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Thursday, May 15, 2014
Blog 2 - A Tale of Six Students - Book II, Chapters 6-11
Erin Murphy Critical Connector Book II Chapters 6-11
Upon reading these chapters I came across a few interesting (and sort of cheesy) connections…. Firstly, In chapter 6 “Hundreds of People” (in my edition it’s about page 86), Doctor Manette and Lucie’s little quiet home in Soho reminds me of one of those old fashioned TV shows from the 50s. Everything here seems sunny, happy, and peachy. Happy places, happy times etc. I assume that when Dickens wrote this Soho was not the bustling center of London that it is today.
My second connection was of course… a reference to Beauty and the Beast. So, in chapter 7, “Monseigneur in the Country” the scene that really stood out to me was between Marquis and the beggar woman. So this poor and desperate woman who is now starving with her children wants a little money to build a tiny tombstone for her recently deceased husband. Just like in the beginning of Beauty and the Beast, “on a cold winters night, an old beggar woman came to the castle and offered him [the selfish prince] a single rose, in return for shelter from the bitter cold.” Now, if I interpreted this corrected I think that this woman talking to Marquis is about to die and is afraid she won’t be buried beside her husband? But anyway, Marquis rides away in his carriage without listening to another word the woman has to say. JUST LIKE Beauty and the Beast the prince “sneered at the gift, and turned the old woman away.” Needless to say, I thought that this scene connected immensely with Beauty and the Beast.
Lastly, in chapter 9 “The Gorgon’s Head,” I made a slight connection to Macbeth. There is a little tension between Charles and Marquis and when Charles leaves for the night I believe Marquis mumbles something along the lines of wishing to see him burned in his bed. WELL, ironically, when the sun rises Marquis was stabbed in the night (another mystery brewing). This reminded me of Macbeth because the first murder of Duncan occurs at night in his bed so I thought that this connected well.
Language Lover: It's not that hard to realize that Dickens is being that positive and cheery about what's been going on in this book. In fact, all through chapters 6-11 of Book II, he seems to be using language that has a pretty negative connotation. Now, I don't see this as all together very bad to be honest, I feel like it helps create a more questionable air around what we're reading which adds to all the mysteries that are going on.
For example, take a look at the word "placidity" (pg. 94 in my copy). Placidity is an adjective, meaning pleasantly calm or peaceful. Normally, we would translate this into a positive, even blissful connotation. However, for some reason I read this as the opposite. Sure it sounds nice, but when used by Miss Pross, it sounded like it would be a chore for her to keep things "smooth" around the Doctor's house because of poor society had gotten.
Now it could just be that I'm reading this completely wrong. But I feel as if Dickens doesn't exactly "choose" the words that he's going to use, but just uses whatever comes to his mind which almost gives us more to think about so that we are able to relate to what he was thinking. If that even makes any sense.
Another interesting word I saw was "incorrigible", and the fact that Sydney Carton used it to describe himself. Uh, criminals should be incorrigible, or incapable of being corrected or reformed. Why was Carton using such a word to describe how he was? It's as if Dickens is trying to hint at what goes on in Carton's mind, and how the man has given up on trying to better himself either because a. he does not think it's possible or b. he just doesn't want to put in the effort. I don't know if this is going too far, but I feel like this really helped me get an inside look into Carton's mind. It's as if he wants to change, except he has come up with the excuse that there is no way he can so he just doesn't bother trying. I feel like we see a lot of that in society today, which may have been common back then too.
I love your connections, especially the one to Beauty and the Beast! You did interpret it correctly, and I'm so glad that you pointed that connection out...I didn't even realize! I think we can also connect Marquis to the rose, too. Roses are so pretty on the outside, like Marquis; he is rich, which is beauty in some people's eyes, yet underneath is where the torn lies. That corresponds with Marquis' wicked personality, since he keeps hurting people (either physically like running over the kid or mentally like the woman you referred to). He is almost like Ms. Strangeworth from "The Possibility of Evil," who was also symbolized by a rose.
Literary Luminary Here are a few passages that I found from Book 2 chapters 6-11:
1. “But the comfort was, that all the company at the grand hotel of Monseigneur were perfectly dressed. If the day of judgement had only been ascertained to be a dress day, everybody there would have been eternally correct. Such frizzling and powdering and sticking up of hair, such delicate complexions artificially preserved and and mended, such gallant swords to look at, and such delicate honor to the sense of smell , would surely keep anything going, for ever and ever. The exquisite gentlemen of the finest breeding wore little pendent trinkets that chinked as they languidly moved; these golden fetters rang like precious little bells; and what with that ringing, and with the rustle of of silk and brocade and fine linen, there was a flutter in the air that fanned Saint Antoine and his devouring hunger far away” (104) (Chapter 7).
Summary: The scene cuts to Paris and the inner sanctum of Monseigneur, a powerful French lord. He drinks some hot chocolate with four richly dressed servants to help him. Monseigneur is surrounded by luxury, by state officials who know nothing of state business but everything about dressing well. Every aristocrat there seems disfigured by the "leprosy of unreality."
Analysis: The hot chocolate exemplifies the nobility's self-indulgent and foolish focus on personal comforts. They are so out of touch with the hard realities of the common people in France that the narrator compares their disconnection to a disease.
2. “ Expressive signs of what made them poor, were not wanting; the tax for the state, the tax for the church, the tax for the lord, tax local and tax general, were to be paid here and to be paid there, according to solemn inscription in the little village, until the wonder was, that there was any village left unswallowed” (110) (Chapter 8).
Summary: Returning through the village he rules and has taxed nearly to death, Marquis Evrémonde stops to question a mender of roads who the Marquis had noticed staring at his passing carriage. The man explains that he saw someone hanging on beneath the carriage who then ran off into the fields. The Marquis drives on, passing a shoddy graveyard. A woman approaches the carriage and petitions the Marquis for help for her husband who has recently died of hunger, like so many others. The Marquis dismissively asks the women if she expects him to be able to restore the dead man to life or to feed everyone? The woman responds that all she wants is a simple grave marker for her husband, so he won't be forgotten. The Marquis drives away.
Analysis: The stowaway represents how the Marquis is bringing his own troubles home to roost. The trouble is spreading from the cities through the country. The Marquis fails to realize that he does have the power to feed the people. But it would require sympathizing with them or even sacrificing some of his prosperity and power. The Marquis's lack of pity contrasts with Lucie's compassion. Unlike the Marquis, she has the power to restore someone to life.
3."Repression is the only lasting philosophy. The dark deference of fear and slavery, my friend," observed the Marquis, "will keep the dogs obedient to the whip, as long as this roof," looking up to it, "shuts out the sky” (119) (chapter 9).
Summary: At his luxurious castle, the Marquis Evrémondewaits for the arrival of his nephew, Charles Evrémonde (a.k.a. Charles Darnay) from London. Charles explains he has been questing for a "sacred object," but that he's run into trouble. The Marquis dismisses him, but complains that the power of the French aristocracy has waned. They used to hold the right of life and death, and ruled by fear and repression.
Analysis: The object of Charles's sacred quest is Lucie. Charles' "trouble" in winning her love is his aristocratic background. Notice also the contrast between Lucie and the aristocracy: she has the power to restore life, while the French nobility rule through the power of taking life away.
4. “He had loved Lucie Manette from the hour of his danger. He had never heard a sound so sweet and dear as the sound of her compassionate voice; he had never seen a face so tenderly beautiful, as hers when it was confronted with his own on the edge of the grave that had been dug for him” (126) (chapter 10).
Summary: A year passes. Charles now makes a passable living in London as a French teacher. Charlesvisits Dr. Manette. During the visit, Charles tells Dr. Manette of his deep love for Lucie. Dr. Manette at first seems frightened by the news, but relaxes when Charles promises that he intends not to separate them, but to share the Manettes' home and bind Lucie closer to her father. Dr. Manette suspects that Stryver and Carton are also interested in Lucie, but promises to vouch for Charles's love for Lucie should Lucie ever ask.
Analysis: Charles has sacrificed his wealth and aristocratic heritage to try to win Lucie's love. Since only Lucie's love keeps Dr. Manette sane, any threat to their bond makes him worry. Charles understands this and promises that his relationship to Lucie won't interfere with Lucie's relationship with Manette.
When reading chapters 6-9 in book II, we are introduced to Mrs. Pross, who we learn has been the primary care-taker of Lucie Manette since she was a little girl. Mrs. Pross is a firm woman, described as being “wild and red.” She seems to be short in temper, and yet completely devoted and loyal to Lucie. Mrs. Pross is very protective of Lucie as well, and undoubtedly devoted. I have found a quote that I think sums up her personality and how others view her: “Mr. Lorry knew Miss. Pross to be very jealous, but he also knew her by this time to be, beneath the surface of her eccentricity, one of those unselfish creatures-found only among women- who will, for pure love and admiration, bind themselves willing slaves, to youth when they have lost it, to beauty that they never had, to accomplishments that they were never fortunate enough to to gain, to bright hopes that never shone upon their own sombre lives” (92). Let me get a little “critical connectory” on you here and say it kinda sounds like the show toddlers and tiaras! I mean, this woman is truly devoted to Lucie, there is no question about that, but perhaps she views it as a way to live vicariously through her. Similarly, in the show, women who perhaps are not altogether satisfied with their own appearance (and I am not judging, I swear!) push a world of glamour (that they perhaps are are lacking...again, not judging) onto their young, “beautiful” daughters. There is no doubt they are devoted, spending thousands of dollars on their little “dolls,” but perhaps, and I’m just playing devil’s advocate here, their reason for devotion is somehow personal, like some kind of confidence booster. Maybe it makes them feel like they have more of an importance to be serving this so called “beautiful” person. And this can go for Mrs. Pross as well. Another character to look at is Charles Darnay, who has of course been mentioned, but I think is expanded in chapter 10. He is now a well established French teacher. He decides to tell Doctor Manette about his love for Lucie. He is re-introduced as a well-to do, well respected man. When Doctor Monett sees him, he says “Charles Darnay! We have been counting on your return these three or four days” (127). I think this shows that he is well liked by Doctor Monett. Although Doctor Monett is first frightened at the thought of Darnay loving his daughter, he seems to come to acceptance which further proves that he is a good young man. He is described as the following: “Very energetic man indeed, with great firmness of purpose, strength of resolution and vigour of action” (126).
Mikayla, I agree with you that Miss Pross is a character to look at. I find the relationship between Miss Pross and Lucie very interesting and concur that Miss Pross is protective of Lucie, almost in a motherly way. I compared Miss Pross to another character in my connections and used the same quote from page 92. It really describes her character, and I like the connection to Toddlers and Tiaras! It relates to their relationship and shows Miss Pross’s devotion and control towards Lucie.
I like your characterization of Darnay. I wrote a similar comment to Briana, but here it goes again: M. Manette is like any other father. He is reluctant to give his little girl away to another man, especially since she's been so close to him. Through Darnay's confession of his love and through his honesty, he wins the heart of Doctor Manette. Making a connection to my own life (I don't know if you care or not), but my dad was having a hard time wooing my mom, so he went and asked her parents; my grand-parents. By being honest to them, he won their heart and eventually married my mom. Will we see this trend with these two lovers? I kinda hope so.
Hey girl. Just returning the comment cause you're absolutely adorable in responding to my post. hehe :D
Wow, I'm a loser. okay moving on.
Cheesiness is amazing, first off.
I definitely agree with the 50;s connection. I've noticed Dickens is kind of biased on his view of England versus France. When he describes London, it's just all pretty and happy and yaaay sunshine and rainbows and unicorns galore. Then Paris is like mean rich people who kill little kids and don't care about a poor woman who just wants to die next to her husband with a tombstone that she can't pay for. There's definitely a huge contrast. Now this could be for a symbolic reason or Dickens just loves England and he's gotta represent his hometown. You know, nationalism and all. 'MURICA, except more like 'GLAND. LOL gland. England. Okay stop Kess.
Beeeeaaauty and theeee Beeeeast. Tale as old as time. Doo doo doo. Hahaha I'm just adding to the cheesiness. Oh my god. You are so totally right with that connection. Seriously! That was great! I'm happy! :D Go rich people who are mean to the poor! No seriously. I shouldn't say that. But you are absolutely right with that connection. Except, I don't really see Marquis as changing like the Beast did because I think he most likely represents the upper class as a whole rather than an individual, but we never know with Dickens.
(hahaha...I just realize Marquis dies. I forgot. So i guess he doesn't change..whoops)
Yes yes yes. I've noticed a huge contrast actually with Macbeth and this book. The whole sleepwalking thing with Doc Manette and then Marquis getting stabbed at night. There's also a light and dark theme going on between this novel. London seems a lot more on the light side and Paris seems to be the dark side. (Star Wars. I'm wearing a Star Wars shirt right now and the dark side..haha god it's too late for me to be writing this). Anyway.
I feel that Mrs. Pross is too possessive of Lucie. This can be seen in her feeling that her brother was the only man worthy of her, even though he actually killed a person. This shows that she only wants to use Lucie, because Lucie is a very attractive woman in this time period and can be a target for many men. Whereas some people see her as protective, I see her as posssive.
Mikayla: Hey girl! Hey Mikayla I like your post! Ok so I believe that Lucie is changing, that she's not that damsel in distress, but a building character. She's being modest towards others but I feel that she's building inside. Her confidence is building with the new love in her life. Also with having two men being in love with her she now has a choice of men to love or pick from. I predict she will become a very confident and strong willed person.
13 comments:
Erin Murphy
Critical Connector Book II Chapters 6-11
Upon reading these chapters I came across a few interesting (and sort of cheesy) connections….
Firstly, In chapter 6 “Hundreds of People” (in my edition it’s about page 86), Doctor Manette and Lucie’s little quiet home in Soho reminds me of one of those old fashioned TV shows from the 50s. Everything here seems sunny, happy, and peachy. Happy places, happy times etc. I assume that when Dickens wrote this Soho was not the bustling center of London that it is today.
My second connection was of course… a reference to Beauty and the Beast. So, in chapter 7, “Monseigneur in the Country” the scene that really stood out to me was between Marquis and the beggar woman. So this poor and desperate woman who is now starving with her children wants a little money to build a tiny tombstone for her recently deceased husband. Just like in the beginning of Beauty and the Beast, “on a cold winters night, an old beggar woman came to the castle and offered him [the selfish prince] a single rose, in return for shelter from the bitter cold.” Now, if I interpreted this corrected I think that this woman talking to Marquis is about to die and is afraid she won’t be buried beside her husband? But anyway, Marquis rides away in his carriage without listening to another word the woman has to say. JUST LIKE Beauty and the Beast the prince “sneered at the gift, and turned the old woman away.” Needless to say, I thought that this scene connected immensely with Beauty and the Beast.
Lastly, in chapter 9 “The Gorgon’s Head,” I made a slight connection to Macbeth. There is a little tension between Charles and Marquis and when Charles leaves for the night I believe Marquis mumbles something along the lines of wishing to see him burned in his bed. WELL, ironically, when the sun rises Marquis was stabbed in the night (another mystery brewing). This reminded me of Macbeth because the first murder of Duncan occurs at night in his bed so I thought that this connected well.
Language Lover:
It's not that hard to realize that Dickens is being that positive and cheery about what's been going on in this book. In fact, all through chapters 6-11 of Book II, he seems to be using language that has a pretty negative connotation. Now, I don't see this as all together very bad to be honest, I feel like it helps create a more questionable air around what we're reading which adds to all the mysteries that are going on.
For example, take a look at the word "placidity" (pg. 94 in my copy). Placidity is an adjective, meaning pleasantly calm or peaceful. Normally, we would translate this into a positive, even blissful connotation. However, for some reason I read this as the opposite. Sure it sounds nice, but when used by Miss Pross, it sounded like it would be a chore for her to keep things "smooth" around the Doctor's house because of poor society had gotten.
Now it could just be that I'm reading this completely wrong. But I feel as if Dickens doesn't exactly "choose" the words that he's going to use, but just uses whatever comes to his mind which almost gives us more to think about so that we are able to relate to what he was thinking. If that even makes any sense.
Another interesting word I saw was "incorrigible", and the fact that Sydney Carton used it to describe himself. Uh, criminals should be incorrigible, or incapable of being corrected or reformed. Why was Carton using such a word to describe how he was? It's as if Dickens is trying to hint at what goes on in Carton's mind, and how the man has given up on trying to better himself either because a. he does not think it's possible or b. he just doesn't want to put in the effort. I don't know if this is going too far, but I feel like this really helped me get an inside look into Carton's mind. It's as if he wants to change, except he has come up with the excuse that there is no way he can so he just doesn't bother trying. I feel like we see a lot of that in society today, which may have been common back then too.
Erin,
I love your connections, especially the one to Beauty and the Beast! You did interpret it correctly, and I'm so glad that you pointed that connection out...I didn't even realize! I think we can also connect Marquis to the rose, too. Roses are so pretty on the outside, like Marquis; he is rich, which is beauty in some people's eyes, yet underneath is where the torn lies. That corresponds with Marquis' wicked personality, since he keeps hurting people (either physically like running over the kid or mentally like the woman you referred to). He is almost like Ms. Strangeworth from "The Possibility of Evil," who was also symbolized by a rose.
Literary Luminary
Here are a few passages that I found from Book 2 chapters 6-11:
1. “But the comfort was, that all the company at the grand hotel of Monseigneur were perfectly dressed. If the day of judgement had only been ascertained to be a dress day, everybody there would have been eternally correct. Such frizzling and powdering and sticking up of hair, such delicate complexions artificially preserved and and mended, such gallant swords to look at, and such delicate honor to the sense of smell , would surely keep anything going, for ever and ever. The exquisite gentlemen of the finest breeding wore little pendent trinkets that chinked as they languidly moved; these golden fetters rang like precious little bells; and what with that ringing, and with the rustle of of silk and brocade and fine linen, there was a flutter in the air that fanned Saint Antoine and his devouring hunger far away” (104) (Chapter 7).
Summary: The scene cuts to Paris and the inner sanctum of Monseigneur, a powerful French lord. He drinks some hot chocolate with four richly dressed servants to help him. Monseigneur is surrounded by luxury, by state officials who know nothing of state business but everything about dressing well. Every aristocrat there seems disfigured by the "leprosy of unreality."
Analysis: The hot chocolate exemplifies the nobility's self-indulgent and foolish focus on personal comforts. They are so out of touch with the hard realities of the common people in France that the narrator compares their disconnection to a disease.
2. “ Expressive signs of what made them poor, were not wanting; the tax for the state, the tax for the church, the tax for the lord, tax local and tax general, were to be paid here and to be paid there, according to solemn inscription in the little village, until the wonder was, that there was any village left unswallowed” (110) (Chapter 8).
Summary: Returning through the village he rules and has taxed nearly to death, Marquis Evrémonde stops to question a mender of roads who the Marquis had noticed staring at his passing carriage. The man explains that he saw someone hanging on beneath the carriage who then ran off into the fields. The Marquis drives on, passing a shoddy graveyard. A woman approaches the carriage and petitions the Marquis for help for her husband who has recently died of hunger, like so many others. The Marquis dismissively asks the women if she expects him to be able to restore the dead man to life or to feed everyone? The woman responds that all she wants is a simple grave marker for her husband, so he won't be forgotten. The Marquis drives away.
Analysis: The stowaway represents how the Marquis is bringing his own troubles home to roost. The trouble is spreading from the cities through the country. The Marquis fails to realize that he does have the power to feed the people. But it would require sympathizing with them or even sacrificing some of his prosperity and power. The Marquis's lack of pity contrasts with Lucie's compassion. Unlike the Marquis, she has the power to restore someone to life.
3."Repression is the only lasting philosophy. The dark deference of fear and slavery, my friend," observed the Marquis, "will keep the dogs obedient to the whip, as long as this roof," looking up to it, "shuts out the sky” (119) (chapter 9).
Summary: At his luxurious castle, the Marquis Evrémondewaits for the arrival of his nephew, Charles Evrémonde (a.k.a. Charles Darnay) from London. Charles explains he has been questing for a "sacred object," but that he's run into trouble. The Marquis dismisses him, but complains that the power of the French aristocracy has waned. They used to hold the right of life and death, and ruled by fear and repression.
Analysis: The object of Charles's sacred quest is Lucie. Charles' "trouble" in winning her love is his aristocratic background. Notice also the contrast between Lucie and the aristocracy: she has the power to restore life, while the French nobility rule through the power of taking life away.
4. “He had loved Lucie Manette from the hour of his danger. He had never heard a sound so sweet and dear as the sound of her compassionate voice; he had never seen a face so tenderly beautiful, as hers when it was confronted with his own on the edge of the grave that had been dug for him” (126) (chapter 10).
Summary: A year passes. Charles now makes a passable living in London as a French teacher. Charlesvisits Dr. Manette. During the visit, Charles tells Dr. Manette of his deep love for Lucie. Dr. Manette at first seems frightened by the news, but relaxes when Charles promises that he intends not to separate them, but to share the Manettes' home and bind Lucie closer to her father. Dr. Manette suspects that Stryver and Carton are also interested in Lucie, but promises to vouch for Charles's love for Lucie should Lucie ever ask.
Analysis: Charles has sacrificed his wealth and aristocratic heritage to try to win Lucie's love. Since only Lucie's love keeps Dr. Manette sane, any threat to their bond makes him worry. Charles understands this and promises that his relationship to Lucie won't interfere with Lucie's relationship with Manette.
Mikayla Goria
Character Captain
When reading chapters 6-9 in book II, we are introduced to Mrs. Pross, who we learn has been the primary care-taker of Lucie Manette since she was a little girl. Mrs. Pross is a firm woman, described as being “wild and red.” She seems to be short in temper, and yet completely devoted and loyal to Lucie. Mrs. Pross is very protective of Lucie as well, and undoubtedly devoted. I have found a quote that I think sums up her personality and how others view her:
“Mr. Lorry knew Miss. Pross to be very jealous, but he also knew her by this time to be, beneath the surface of her eccentricity, one of those unselfish creatures-found only among women- who will, for pure love and admiration, bind themselves willing slaves, to youth when they have lost it, to beauty that they never had, to accomplishments that they were never fortunate enough to to gain, to bright hopes that never shone upon their own sombre lives” (92).
Let me get a little “critical connectory” on you here and say it kinda sounds like the show toddlers and tiaras! I mean, this woman is truly devoted to Lucie, there is no question about that, but perhaps she views it as a way to live vicariously through her. Similarly, in the show, women who perhaps are not altogether satisfied with their own appearance (and I am not judging, I swear!) push a world of glamour (that they perhaps are are lacking...again, not judging) onto their young, “beautiful” daughters. There is no doubt they are devoted, spending thousands of dollars on their little “dolls,” but perhaps, and I’m just playing devil’s advocate here, their reason for devotion is somehow personal, like some kind of confidence booster. Maybe it makes them feel like they have more of an importance to be serving this so called “beautiful” person. And this can go for Mrs. Pross as well.
Another character to look at is Charles Darnay, who has of course been mentioned, but I think is expanded in chapter 10. He is now a well established French teacher. He decides to tell Doctor Manette about his love for Lucie. He is re-introduced as a well-to do, well respected man. When Doctor Monett sees him, he says “Charles Darnay! We have been counting on your return these three or four days” (127). I think this shows that he is well liked by Doctor Monett. Although Doctor Monett is first frightened at the thought of Darnay loving his daughter, he seems to come to acceptance which further proves that he is a good young man. He is described as the following: “Very energetic man indeed, with great firmness of purpose, strength of resolution and vigour of action” (126).
Mikayla, I agree with you that Miss Pross is a character to look at. I find the relationship between Miss Pross and Lucie very interesting and concur that Miss Pross is protective of Lucie, almost in a motherly way. I compared Miss Pross to another character in my connections and used the same quote from page 92. It really describes her character, and I like the connection to Toddlers and Tiaras! It relates to their relationship and shows Miss Pross’s devotion and control towards Lucie.
@Mikayla
I like your characterization of Darnay. I wrote a similar comment to Briana, but here it goes again: M. Manette is like any other father. He is reluctant to give his little girl away to another man, especially since she's been so close to him. Through Darnay's confession of his love and through his honesty, he wins the heart of Doctor Manette. Making a connection to my own life (I don't know if you care or not), but my dad was having a hard time wooing my mom, so he went and asked her parents; my grand-parents. By being honest to them, he won their heart and eventually married my mom. Will we see this trend with these two lovers? I kinda hope so.
Peace
Errrrrrrrrin.
Hey girl. Just returning the comment cause you're absolutely adorable in responding to my post. hehe :D
Wow, I'm a loser. okay moving on.
Cheesiness is amazing, first off.
I definitely agree with the 50;s connection. I've noticed Dickens is kind of biased on his view of England versus France. When he describes London, it's just all pretty and happy and yaaay sunshine and rainbows and unicorns galore. Then Paris is like mean rich people who kill little kids and don't care about a poor woman who just wants to die next to her husband with a tombstone that she can't pay for. There's definitely a huge contrast. Now this could be for a symbolic reason or Dickens just loves England and he's gotta represent his hometown. You know, nationalism and all. 'MURICA, except more like 'GLAND. LOL gland. England. Okay stop Kess.
Beeeeaaauty and theeee Beeeeast. Tale as old as time. Doo doo doo. Hahaha I'm just adding to the cheesiness. Oh my god. You are so totally right with that connection. Seriously! That was great! I'm happy! :D Go rich people who are mean to the poor! No seriously. I shouldn't say that. But you are absolutely right with that connection. Except, I don't really see Marquis as changing like the Beast did because I think he most likely represents the upper class as a whole rather than an individual, but we never know with Dickens.
(hahaha...I just realize Marquis dies. I forgot. So i guess he doesn't change..whoops)
Yes yes yes. I've noticed a huge contrast actually with Macbeth and this book. The whole sleepwalking thing with Doc Manette and then Marquis getting stabbed at night. There's also a light and dark theme going on between this novel. London seems a lot more on the light side and Paris seems to be the dark side. (Star Wars. I'm wearing a Star Wars shirt right now and the dark side..haha god it's too late for me to be writing this). Anyway.
You're awesome. Okay bye.
@Mikayla
I feel that Mrs. Pross is too possessive of Lucie. This can be seen in her feeling that her brother was the only man worthy of her, even though he actually killed a person. This shows that she only wants to use Lucie, because Lucie is a very attractive woman in this time period and can be a target for many men. Whereas some people see her as protective, I see her as posssive.
Mikayla:
Hey girl!
Hey Mikayla I like your post! Ok so I believe that Lucie is changing, that she's not that damsel in distress, but a building character. She's being modest towards others but I feel that she's building inside. Her confidence is building with the new love in her life. Also with having two men being in love with her she now has a choice of men to love or pick from. I predict she will become a very confident and strong willed person.
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