CHAPTER 10: The Substance of the Shadow (Through the story, “shadows” have been
used symbolically to suggest the growing menace to the family of Doctor Manette. We
learn how the shadow was created. )
What is the date in the present time?
Storming of the Bastille was in July 1789
Darnay arrives in France in autumn 1792
In chapter five, we learned that 15 months have passed since Darnay was
imprisoned. September massacres occur right after he goes to prison. 15 months
later, it would be December 1793.
What date does Dr. Manette write the letter? December 1767
What is the date in the time of his letter? December 1757
What clues are there that the two men who stop Dr. Manette and bring them to their house
are the Evremonde brothers, Darnay’s uncle and father? They are twins; the letter E on
some clothing (294); they are cruel and heartless (294; 296-7); the elder is more
cruel than the younger (297); they are nobles (297)
“She would repeat the cry, ‘My husband, my father, and my brother’ and would count up to
twelve and say ‘Hush!’” What happened to the young woman’s husband, father, and
brother? The husband was worked to death because he would not influence her to
have an affair with the elder Evremonde brother. He sobbed 12 times after he came
home at noon, once for every stroke of the bell, and died on her bosom. The father
has a heart attack after hearing what has happened to his daughter. The brother, in
an attempt to help his sister and defend her honor, after taking his other sister to
another place, dies fighting the younger Evremonde brother. He denounces the
whole family (299).
What happens to the girl? She is raped. After her husband, father, and brother die, she
goes crazy. Dr. Manette then finds out that she is pregnant and will not be able to
recover.
Who came to visit Dr. Manette before he completed his letter to the Minister, and who was
with her? Charles’ mother and Charles at about age 3 What was her wish? What fear did
she have? She hoped to at least help the remaining sister of the peasant family. That
Charles would one day have to atone for the sins of his uncle and father.
How does Dr. Manette end his letter? He denounces the Evremondes and their
descendents (304)
What is the verdict for Charles? “Death within four-and-twenty hours!” (305)
CHAPTER 11: DUSK
How does Charles react to Dr. Manette? P. 306 He is willing to take this punishment for
the pain his family has caused and doesn’t blame Dr. Manette.
Carton carries Lucie out to the carriage. Little Lucie foreshadows (307). Carton bends over
and kisses Lucie and says, “A life you love” (307). What does that refer to? P. 138 He is
willing to give his life to save Charles.—Carton is tender, sincere, deeply emotional,
devoted to Lucie.
Carton’s last words in the chapter, “Yes. He will perish; there is no real hope” (309). Do you
believe him? On the surface, Carton seems to be agreeing with Mr. Lorry that there is
no hope for Darnay. As later events reveal, Carton is really referring to himself.
CHAPTER 12: Darkness
Why does Carton go to Defarge’s wine-shop? Why does he refrain from strong drink at this
time? Who is impressed by the resemblance of Carton and Darnay? Carton goes to the
wine-shop to be seen, so that a Darnay look0alike will be accepted during the coming
impersonation. He also learns a great deal about the further intentions of Madame
Defarge. He refrains from strong drink to keep his head clear during the delicate
planning ahead. Madame Defarge seems most impressed by Carton’s resemblance to
Darnay. Dramatically, it is effective to have the principal antagonist most sensitive to
the resemblance.
Why does Carton try to show himself so poor in French and so naïve in his encounter with
Madame Defarge in the wine-shop? What role is he playing? Carton wants to paint
himself as an insignificant, harmless Englishman. He is playing a simple role to
deceive Madame Defarge. She knows nothing of him, but he knows about her.
What additional plots does Madame Defarge have against the family of Dr. Manette? Whom
would she destroy? Who will give the additional evidence against Lucie and her family?
Why does she not consult her husband at this point? Why does Carton say, “It [the exit
certificate] may soon be recalled and, I have reason to think, will be”? (315. 11) Madame
Defarge would like to destroy Lucie and young Lucie and even, we learn later, Dr.
Manette himself. The wood-sawyer will give evidence against Lucie of spying outside
the prison. During these finals plots, Madame Defarge does not consult her husband
because she considers him too soft. She no longer trusts him because he has a deep
and abiding loyalty towards the doctor.
Madame Defarge’s bitterness has passed the rational stage. Her hatred has become
pathological, excessive, indiscriminately destructive. She hates all the Evremondes
as a symbol of the monster she fought. But her hatred becomes obsessive,
uncontrolled, completely unmotivated toward someone as blameless as the doctor.
Dickens suggests that the corrosive effects of hatred are cancerous.
p. 310 Why does Madame Defarge really look at Carton? She thinks he looks just like
Darnay
What do you think Defarge is thinking on p. 311? The killing should end with Darnay.
He is torn between his wife and the Revolution and his loyalty to Dr. Manette. He is
not driven by the blind need for vengeance like his wife.
Madame Defarge finally admits her husband’s weakness. (307) Defarge says that he would
not help them. Do you believe him? He does not raise a hand to stop the others nor
does he assist them in their final plans.
What is Madame Defarge’s confession? She is the little sister of the family who was
injured by the Evremonde family (312).
Sydney Carton alerts Mr. Lorry to the fact that the Defarges are planning on going after
Lucie, Dr. Manette, and little Lucie. He basically saves the day. Do you think any different
of him?
Why does Carton give his papers to get out of France to Mr. Lorry?
What does Carton make Mr. Lorry promise? To leave in the carriage that he is to get and
have ready at 2 the minute Carton arrives to the carriage
Why do you think Carton “breathed a blessing…and a farewell” as he looked up at Lucie’s
window?