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A Tale of Two Cities
Book III, Chapter 13, “Fifty-two”
I. Notes
The theme of doubles again appears when Carton uses his and Darnay's remarkable
resemblance to save Darnay's life for a second time. The first time Carton saved Darnay,
Carton did so without risk to himself. Afterward, the similarity in their features disturbed
Carton, for the resemblance reminded him of the difference in their personalities and
possibilities. Darnay represented everything that Carton could have been if he had not
succumbed to alcohol and apathy. Saving Darnay this time, however, requires that Carton
sacrifice his own life. On the surface Carton appears to make the sacrifice simply out of
love for Lucie and her child. However, by considering the theme of resurrection that
Dickens has woven through the story, we realize that Carton is also giving his life to save
his soul. His remembrance of the "I am the resurrection and the life"passage two nights
earlier indicates that he expects to find eternal life through his death. Additionally, by
saving Darnay, he resurrects his best qualities in two ways. He has resurrected them in
himself by planning and managing the crisis when the others could do nothing to help,
and, by giving new life to Darnay, he has resurrected his own discarded potential through
the man who embodies the realization of that potential.
II. Terms
two score and twelve fifty-two (a score is twenty).
cravat a neckerchief or scarf.
a litter a stretcher for carrying the sick or wounded.
III. Questions
1.What does Charles write in his “last” letter?
He tells Lucie and manette that he is grateful for all Manette has done to
help in his release.
2.How does Carton get Charles to go along with his plan?
Carton drugs Darnay using the potion from the chemist.
3.How does Carton get Charles out of prison?
Carton blackmails Barsad/Pross to gain entry to the prison where he
switches place with Darnay and orders Pross to bring Darnay to a waiting
coach.
4.How is Carton going to keep the promise he made to Lucie years before?
Carton said he would sacrifice his own life to keep the life of the one Lucie
loves beside her
5. Although his three letters indicate the people most on his mind as he awaits execution,
whom ironically does he not even recall? What KIND of irony is this?
Carton- dramatic irony- the reader assumes Carton will die for Darnay.
6. What is the significance of the chapter's title?
52 is the number of prisoners beheaded.
7. Why does Dickens abruptly shift to the first person plural at the end of this chapter?
He shifts to the perspective of those awaiting execution to allow the reader
to better emphasize with their position.
8. In the range of prisoners, Dickens gives one whose death at the hands of the
revolutionary patriots is merely nemesis (a source of harm or ruin or an opponent that
cannot be beaten or overcome) and another whose death is totally undeserved, showing
how unjust the Revolution has become. Who are these two?
Nemesis- wealthy farmer of 70
Undeserved- young, poor seamstress