READING GUIDE - A TALE OF TWO CITIES
BOOK 3: THE TRACK OF A STORM
CHAPTERS 1-3: “In Secret,” “The Grindstone,” and “The Shadow”
1. Per the first two paragraphs of Book 3, Chapter 1, security along the roads of France
is much more stringent than it was earlier in the novel. Who runs the security
checkpoints? What does this suggest about the balance of power in France? Why, in
the first paragraph, does Dickens refer to Louis XIV as “the fallen and unfortunate king?”
(Note that it is autumn of 1792 when Charles Darnay returns to his native country. You
will have to do a little historical digging, but the info shouldn’t be very difficult to locate.)
2. Why is Darnay specifically targeted by the patriots and assigned an escort to
accompany him to Paris? Why are the people they encounter along the way so
infuriated and violent when they see Darnay?
3. What is the name of the town where an “ominous” crowd gathers and yells “down
with the emigrant!” at Darnay? Why is this significant?
4. In this same scene, explain the irony of the farrier’s quote, “[He will be] judged ... Ay!
And condemned as a traitor!”
5. Describe the decree that has been passed in France since the last time Darnay was
there. [Believe it or not, this was a real law.] Do a little research and hunt down the
name of the law, and write it below.
6. Who is the officer of a “coarse, dark aspect” that Darnay is questioned by in the
guard-room? How does the officer address Darnay, and why is this significant?
7. Closely examine the exchange between Defarge and Darnay on page 235 and onto
the top of 236. What does this conversation show you about Defarge, as well as the
overall attitude of the French revolutionists at the time?
8. On page 237, the wife of the gaoler (warden) at La Force prison, rings a bell, causing
a “turnkey” to add, “For the love of Liberty.” Why is this statement ironic? IMPORTANT:
We will discuss this in class, but take note that the appropriate response to this question
is also a significant motif throughout this novel.
9. How do the other prisoners at LaForce treat Darnay upon his arrival? Why is this
significant?
CHAPTER 2 - “The Grindstone”
10. Why does Lorry cry out for Manette not to touch the blinds? What is he afraid the old
man will see?
11. Why does Manette believe he can save Charles? Use and properly cite a quote.
12. For what purpose is the grindstone used?
13. Look at the lengthy paragraph describing the “throng” of people on page 244. What
is Dickens‘ clear opinion of the rebels of Paris? Choose and properly cite one quote to
demonstrate how Dickens characterizes these individuals.
14. What type of effect does Manette have on the crowd? If this scene were an allusion
to a Shakespearian tragedy you should be familiar with from last year, to what scene
might Dickens be alluding?
CHAPTER 3: THE SHADOW
15. Previously, we categorized Mr. Lorry as a relatively flat character. What does he
consider at the beginning of Chapter 3 that would change this definition? Explain.
16. Why does Defarge tell Lorry that his wife (and her friend) is accompanying them to
gather Lucie? Describe, in your own words, how Lorry feels about Defarge at this
moment.
17. What is the name of Mdme. Defarge’s friend, and what type of character would you
classify her as?
18. What allusion is repeated regarding Mdme. Defarge? Why does this suggest
ominous news for Lucie specifically? Find the exact quote and cite it below.