manette's letter?
The younger sister.
Why is Charles condemned to die?
He must pay for the evils of his family, especially his father and uncle.
How has Carton changed since he landed in France?
All of the above.
Where does Madame Defarge plan to end her vengenance?
With the total extermination of all aristocrats.
Why does Carton have Darnay write the letter?
He wants it in Darnay's own handwriting.
How does Cruncher change?
He swears to never go fishing again.
Why is Miss Pross in a "queer condition"?
She killed Madame Defarge and has been deafened by the gun's explosion.
Sydney Carton said he would die young because of a dissipated and wasted life. How was he both right and wrong?
Love and sacrifice.
How is Madame Defarge cheated?
Her wish of total extermination will never come true.
A Tale of Two Cities opens in 1775. Which of the following does not characterize this period?
The guillotine stands as a much-feared fixture on the streets of Paris.
Why are the drivers of the Dover mail coach hesitant to stop for Jerry Cruncher’s message?
They fear that he is a highwayman attempting to rob the passengers.
What object does Doctor Manette keep during his imprisonment in order to escape “in spirit”?
A lock of his wife’s hair.
By what name do the men in Defarge’s wine shop call their fellow revolutionaries?
Jacques.
What skill did Doctor Manette develop in order to pass the time during his incarceration?
Shoemaking.
What symbol does Dickens use to portend the bloodshed of the French Revolution?
The broken wine cask.
During her testimony, to whom does Lucie claim that Charles Darnay alluded on the boat ride from Calais to Dover?
George Washington.
After Darnay’s acquittal, why does Sydney Carton claim to dislike him?
Darnay reminds him of how far he has fallen and everything he might have been.
To which animal does Dickens compare Sydney Carton?
A jackal.
A Tale of Two Cities was published in weekly installments from April to November of what year?
1859.
What image does Dickens frequently use to describe Lucie Manette?
A golden thread.
What sound does Lucie often hear echoing off the street when she is in her home?
Footsteps.
Which of the following characters is related to the Marquis, whose carriage runs down a small child?
Charles Darnay.
Who does Miss Pross believe is the ideal suitor for Lucie Manette?
Her brother, Solomon.
What does Mr. Lorry try to persuade Mr. Stryver not to do?
Propose to Lucie Manette.
Who promises Lucie Manette that he would, if necessary, die for her?
Sydney Carton.
What does Jerry Cruncher frequently go out to do at night?
Dig up bodies in the cemetery.
Who informs the Defarges that Lucie Manette has married Charles Darnay?
John Barsad.
On the night after Lucie and Charles are married, what does Doctor Manette do?
He reverts to his prison pastime of making shoes.
During the storming of the Bastille, who decapitates the fortress’s guard?
Madame Defarge.
What is the duration of Manette’s psychological relapse after Lucie leaves for her honeymoon?
Nine days.
Who develops a habit of watching and speaking to Lucie as she waits on a Paris street corner each day, hoping that Darnay will be able to see her from his prison window?
A wood-sawyer.
Who does the spy John Barsad turn out to be?
Miss Pross’ brother, Solomon.
Why was Doctor Manette imprisoned?
The Marquis Evrémonde feared that Manette would reveal one of the Marquis’ dark secrets.
TAGS
A Tale of Two Cities, Charles Dickens, Test Answers, Test key, Questions and Answers, Packet answers, Homework help, Answer key
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