A Tale of Two Cities - Book Summary

Summary

Charles Dickens' 'A Tale of Two Cities' is a historical novel set against the backdrop of the French Revolution. It tells the story of Charles Darnay, a French aristocrat who renounces his title, and Sydney Carton, his look-alike and a disgraced lawyer. Both men fall in love with the beautiful Lucy Manette, whose father, Dr. Manette, was wrongly imprisoned. The novel explores themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the brutality of the revolution, culminating in Carton's selfless act of taking Darnay's place at the guillotine to save him and protect Lucy's family.

Takeaways

• 📚 'A Tale of Two Cities' is a historical novel by Charles Dickens, set during the French Revolution.
• 🌐 The story begins in 1775 and follows a love triangle involving Charles Darnay, Sydney Carton, and Lucy Manette.
• 🏛️ The novel opens with the famous line 'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times', highlighting the contrast between the periods.
• 👨‍🦳 Dr. Manette, Lucy's father, is revealed to be alive and imprisoned in the Bastille, leading to a reunion with his daughter.
• 👥 Sydney Carton, a look-alike of Charles Darnay, plays a crucial role in Darnay's trial and eventual acquittal.
• 💍 After a year of courtship, Lucy marries Charles Darnay, despite Carton's unrequited love for her.
• 🏰 Darnay's visit to his uncle in France exposes the aristocracy's indifference to the common people, leading to his decision to renounce his title.
• 🔥 The French Revolution erupts in 1789, leading to chaos and violence, including the storming of the Bastille and the execution of aristocrats.
• 🚓 Darnay is arrested in Paris due to his noble lineage and is sentenced to death, despite his renunciation of his title.
• 💊 Sydney Carton devises a plan to save Darnay by impersonating him and taking his place at the guillotine.
• 🏡 Lucy and her family manage to escape the revolution's chaos and return safely to England, thanks to Carton's sacrifice.

Q & A

What is the setting of the novel 'A Tale of Two Cities'?

The novel is set during the violent French Revolution and also involves scenes in London.

What famous line opens the novel 'A Tale of Two Cities'?

The novel opens with the famous line 'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.'

Who is Jarvis Lorry and what is his role in the beginning of the story?

Jarvis Lorry is a bank clerk who travels from London to Dover to meet with Lucy Manette, revealing to her that her father, Dr. Manette, is alive.

What significant event from Dr. Manette's past is revealed in the story?

Dr. Manette was imprisoned in the Bastille for many years, which led to his madness and subsequent work as a cobbler.

How does Charles Darnay's trial in London conclude due to Sydney Carton's involvement?

The trial concludes with Darnay's acquittal because Carton's striking resemblance to Darnay creates doubt in the court, making it impossible to definitively identify Darnay as the spy.

Who are the three main characters that fall in love with Lucy Manette?

Sydney Carton, Charles Darnay, and Mr. Stryver all fall in love with Lucy Manette.

What significant action does Charles Darnay take after renouncing his title as a French nobleman?

Darnay renounces his title as a French nobleman and declares his intention to return to England after witnessing his uncle's lack of remorse for running over a peasant child.

What is the role of Madame Defarge in the French Revolution as depicted in the script?

Madame Defarge is a revolutionary who secretly knits a list of people she and other revolutionaries intend to kill.

How does Sydney Carton help Charles Darnay escape from prison?

Sydney Carton, with the help of John Barsad (Solomon Pross), drugs Darnay, takes his place in prison, and has Barsad help Darnay escape to safety.

What is the ultimate sacrifice made by Sydney Carton for Lucy Manette?

Sydney Carton impersonates Charles Darnay and dies at the guillotine in his place, ensuring Darnay's safety and Lucy's happiness.

What revelation about Madame Defarge's personal connection to the Evremonde family is made?

Madame Defarge is revealed to be the surviving sister of the peasant girl who was raped and her brother who was murdered by the Evremonde family.