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Thursday, May 8, 2014
Blog 1 - A Separate Expectation of Two Lords - Chapters 1-5, Book II
Imperial Illustrator, please make a new post with a scan of your illustration. Be sure to include your literature circle name.
Discussion Director: Q: In Chapter One, Dickens writes a paragraph describing the bank. What is Dickens’ purpose in including this paragraph? What concept does it portray? How is it ironic? A: In this paragraph, Dickens expands on the recurring concept of duality. We can connect this back to the “best of times, worst of times” bit in the first sentence, as the polish is “good” and the corruption is “evil." This paragraph is also ironic because of the fact that it gives the reader an image of dirtiness and being poor, almost lacking the effort and the money to keep the building clean, yet the establishment being described is Tellson’s Bank. When one thinks of a bank, of course they think of the fact that it has a ton of money (between mortgages and charging interest on loans, how could they not be rich?). Usually, if something has a lot of money, it’s pretty well kept, especially banks. Q: Why does Dickens capitalize the D in Death? A; Dickens capitalizes the D in Death for personification purposes (look at that...alliteration!). By capitalizing the first letter, it makes the word seem like a name. It also makes it THAT much more profound because death is such a...well, such a “human” thing. Death happens. Everyone dies eventually, and Dickens’ capitalization of the “D” is his way of reminding us; after all, he does say, “Death is Nature’s remedy for all things…” (62). Q: Who is Darnay’s “dual personality”? How does this go along with the concept of duality? A: Darnay’s “dual personality” is Mr. Carton, which is actually pretty funny. Even Dickens states it himself: “...so like each other in feature, so unlike each other in manner…” (90). Mr. Darnay and Mr. Carton act like complete opposites of each other; Mr. Darnay seems like such a nice man, while Mr. Carton just acts obnoxiously. This idea of duality is even expanded on in Chapter 4, when Mr. Carlton says, “‘So we are not much alike in that particular. Indeed, I begin to think we are not much alike in any particular, you and I’” (96). They really are not alike at all. A: Lucie being referred to as the “golden thread” is so symbolic. First of all, she is the one who is connecting everyone to each other “plot wise” right now. If you don’t know what I mean by that, I’ll explain: Lucie is Dr. Manette’s daughter, which is how we get introduced to Dr. Manette, and then she is a witness at the court case, which is how we get introduced to Mr. Darnay, Mr. Carton, and Mr. Stryver. She also causes a deeper connection between Mr. Carton and Mr. Darnay (which I will talk about in the next question). And then there is the “golden” part. This corresponds with her physical appearance. Lucie is constantly described as having “golden locks,” which make the reader picture this innocent, young lady with perfect golden curls beyond compare. Q: Why does Mr. Carton “hate” Mr. Darnay? A: Okay, maybe “hate” is not the best word to use here, but Mr. Carton does act very obnoxiously towards Mr. Darnay. Let’s not forget this exchange: “‘Do you think I particularly like you?’ ‘Really, Mr. Carton,’ returned the other, oddly disconcerted, ‘I have not asked myself the question.’ ‘But ask yourself the question now.’ ‘You have acted as if you do; but I don’t think you do.’ ‘I don’t think I do,’ said Carton” (97). So, what could cause someone to act so jerky (is that a word...jerky...like the adjective, not the beef…) towards someone else? Well, it’s definitely not arrogance, because we discover that Mr. Carton has a low self-esteem on the next page (“There is nothing in you to like; you know that”), so what could it be? One word. Jealousy. Mr. Carton seems to have a little crush on Lucie Manette, but he knows her heart is with Mr. Darnay from the trial happenings. Combine that with his low self-esteem and...BAM...you have jealousy. Gee, that sounds familiar, doesn’t it? (hint, hint: he jounced the limb).
Oppression. Starvation. Deprivation. Misery. These characteristics paint the landscape Dickens presents the reader in A Tale of Two Cities, but the tragedies of the novel’s set time period expand past the French Revolution to our contemporary era. Have you ever felt alone? Have you ever been left feeling overwhelmed, maybe depressed, or flat out unsatisfied with how the events of your life are unraveling before you? Have you ever felt like the people around you just couldn’t possibly understand how you were feeling, couldn’t possibly help? You are not alone. While A Tale of Two Cities is meant to present us with a historically accurate portrait of the suffering before and during the French Revolution, Dicken’s “season of Darkness” is still alive within society.
The famed Mother Teresa once said, “The most terrible poverty is loneliness and the feelings of being unloved.” Throughout the first five chapters of Book II, Dickens explores this reality with the duality of the characters, Mr. Charles Darnay and Mr. Sydney Carton, and their angel, “the golden thread” Lucie Manette. I have chosen three passages which I believe are especially telling of this developing plotline. They are especially striking in how well they are written, and I believe they will be vital in our analysis of the text.
Passage 1 from Chapter 4 https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-mM4lBQkGUMU/U26i-3VRKPI/AAAAAAAAAL4/3BH3f2FgJ6g/w694-h701-no/A.jpg
The first passage was chosen because it chronicles the healing effect of Lucie’s compassion on her father, Dr. Mannette, after he was recalled to life. The title of Book the Second, The Golden Thread, is used in reference to Lucie. With her golden hair, she is the physical vision of an angel and the highest standard of woman. Dr. Mannette is able to move forward from the darkness of his past because of her. Will she be able to help others be recalled to life?
Passage 2 from Chapter 3 https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-paisv70yIDY/U26j0AfoBUI/AAAAAAAAAMw/nMF5F7HU6pc/w1247-h540-no/A.jpg
This second passage documents the immediate reaction of Mr. Darney to Lucie when she stands before him at the trial. Her beauty and obvious compassion is able to move him. The description of the world before him becoming “imaginary beds of flowers in a garden” before him is especially notable. The affections of Lucie are a valuable thing, and Mr. Darnay might just have them. What are your thoughts of Lucie’s healing presence to this other freed prisoner?
Passage 3 from Chapter 5 https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-rFPKp8D4X6k/U26iAKaYvYI/AAAAAAAAALM/MUc-VouNIas/w694-h701-no/A.jpg
This third and final passage of my post surrounds Mr. Carton. While he is consumed by the darkness in his own heart which seems to make the landscape around him a dreary wasteland, he can’t help but to imagine a more beautiful world. This world is one we might immediately compare to Mr. Darnay’s new image from the last passage! The characters of Mr. Darnay and Mr. Carton are strikingly similar physically, but what difference is there within the hearts of the two men? Mr. Carton will not allow himself to receive love and compassion, and this is his fatal flaw.
What do you think about these passages? Thanks for reading and blog on!
Emily... your post is literally making me cry right now...like I can't even tell you how beautiful what you have written is, and everything is so true. Looks like Dickens has broken my heart yet again, and we haven't even gotten halfway through this book yet...
Well, Rachel, your post made me LOL, especially with your last response's reference to A Separate Peace. I enjoyed the casual nature of your post, which is perfect for blogging, and what a strong voice you had as a writer. I could envision perfectly what it'd be like if you said the following in class when you wrote, "Dickens capitalizes the D in Death for personification purposes (look at that...alliteration!)" XD Great job!
Thanks, Emily! XD looks like we are just the quintessential English bloggers, right? ha ha! I actually read your post in your voice, though...is that bad?
Starting off in Chapter 1, we get a taste of how much of a jerk Jerry Cruncher is. I mean the guy threw a muddy boot at his wife for goodness sake. Then he proceeds to go off on a huge rant about how praying is useless and that his wife and mother are basically stupid for turning to God: “’And what do you suppose, you conceited female, that the worth of your prayers may be?’” (Page 58 of the Barnes & Noble version)
Now this whole novel so far really reminds me of the other novel/play/movie Les Miserables. In contrast to A Tale of Two Cities, everyone in Les Mis turns to God in prayer in order to help them get through the difficulties of poverty and crime. So it boils down to the matter that when hard times arise, people either turn to God or turn away and blame him for the problems they face. Where does Jerry Cruncher fall?
This article about the psychology of religion basically describes in the first paragraph the reason why many people during the 17th and 18th centuries turned away from God. Not only were the times so rough that it was hard to believe He was up there looking down, but also the Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment ideas (for all the AP World kids out there) introduced concepts that strayed away from this strong belief in God. (Article: So Blogger wouldn’t make the link into one that could be shared sooo if you must find the article go to the Opposing Viewpoints in Context database and search of Psychology of Religion)
The fact Cruncher’s wife and mother prayed means his family is very religious and as the ‘one in charge’ of the family he would also be responsible for that. So what could have possibly moved Cruncher to blame God? The new ideas of the century? Or the difficult times around him?
Okay the following one is seen throughout Chapters 3-5, so get ready. Sydney Carton. Poor Sydney. He even has a girl’s name.
Carton is basically like most honors students if you think about it. We work our butts off for all these different classes, deal with people trying to copy our tests and homework constantly, still face the insecurity of adolescence, yet we never truly get enough credit. Am I right?
Sydney Carton is completely overlooked and irrelevant to others, but he holds such power and reason within his character which makes him a crucial character for us as readers. This is clearly scene in Chapter 3 during the trial in how he came up with the idea that he and Darnay look so similar. In reality, Carton won the case and got Darnay acquitted, but who got the glory? Stryver of course. Carton was merely just staring at the ceiling throughout the whole trial. Oh and not to mention falling head over heels for Lucie Mannette, but that’s another matter to discuss. Why does Stryver’s shadow completely engulf Carton’s? Well, that’s where Chapter 4 comes in.
Throughout Chapter 4, we see Carton is bitter and full of resentment. No surprise there. But at the end of the chapter, we see this insecure and straight up depressing side to him. On page 87, we see this in so many expressions said by him: “’No man on earth cares for me’”, “’There is nothing in you to like’”, “’He shows you…what you might have been!’” Carton is not very fond of himself clearly.
Now here’s the article on self esteem in connection to Carton. It states: “People with high self-esteem are often self-confident,” so therefore Carton’s low self-esteem causes this lack of confidence within himself which leads to him allowing others to overlook him and make him seem as if he and all his work is invisible to the human eye. It also exclaims, “People with low self-esteem are concerned with self-protection. They want to avoid humiliation, embarrassment, and rejection.” We see this in Carton’s minor attacks at Darnay who reminds Carton of the man he could have been. (Article: Again, not working...sooo Opposing Viewpoints in Context and look up Self Esteem)
I’ll make the next two shorter. Okay just want to basically point out here that Carton is very similar to Eponine from Les Mis. I’m saying this because Eponine is madly in love with Marius, yet he wants to be with someone else. Now Carton is obviously falling for Lucie, no matter how many times he will deny it, but he knows that Darnay has already made his way to Lucie’s interest. He’s clearly hurt by that, as seen on page 87 when he exclaims “’Change places with him, and would you have been looked at by those blue eyes as he was…?’” He’s jealous. So was Eponine. Ever hear her song “On My Own”? Yeah. They both fell in love with someone who loves another and then they get really sad about it. Draaaaama.
The final connection is the reference to Stryver being a lion and Carton being a jackal. Time for an ecology lesson. Lions are carnivores. Jackals are scavengers. Carnivores are predators and they get to eat all the yummy parts of their prey. Scavengers eat dead animals that the carnivores already tore apart and enjoyed. So basically, scavengers get the leftovers. Who gets all the glory? Stryver. Who gets the leftover credit if there even is any? Carton. Carton literally does all the work while Stryver just sits back and relaxes by the fire boozing it up. Yet, Stryver as the lawyer is highly exalted for his good service and skill in defense. And Carton gets to stare at the ceiling and go completely unnoticed! :D It’s a fun life for him. Just a side note…I kind of thought of how in The Lion King, Scar has all the hyenas do the work for him in trying to scare Simba and also just terrorize the land. He promises them food and sustenance if they do so but really Scar just wants all the glory as king and doesn’t care at all about the hyenas. (Scar=carnivore, Hyenas=scavengers) Plus, I love Disney so of course I’m gonna think of it.
Charles Darnay is the convict that was on trial in the courtroom. He was said to have worn all black and to have pulled back his gray hair. Just by his appearance being described we get a negative vibe from him. Is he an evil character or is he just depressed due to the past? The answer to this question can not be determined yet since we do not know much about his character.
Others view him as a self- possessed person, a prisoner, a convict, and traitor. Not someone you want to be associated with. From what is visible to us at this point, he is quite reserved and is not a man of many words. Someone who doesn’t want to attract so much attention to himself, yet he has.
Then he met Miss. Manette and was smitten from the moment he laid eyes on her, just because of her appearance and voice. Miss. Manette had a different view of him, she only saw the good side. She thought he was a gentleman and very open during their conversation. I believe there could be a possible relationship here, which is totally cute in my opinion (anyone come up with a ship name yet?)!
Now let’s take a look at Mr. Cruncher:
Mr. Cruncher is an interesting character (so far). He is described as sickly, red-eyed, spiky haired, and grim when he woke up. However, he is quickly able to change his appearance by putting on nicer attire that makes him look more professional and respectable. Why is this? It’s safe to say that Mr. Cruncher is a mysterious character, just like Monsieur Defarge. Both of these characters might be hiding an internal secret by changing their demeanor when going out in public. Maybe, later on, these secrets will be revealed to us.
Mr. Cruncher is also a character with a short temper. He seems to have issues with his wife the very first time we even see them interact. He throws his muddy shoe at her just because he is angry (issues much?). Mr. Cruncher can get away with this because it is a patriarchal society that he seems takes advantage of and support. Notice how he verbally abuses his wife by yelling and throwing shoes at her, which is physical abuse. Then look at how he treats his son, who is still a child. Mr. Cruncher treats his son better and with more respect.
My group found that Mr. Cruncher is an unreliable character due to the characteristics that he portrays. There is a good chance that he is a miserable character who takes out his misery on his wife. Why he is miserable is a mystery, maybe it is linked to the mystery of how his boots go from clean to dirty overnight. We’ll all just have to read ahead to find out more!
Hey its Kaila, angiemarie202! Ok I just want to start off saying that I totally agree with what you're saying with the possible love connection with Charles Darnay and Miss. Manette. Like I pointed out with my vocab journal/ language lover comment I used the quote "Mr “Mr Darnay had kissed her (Lucie) hand fervently and gratefully, and had turned to Mr Stryer, whom he warmly thanked.” (on my page 118, this interaction alone could be the foreshadowing of a future romantic connection between the two. Another great connection to make is Mr Cartons. He is almost another version of Mr Darnay. Already the two don't have the healthiest relationship. Mr Charton says to himself about Mr Darnay ,"’Change places with him, and would you have been looked at by those blue eyes as he was, and commiserated by the agitated face as he was? Come on, and have it out in plain words! You hate the fellow’” (on my page 124). This hate Mr Cartons has for Mr Darnay could potentially lead to some future conflict and character change shown within Mr Darnay
I think all of your questions are really great, but I would like to make a connection with your second question about the “D” (oh gosh that sounds awkward). Anyway, I saw this trend previously in chapter 5 of the first book; The Wine-shop. On my page 33, in the beginning, there is a paragraph where the “h” in hunger is capitalized. I feel as if Dickens does dis (alliteration!) for similar reasons. You said that it was used to personify it, to make it seem like a name. I felt the same, but I also felt that he makes it seem like the norm and he makes it seem like such a common thing. Look at the context. FRENCH REV. Hunger was so prominent during this era, during and after the rev. Dickens capitalized it to show how much of a “human” thing it is/was, and how everyone was affected by it. Finally, not only was hunger prominent during this era, but so was death. The gov’t was killing enemies of the state, and people turned on each other. Perhaps these two seemingly normal words were capitalized to show how influential they were and how common they were during this time.
Ah Kess! Your connections to A Tale of Two Cities are flawless. I’m so glad I’m not the only one that connects sophisticated novels such as this one to potentially, not so sophisticated things. First of all, Les Miserables has to be one of my all time FAVORITE movies and the way you connected Carton to Eponine (my favorite character in Les Mis) really stuck with me. The way Eponine is forever longing to be with Marius and how he never gives her the time of day is so similar to the relationship between Carton and Lucie. I get the sense from Dickens text that Carton has merely given up on Lucie because he knows that she was “never his to lose” (Reference from Les Mis). Oh and don’t even get me started on “On My Own,” It’s just so appropriate for this novel. “Without me his world will go on turning” (Les Mis). This is basically how Carton feels about Lucie and I never thought of their relationship like that. So, really great job with making that connection. Your other connections to both being an honor student, and Disney movies also truly affected me. But, I could go on forever so, needless to say, awesome job! I completely agree with you!
Omg Kess I was just thinking about a Les Mis/ Tale of Two cities connection and then I read your blog! I completely agree that the characters in each echo each other! The comparison that I had was actually between Jean Valjean and Cosette, and Doctor Monnette and Lucie. Both Dr. M and Jean Valjean are men who have served long prison sentences and must try and re-adjust to real life. Both of them heavily rely on the love of, and from their daughter (or foster daughter in Les Mis), and both girls love their fathers dearly. Both girls are also the image of ideal for that time, beautiful, sweet and golden-harked!
Throughout chapters 1-5, I noticed some interesting things about Dickens' diction so far. In our discussion on thursday, one of the aspects that my group talked about was the corruption in French society during this time period. On my page 59, Dickens wrote, "Altogether, the Old Bailey, at that date, was a choice illustration of the precept that 'Whatever is, is right'; an aphorism that would be as final as it is lazy, did it not include the troublesome consequence, that nothing that ever was, was wrong." When Dickens uses the word 'aphorism,' I think it perfectly displays the corruption of the French legal system. The definition of aphorism is: a terse saying embodying a general truth. I think the use of the word assists in showing the true meaning behind the quote, which basically says that the judges don't really make the right decision and they make decision based on their opinion about what is "right."
Another word that I thought was interesting while I was reading was 'asseveration.' The definition of asseveration is: an emphatic assertion, or allegation. The connotation behind 'asseveration' is negative and this word really helped explain the situation around it that was happening in the book. On my page 65, it says, "That head Mr. Attorney-General concluded by demanding of them, in the name of everything he could think of with a round turn in it, and on the faith of his solemn asseveration that he already concluded the prisoner as good as dead and gone." Since this word has a negative connotation, it assists in the meaning of the sentence that the lawyer pretty much thought the prisoner was guilty and there was no way around that.
In addition to 'aphorism' and 'asseveration,' I also found 'reversionary.' The definition of reversionary is: the reversal of something or someone. Given the context, this word most likely has a negative connotation. On page 57, it says, "...young Jerry seating himself on the stool, entered on his revisionary interest...'Al-ways rusty! His fingers is al-ways rusty!...Where does my father get all that iron rust from? He don't get no iron rust here!'" Since young Jerry was pointing out something unusual about Jerry, it is possible to assume that Jerry has a corrupt mystery behind him.
Another addition to the previous words is 'indignation.' The definition of indignation is: strong displeasure at something considered unjust. This word has a negative connotation and it is especially evident in the novel. On page 55, Dickens wrote, "...throwing off other sarcastic sparks from the whirling grindstone of his indignation, Mr. Cruncher betook himself to his boot-cleaning and his general preparation for business." This quote and the word used within it also may add the mystery behind Jerry Cruncher and why he lost touch with religion.
Finally, the last word that I found was 'industrious.' The definition of industrious is: working energetically and devotedly. This word happens to have a positive connotation and it may help you connect to one of the characters. On page 54, it says, "A women of orderly and industrious appearance rose from her knees in the corner, with sufficient haste and trepidation to show she was the one being referred to." Personally, I know that I felt bad for Mrs. Cruncher because she seems like she is a good wife and hard worker who cares for Jerry, yet he treats her and his own mother horribly. Some readers just can't help but think about why Jerry is like the way he is.
KESS your connections were so good. When I read the scene with the Crunchers, I think it's very easy to overlook his wife and her prayers, and instead focus on Jerry's extreme reactions. There hasn't been much about religion throughout this text very far, and I think that that's something I'm definitely going to watch for moving forward in this novel! Context is so important, and knowing about the Enlightenment ideas really helps to get a better grasp on the mindsets of the characters that we may not yet have an insight into yet.
@ Angela I definitely agree with you on what you stated about Jerry Cruncher. He is miserable and angry and he takes that out on his wife. I think that what he is doing at night results in his muddy boots and rusty finger. Although we don’t know exactly where and why is is leaving at night, we can infer that this could be the thing giving him stress and misery. This can also explain the way he acts at home and why he treats his wife so terribly. I feel that Mr. Cruncher is an interesting character, as you said, and the mystery of him sneaking out at night will be an important part in the future of the book.
Angela- I completely agree with your point about Charles Darnay. I believe that he may have been an evil sort of person in the past but once he met Lucie I think he completely shifted tracks and sought after his own destiny. Cruncher seems like the kind of person nobody would want to cross up. He has his norms placed upon him by society and if anybody messes them up, it's all over for them.
Kess, I absolutely love your connection to Les Mis! I hadn't even considered that but as soon as i read your connection i saw it right away! You could even connect Fantine to Jerry Cruncher's wife in that both were mistreated by men and due to that are unable to set good examples for their children in that Mrs.Cruncher is unable to have any influence because her child idolizes his father so much that in his eyes Jerry Cruncher can so no wrong. However, Fantine is unable to set a good example for her chid because Cosette's father left them both and the only way for Fantine to provide for her daughter is to not see her. I just hope all the characters don't end up dying in the end like they do in Les Mis.
In Chapter Six of Book 2, Charles Darney tells the story of an old prisoner in the Tower of London. The prisoner wrote the word "DIG" on the wall, and buried a note there. Unfortunatley, the letter was burnt to ashes. I compared this prisoner to Gazerbeam from Disney's The Incredibles. Gazerbeam spent his last moments alive carving the word "Kronos" on the walls of a cave. This word was the password into Syndrome's evil plan. Gazerbeam wanted he who found him to know of the password so badly that he positioned himself in a way that brought attention to his message. He spent the last moments of his life to set up his message, as the prisoner did. Though the prisoner's message was never understood, the concept is still the same. My point here being: That on our deathbeds, we will do anything to protect or expose our lives work and secrets.
In Chapter 11 of Book 2, we see the relationship between Mr. Carton and Mr. Stryver. It must be noted that Mr. Stryver is constantly putting Mr. Carton down. He is always giving him orders (ex) making punch), and he acts as though he is a superior to him. Mr. Stryver's tone towards Carton can be seen as rude and demeaning. Here are some examples of his rude tone towards him: "I have been ashamed of you, Sydney" (139). "You are a disagreeable fellow." (139). "You are such a insensible dog" (138). I connected this relationship to Mr. Incredible and his boss. His boss does demeaning things to him as well. He points his pencils at his to show who is in trouble, and also to show who holds the power. He makes himself sound smarter by asking Mr. Incredible to be more specific in his questions. He treats him like a child when he says things like "Look at me when I'm talking to you," and "Do not change the subject." Here is the domain to the scene I am referring to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mC_97F2Zn9k
Sadly, Carton doesn't throw Mr. Stryver through various walls, but I feel that my point was well made.
18 comments:
Discussion Director:
Q: In Chapter One, Dickens writes a paragraph describing the bank. What is Dickens’ purpose in including this paragraph? What concept does it portray? How is it ironic?
A: In this paragraph, Dickens expands on the recurring concept of duality. We can connect this back to the “best of times, worst of times” bit in the first sentence, as the polish is “good” and the corruption is “evil." This paragraph is also ironic because of the fact that it gives the reader an image of dirtiness and being poor, almost lacking the effort and the money to keep the building clean, yet the establishment being described is Tellson’s Bank. When one thinks of a bank, of course they think of the fact that it has a ton of money (between mortgages and charging interest on loans, how could they not be rich?). Usually, if something has a lot of money, it’s pretty well kept, especially banks.
Q: Why does Dickens capitalize the D in Death?
A; Dickens capitalizes the D in Death for personification purposes (look at that...alliteration!). By capitalizing the first letter, it makes the word seem like a name. It also makes it THAT much more profound because death is such a...well, such a “human” thing. Death happens. Everyone dies eventually, and Dickens’ capitalization of the “D” is his way of reminding us; after all, he does say, “Death is Nature’s remedy for all things…” (62).
Q: Who is Darnay’s “dual personality”? How does this go along with the concept of duality?
A: Darnay’s “dual personality” is Mr. Carton, which is actually pretty funny. Even Dickens states it himself: “...so like each other in feature, so unlike each other in manner…” (90). Mr. Darnay and Mr. Carton act like complete opposites of each other; Mr. Darnay seems like such a nice man, while Mr. Carton just acts obnoxiously. This idea of duality is even expanded on in Chapter 4, when Mr. Carlton says, “‘So we are not much alike in that particular. Indeed, I begin to think we are not much alike in any particular, you and I’” (96). They really are not alike at all.
A: Lucie being referred to as the “golden thread” is so symbolic. First of all, she is the one who is connecting everyone to each other “plot wise” right now. If you don’t know what I mean by that, I’ll explain: Lucie is Dr. Manette’s daughter, which is how we get introduced to Dr. Manette, and then she is a witness at the court case, which is how we get introduced to Mr. Darnay, Mr. Carton, and Mr. Stryver. She also causes a deeper connection between Mr. Carton and Mr. Darnay (which I will talk about in the next question). And then there is the “golden” part. This corresponds with her physical appearance. Lucie is constantly described as having “golden locks,” which make the reader picture this innocent, young lady with perfect golden curls beyond compare.
Q: Why does Mr. Carton “hate” Mr. Darnay?
A: Okay, maybe “hate” is not the best word to use here, but Mr. Carton does act very obnoxiously towards Mr. Darnay. Let’s not forget this exchange:
“‘Do you think I particularly like you?’
‘Really, Mr. Carton,’ returned the other, oddly disconcerted, ‘I have not asked myself the question.’
‘But ask yourself the question now.’
‘You have acted as if you do; but I don’t think you do.’
‘I don’t think I do,’ said Carton” (97).
So, what could cause someone to act so jerky (is that a word...jerky...like the adjective, not the beef…) towards someone else?
Well, it’s definitely not arrogance, because we discover that Mr. Carton has a low self-esteem on the next page (“There is nothing in you to like; you know that”), so what could it be?
One word. Jealousy.
Mr. Carton seems to have a little crush on Lucie Manette, but he knows her heart is with Mr. Darnay from the trial happenings. Combine that with his low self-esteem and...BAM...you have jealousy. Gee, that sounds familiar, doesn’t it? (hint, hint: he jounced the limb).
Literary Luminary
Chapters 1-5 Book II-
Oppression. Starvation. Deprivation. Misery. These characteristics paint the landscape Dickens presents the reader in A Tale of Two Cities, but the tragedies of the novel’s set time period expand past the French Revolution to our contemporary era. Have you ever felt alone? Have you ever been left feeling overwhelmed, maybe depressed, or flat out unsatisfied with how the events of your life are unraveling before you? Have you ever felt like the people around you just couldn’t possibly understand how you were feeling, couldn’t possibly help? You are not alone. While A Tale of Two Cities is meant to present us with a historically accurate portrait of the suffering before and during the French Revolution, Dicken’s “season of Darkness” is still alive within society.
The famed Mother Teresa once said, “The most terrible poverty is loneliness and the feelings of being unloved.” Throughout the first five chapters of Book II, Dickens explores this reality with the duality of the characters, Mr. Charles Darnay and Mr. Sydney Carton, and their angel, “the golden thread” Lucie Manette. I have chosen three passages which I believe are especially telling of this developing plotline. They are especially striking in how well they are written, and I believe they will be vital in our analysis of the text.
Passage 1 from Chapter 4
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The first passage was chosen because it chronicles the healing effect of Lucie’s compassion on her father, Dr. Mannette, after he was recalled to life. The title of Book the Second, The Golden Thread, is used in reference to Lucie. With her golden hair, she is the physical vision of an angel and the highest standard of woman. Dr. Mannette is able to move forward from the darkness of his past because of her. Will she be able to help others be recalled to life?
Passage 2 from Chapter 3
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This second passage documents the immediate reaction of Mr. Darney to Lucie when she stands before him at the trial. Her beauty and obvious compassion is able to move him. The description of the world before him becoming “imaginary beds of flowers in a garden” before him is especially notable. The affections of Lucie are a valuable thing, and Mr. Darnay might just have them. What are your thoughts of Lucie’s healing presence to this other freed prisoner?
Passage 3 from Chapter 5
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This third and final passage of my post surrounds Mr. Carton. While he is consumed by the darkness in his own heart which seems to make the landscape around him a dreary wasteland, he can’t help but to imagine a more beautiful world. This world is one we might immediately compare to Mr. Darnay’s new image from the last passage! The characters of Mr. Darnay and Mr. Carton are strikingly similar physically, but what difference is there within the hearts of the two men? Mr. Carton will not allow himself to receive love and compassion, and this is his fatal flaw.
What do you think about these passages? Thanks for reading and blog on!
Emily... your post is literally making me cry right now...like I can't even tell you how beautiful what you have written is, and everything is so true. Looks like Dickens has broken my heart yet again, and we haven't even gotten halfway through this book yet...
Well, Rachel, your post made me LOL, especially with your last response's reference to A Separate Peace. I enjoyed the casual nature of your post, which is perfect for blogging, and what a strong voice you had as a writer. I could envision perfectly what it'd be like if you said the following in class when you wrote, "Dickens capitalizes the D in Death for personification purposes (look at that...alliteration!)" XD Great job!
Thanks, Emily! XD looks like we are just the quintessential English bloggers, right? ha ha! I actually read your post in your voice, though...is that bad?
Critical Connector
CHAPTERS 1-5, BOOK II
Starting off in Chapter 1, we get a taste of how much of a jerk Jerry Cruncher is. I mean the guy threw a muddy boot at his wife for goodness sake. Then he proceeds to go off on a huge rant about how praying is useless and that his wife and mother are basically stupid for turning to God: “’And what do you suppose, you conceited female, that the worth of your prayers may be?’” (Page 58 of the Barnes & Noble version)
Now this whole novel so far really reminds me of the other novel/play/movie Les Miserables. In contrast to A Tale of Two Cities, everyone in Les Mis turns to God in prayer in order to help them get through the difficulties of poverty and crime. So it boils down to the matter that when hard times arise, people either turn to God or turn away and blame him for the problems they face. Where does Jerry Cruncher fall?
This article about the psychology of religion basically describes in the first paragraph the reason why many people during the 17th and 18th centuries turned away from God. Not only were the times so rough that it was hard to believe He was up there looking down, but also the Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment ideas (for all the AP World kids out there) introduced concepts that strayed away from this strong belief in God. (Article: So Blogger wouldn’t make the link into one that could be shared sooo if you must find the article go to the Opposing Viewpoints in Context database and search of Psychology of Religion)
The fact Cruncher’s wife and mother prayed means his family is very religious and as the ‘one in charge’ of the family he would also be responsible for that. So what could have possibly moved Cruncher to blame God? The new ideas of the century? Or the difficult times around him?
Okay the following one is seen throughout Chapters 3-5, so get ready. Sydney Carton. Poor Sydney. He even has a girl’s name.
Carton is basically like most honors students if you think about it. We work our butts off for all these different classes, deal with people trying to copy our tests and homework constantly, still face the insecurity of adolescence, yet we never truly get enough credit. Am I right?
Sydney Carton is completely overlooked and irrelevant to others, but he holds such power and reason within his character which makes him a crucial character for us as readers. This is clearly scene in Chapter 3 during the trial in how he came up with the idea that he and Darnay look so similar. In reality, Carton won the case and got Darnay acquitted, but who got the glory? Stryver of course. Carton was merely just staring at the ceiling throughout the whole trial. Oh and not to mention falling head over heels for Lucie Mannette, but that’s another matter to discuss. Why does Stryver’s shadow completely engulf Carton’s? Well, that’s where Chapter 4 comes in.
Throughout Chapter 4, we see Carton is bitter and full of resentment. No surprise there. But at the end of the chapter, we see this insecure and straight up depressing side to him. On page 87, we see this in so many expressions said by him: “’No man on earth cares for me’”, “’There is nothing in you to like’”, “’He shows you…what you might have been!’” Carton is not very fond of himself clearly.
Now here’s the article on self esteem in connection to Carton. It states: “People with high self-esteem are often self-confident,” so therefore Carton’s low self-esteem causes this lack of confidence within himself which leads to him allowing others to overlook him and make him seem as if he and all his work is invisible to the human eye. It also exclaims, “People with low self-esteem are concerned with self-protection. They want to avoid humiliation, embarrassment, and rejection.” We see this in Carton’s minor attacks at Darnay who reminds Carton of the man he could have been. (Article: Again, not working...sooo Opposing Viewpoints in Context and look up Self Esteem)
There's more...sorry..
I’ll make the next two shorter. Okay just want to basically point out here that Carton is very similar to Eponine from Les Mis. I’m saying this because Eponine is madly in love with Marius, yet he wants to be with someone else. Now Carton is obviously falling for Lucie, no matter how many times he will deny it, but he knows that Darnay has already made his way to Lucie’s interest. He’s clearly hurt by that, as seen on page 87 when he exclaims “’Change places with him, and would you have been looked at by those blue eyes as he was…?’” He’s jealous. So was Eponine. Ever hear her song “On My Own”? Yeah. They both fell in love with someone who loves another and then they get really sad about it. Draaaaama.
The final connection is the reference to Stryver being a lion and Carton being a jackal. Time for an ecology lesson. Lions are carnivores. Jackals are scavengers. Carnivores are predators and they get to eat all the yummy parts of their prey. Scavengers eat dead animals that the carnivores already tore apart and enjoyed. So basically, scavengers get the leftovers.
Who gets all the glory? Stryver. Who gets the leftover credit if there even is any? Carton. Carton literally does all the work while Stryver just sits back and relaxes by the fire boozing it up. Yet, Stryver as the lawyer is highly exalted for his good service and skill in defense. And Carton gets to stare at the ceiling and go completely unnoticed! :D It’s a fun life for him.
Just a side note…I kind of thought of how in The Lion King, Scar has all the hyenas do the work for him in trying to scare Simba and also just terrorize the land. He promises them food and sustenance if they do so but really Scar just wants all the glory as king and doesn’t care at all about the hyenas. (Scar=carnivore, Hyenas=scavengers) Plus, I love Disney so of course I’m gonna think of it.
Alright sorry I write so much. Bye bye.
Character Captain
Chapters 1-5, Book II
First let's look at Charles Darnay:
Charles Darnay is the convict that was on trial in the courtroom. He was said to have worn all black and to have pulled back his gray hair. Just by his appearance being described we get a negative vibe from him. Is he an evil character or is he just depressed due to the past? The answer to this question can not be determined yet since we do not know much about his character.
Others view him as a self- possessed person, a prisoner, a convict, and traitor. Not someone you want to be associated with. From what is visible to us at this point, he is quite reserved and is not a man of many words. Someone who doesn’t want to attract so much attention to himself, yet he has.
Then he met Miss. Manette and was smitten from the moment he laid eyes on her, just because of her appearance and voice. Miss. Manette had a different view of him, she only saw the good side. She thought he was a gentleman and very open during their conversation. I believe there could be a possible relationship here, which is totally cute in my opinion (anyone come up with a ship name yet?)!
Now let’s take a look at Mr. Cruncher:
Mr. Cruncher is an interesting character (so far). He is described as sickly, red-eyed, spiky haired, and grim when he woke up. However, he is quickly able to change his appearance by putting on nicer attire that makes him look more professional and respectable. Why is this? It’s safe to say that Mr. Cruncher is a mysterious character, just like Monsieur Defarge. Both of these characters might be hiding an internal secret by changing their demeanor when going out in public. Maybe, later on, these secrets will be revealed to us.
Mr. Cruncher is also a character with a short temper. He seems to have issues with his wife the very first time we even see them interact. He throws his muddy shoe at her just because he is angry (issues much?). Mr. Cruncher can get away with this because it is a patriarchal society that he seems takes advantage of and support. Notice how he verbally abuses his wife by yelling and throwing shoes at her, which is physical abuse. Then look at how he treats his son, who is still a child. Mr. Cruncher treats his son better and with more respect.
My group found that Mr. Cruncher is an unreliable character due to the characteristics that he portrays. There is a good chance that he is a miserable character who takes out his misery on his wife. Why he is miserable is a mystery, maybe it is linked to the mystery of how his boots go from clean to dirty overnight. We’ll all just have to read ahead to find out more!
Hey its Kaila, angiemarie202! Ok I just want to start off saying that I totally agree with what you're saying with the possible love connection with Charles Darnay and Miss. Manette. Like I pointed out with my vocab journal/ language lover comment I used the quote "Mr “Mr Darnay had kissed her (Lucie) hand fervently and gratefully, and had turned to Mr Stryer, whom he warmly thanked.” (on my page 118, this interaction alone could be the foreshadowing of a future romantic connection between the two. Another great connection to make is Mr Cartons. He is almost another version of Mr Darnay. Already the two don't have the healthiest relationship. Mr Charton says to himself about Mr Darnay ,"’Change places with him, and would you have been looked at by those blue eyes as he was, and commiserated by the agitated face as he was? Come on, and have it out in plain words! You hate the fellow’” (on my page 124). This hate Mr Cartons has for Mr Darnay could potentially lead to some future conflict and character change shown within Mr Darnay
@Rachel
I think all of your questions are really great, but I would like to make a connection with your second question about the “D” (oh gosh that sounds awkward). Anyway, I saw this trend previously in chapter 5 of the first book; The Wine-shop. On my page 33, in the beginning, there is a paragraph where the “h” in hunger is capitalized. I feel as if Dickens does dis (alliteration!) for similar reasons. You said that it was used to personify it, to make it seem like a name. I felt the same, but I also felt that he makes it seem like the norm and he makes it seem like such a common thing. Look at the context. FRENCH REV. Hunger was so prominent during this era, during and after the rev. Dickens capitalized it to show how much of a “human” thing it is/was, and how everyone was affected by it. Finally, not only was hunger prominent during this era, but so was death. The gov’t was killing enemies of the state, and people turned on each other. Perhaps these two seemingly normal words were capitalized to show how influential they were and how common they were during this time.
That’s my opinion
Hope it made sense
VIVE LA RÉVOLUTION
@ Kess
Ah Kess! Your connections to A Tale of Two Cities are flawless. I’m so glad I’m not the only one that connects sophisticated novels such as this one to potentially, not so sophisticated things. First of all, Les Miserables has to be one of my all time FAVORITE movies and the way you connected Carton to Eponine (my favorite character in Les Mis) really stuck with me. The way Eponine is forever longing to be with Marius and how he never gives her the time of day is so similar to the relationship between Carton and Lucie. I get the sense from Dickens text that Carton has merely given up on Lucie because he knows that she was “never his to lose” (Reference from Les Mis). Oh and don’t even get me started on “On My Own,” It’s just so appropriate for this novel. “Without me his world will go on turning” (Les Mis). This is basically how Carton feels about Lucie and I never thought of their relationship like that. So, really great job with making that connection. Your other connections to both being an honor student, and Disney movies also truly affected me. But, I could go on forever so, needless to say, awesome job! I completely agree with you!
Omg Kess I was just thinking about a Les Mis/ Tale of Two cities connection and then I read your blog! I completely agree that the characters in each echo each other! The comparison that I had was actually between Jean Valjean and Cosette, and Doctor Monnette and Lucie. Both Dr. M and Jean Valjean are men who have served long prison sentences and must try and re-adjust to real life. Both of them heavily rely on the love of, and from their daughter (or foster daughter in Les Mis), and both girls love their fathers dearly. Both girls are also the image of ideal for that time, beautiful, sweet and golden-harked!
Throughout chapters 1-5, I noticed some interesting things about Dickens' diction so far. In our discussion on thursday, one of the aspects that my group talked about was the corruption in French society during this time period. On my page 59, Dickens wrote, "Altogether, the Old Bailey, at that date, was a choice illustration of the precept that 'Whatever is, is right'; an aphorism that would be as final as it is lazy, did it not include the troublesome consequence, that nothing that ever was, was wrong." When Dickens uses the word 'aphorism,' I think it perfectly displays the corruption of the French legal system. The definition of aphorism is: a terse saying embodying a general truth. I think the use of the word assists in showing the true meaning behind the quote, which basically says that the judges don't really make the right decision and they make decision based on their opinion about what is "right."
Another word that I thought was interesting while I was reading was 'asseveration.' The definition of asseveration is: an emphatic assertion, or allegation. The connotation behind 'asseveration' is negative and this word really helped explain the situation around it that was happening in the book. On my page 65, it says, "That head Mr. Attorney-General concluded by demanding of them, in the name of everything he could think of with a round turn in it, and on the faith of his solemn asseveration that he already concluded the prisoner as good as dead and gone." Since this word has a negative connotation, it assists in the meaning of the sentence that the lawyer pretty much thought the prisoner was guilty and there was no way around that.
In addition to 'aphorism' and 'asseveration,' I also found 'reversionary.' The definition of reversionary is: the reversal of something or someone. Given the context, this word most likely has a negative connotation. On page 57, it says, "...young Jerry seating himself on the stool, entered on his revisionary interest...'Al-ways rusty! His fingers is al-ways rusty!...Where does my father get all that iron rust from? He don't get no iron rust here!'" Since young Jerry was pointing out something unusual about Jerry, it is possible to assume that Jerry has a corrupt mystery behind him.
Another addition to the previous words is 'indignation.' The definition of indignation is: strong displeasure at something considered unjust. This word has a negative connotation and it is especially evident in the novel. On page 55, Dickens wrote, "...throwing off other sarcastic sparks from the whirling grindstone of his indignation, Mr. Cruncher betook himself to his boot-cleaning and his general preparation for business." This quote and the word used within it also may add the mystery behind Jerry Cruncher and why he lost touch with religion.
Finally, the last word that I found was 'industrious.' The definition of industrious is: working energetically and devotedly. This word happens to have a positive connotation and it may help you connect to one of the characters. On page 54, it says, "A women of orderly and industrious appearance rose from her knees in the corner, with sufficient haste and trepidation to show she was the one being referred to." Personally, I know that I felt bad for Mrs. Cruncher because she seems like she is a good wife and hard worker who cares for Jerry, yet he treats her and his own mother horribly. Some readers just can't help but think about why Jerry is like the way he is.
KESS your connections were so good. When I read the scene with the Crunchers, I think it's very easy to overlook his wife and her prayers, and instead focus on Jerry's extreme reactions. There hasn't been much about religion throughout this text very far, and I think that that's something I'm definitely going to watch for moving forward in this novel! Context is so important, and knowing about the Enlightenment ideas really helps to get a better grasp on the mindsets of the characters that we may not yet have an insight into yet.
@ Angela
I definitely agree with you on what you stated about Jerry Cruncher. He is miserable and angry and he takes that out on his wife. I think that what he is doing at night results in his muddy boots and rusty finger. Although we don’t know exactly where and why is is leaving at night, we can infer that this could be the thing giving him stress and misery. This can also explain the way he acts at home and why he treats his wife so terribly. I feel that Mr. Cruncher is an interesting character, as you said, and the mystery of him sneaking out at night will be an important part in the future of the book.
Angela-
I completely agree with your point about Charles Darnay. I believe that he may have been an evil sort of person in the past but once he met Lucie I think he completely shifted tracks and sought after his own destiny. Cruncher seems like the kind of person nobody would want to cross up. He has his norms placed upon him by society and if anybody messes them up, it's all over for them.
Kess, I absolutely love your connection to Les Mis! I hadn't even considered that but as soon as i read your connection i saw it right away! You could even connect Fantine to Jerry Cruncher's wife in that both were mistreated by men and due to that are unable to set good examples for their children in that Mrs.Cruncher is unable to have any influence because her child idolizes his father so much that in his eyes Jerry Cruncher can so no wrong. However, Fantine is unable to set a good example for her chid because Cosette's father left them both and the only way for Fantine to provide for her daughter is to not see her. I just hope all the characters don't end up dying in the end like they do in Les Mis.
Critical Connector (Ch. 6-11)
The Incredible Tale of Two Cities
In Chapter Six of Book 2, Charles Darney tells the story of an old prisoner in the Tower of London. The prisoner wrote the word "DIG" on the wall, and buried a note there. Unfortunatley, the letter was burnt to ashes. I compared this prisoner to Gazerbeam from Disney's The Incredibles. Gazerbeam spent his last moments alive carving the word "Kronos" on the walls of a cave. This word was the password into Syndrome's evil plan. Gazerbeam wanted he who found him to know of the password so badly that he positioned himself in a way that brought attention to his message. He spent the last moments of his life to set up his message, as the prisoner did. Though the prisoner's message was never understood, the concept is still the same. My point here being: That on our deathbeds, we will do anything to protect or expose our lives work and secrets.
In Chapter 11 of Book 2, we see the relationship between Mr. Carton and Mr. Stryver. It must be noted that Mr. Stryver is constantly putting Mr. Carton down. He is always giving him orders (ex) making punch), and he acts as though he is a superior to him. Mr. Stryver's tone towards Carton can be seen as rude and demeaning. Here are some examples of his rude tone towards him:
"I have been ashamed of you, Sydney" (139).
"You are a disagreeable fellow." (139).
"You are such a insensible dog" (138).
I connected this relationship to Mr. Incredible and his boss. His boss does demeaning things to him as well. He points his pencils at his to show who is in trouble, and also to show who holds the power. He makes himself sound smarter by asking Mr. Incredible to be more specific in his questions. He treats him like a child when he says things like "Look at me when I'm talking to you," and "Do not change the subject."
Here is the domain to the scene I am referring to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mC_97F2Zn9k
Sadly, Carton doesn't throw Mr. Stryver through various walls, but I feel that my point was well made.
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