There has been a change in many characters, a show of strength and weakness. I was glad to read about Mr. Cruncher’s change and how he said that he’d no longer grave-rob or stop his wife from praying. Though he doesn’t seem like he’s the best with words, he explained to Miss Pross how he wished his wife was praying at that time. (I was also glad that he and Miss Pross made it out alright, besides her hearing.)
When I first read the chapter title “The Knitting Done,” I figured (and secretly hoped) that it meant that Madame Defarge would die, hence, her knitting would be no more. She was becoming so cruel that I think she would probably denounce her husband next after Darnay’s family. When the chapter started talking about Miss Pross and Mr. Cruncher, I also figured that Miss Pross would be the one matched up to take down of the woman who was fit to be “the wife of Lucifer,” as Pross put it. Actually, earlier in the novel, when Miss Pross confronted Madame Defarge I figured she was bound to get in a fight with Defarge then and there.
I looked up the meaning of Madame Defarge’s first name, Therese, which means “one who reaps.” I’m surprised I didn’t look it up before, because it kind of suits her as she gathers people together to harvest heads basically.
The seamstress talks with Carton before they are to be killed, she says, “But for you, dear stranger, I should not be so composed…nor should I have been able to raise my thoughts to Him who was put to death, that we might have hope and comfort here to-day. I think you were sent to me by Heaven.” This again reflects Christ’s sacrifice for mankind and how Carton is doing the same.
Some part of my mind knew that Carton and the seamstress would kiss after the way Dickens described their body language—though their kiss may not be meant in a romantic sort of way. Perhaps it was symbolic for sealing their fate or something? I’m not really sure because I wasn’t thinking about that sort of symbolism at the time.
Carton was more at peace when he died than when he lived, and his legacy shall live on, while the oppressors will die by the monster (the guillotine) which they so love to watch as it kills others. Lucie will have a child named after Sydney, and he will grow up and have a child and will show his child of the place where Carton died and what he did for the Darnay family. The Doctor will be revived, Lucie and Charles will have a greater respect in their hearts for Carton than for each other, and Mr. Lorry will live for ten more years and die peacefully, going to receive his reward (or go to heaven)….at least this is what the people believed was in Carton’s mind.
Carton’s life had more meaning as he stepped up to the guillotine than any other time. That same verse that he was repeating before, he repeated again and was killed. Carton was a round character. He started as a drunken man who hated himself and took in the harsh words from Stryver to heart. But as the story progressed, we could see the more sincere side of him, the less apathetic side, and towards the end, we saw him gain a sense of strength, pride, and love. Sydney died a man with the hope of Heaven. It’s not how you start the race, it’s how you finish, and “It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to than I have ever known.”
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Saturday, December 6, 2008
A Tale of Two Cities: pg. 297-335
I. WANT. THIS. BOOK.
The way Dickens writes is so real to me and I can envision the story within my head (much like a movie or much like I was there myself). I can almost hear the roar of the people and see the horror that must be patent on the Doctor’s face as Darnay is convicted.
In the beginning of this section, I found it interesting how everything ties together in this book. The Doctor had even seen Charles as a little child when he was with his mother. I wonder, though, if there was any significance to the sister of the seventeen year old who was killed. I’m not sure if there is, but maybe we’ll find out because it mentioned her more than once. [One quick hunch: maybe it's Madame Defarge, because the peasant boy said that he sent his sister far away and wasn't Madame from some far shores or something? Didn't it talk of her walking on the beach?]
I’d also like to mention the swords of the peasant boy and the Marquis brother. Dickens states in the Doctor's letter that "'My glance had fallen but a few moments before, on the fragments of a broken sword, lying among the hay. That weapon was a gentleman's. In another place, lay an old sword that seemed to have been a soldier's.'" The unbroken sword must have belonged to the peasant boy because he was still human and strong-willed to the end. The singular time I can remember the elder Marquis brother as being slightly human was when he looked curiously at the strength "in these common bodies," wherein, the Doctor's reply began the Marquis's suspicion of him and sealed his fate as being captured and taken to the Bastille. [But why did the Marquis brothers get Manette in the first place if they didn't care about the brother and sister?]
Madame Defarge is becoming more and more cruel as she loses her humanity in her thirst for blood and revenge. She has become blind to the reason they started this Revolution, which seemed to be to stop the heartless treatment of the people, because now she is the bestial one who is causing most of this maliciousness. In a way, I’m almost eager to see how she reacts when she has a hard time finding the dear Doctor’s family. At least her husband still seems to have a conscience, as we find that he doesn't want to go on with the violence towards the Evremonde's family. I suppose the reason for his not wanting to harm the Doctor was because he was once a servant in his household. What I want to know, is how he became the one to make Manette make shoes, because didn't the book say something about that somewhere?
Well, the book isn’t quite finished yet, but Carton gets my vote for best character. I absolutely love Carton. The scene that enticed me the most (one of many) was when Carton was being prepared to face the Guillotine and encountered that girl with the “patient” eyes. The language and the description of their movements was touching. The part I most remember is probably those few paragraphs where Dickens wrote:
"As the patient eyes were lifted to his face, he saw a sudden doubt in them, and then astonishment. He pressed the work-worn, hunger-worn young fingers, and touched his lips.
'Are you dying for him?' she whispered.
'And his wife and child. Hush! Yes.'
'O you will let me hold your brave hand, stranger?'
'Hush! Yes, my poor sister; to the last.'"
I was reminded of how Carton is a Christ figure when she asked, "You are dying for him?" as he prepares to lay down his life for Darnay and his family. I just want to give props to A-jac for remembering that Darnay and Carton look similar way back from the trial and for predicting how Carton would save Darnay. I figured some sort of switch would occur, but I'd forgotten how similar they looked (which Dickens reminds us of when Carton is in the wine shop and Madame Defarge takes second glances at him). But, yes, A-jac got it to a T.
One thing that I’m sure Darnay will look back upon in guilt is that he “never once thought of Carton.” He couldn’t remember this brave man who took his place in death. This also somewhat reflects how Sydney is a Christ figure (in a sense) because we don’t always remember Jesus and how He willingly gave His life for ours. Humans can sometimes feel a similar guilt when they realize all He’s done and how little we seem to look back and remember. (Although, Darnay didn’t realize that Carton was going to do such a thing, I would still feel guilty later about not even thinking of a person who cared enough for me and my family to die in my place.)
I guess the question got answered about the chemicals Carton purchased because he used their fumes to knock out Darnay. (I could almost hear that certain movie music as Carton restrained Darnay and made the switch, as Dickens writes so visually.) But one of the most saddening parts was when Darnay was beginning to come to again in the carriage and was speaking Carton’s name, still asking him what was in his hand, while Carton was probably already dead in his place.
Well, now that this is getting extremely long, I just have one more question: What about Miss Pross and Mr. Cruncher? When it mentioned the carriage leaving Parris, the book didn’t state them as being in there. What has become of them? Has Miss Pross stayed behind for her brother? Maybe the next few chapters will clear this up…
The way Dickens writes is so real to me and I can envision the story within my head (much like a movie or much like I was there myself). I can almost hear the roar of the people and see the horror that must be patent on the Doctor’s face as Darnay is convicted.
In the beginning of this section, I found it interesting how everything ties together in this book. The Doctor had even seen Charles as a little child when he was with his mother. I wonder, though, if there was any significance to the sister of the seventeen year old who was killed. I’m not sure if there is, but maybe we’ll find out because it mentioned her more than once. [One quick hunch: maybe it's Madame Defarge, because the peasant boy said that he sent his sister far away and wasn't Madame from some far shores or something? Didn't it talk of her walking on the beach?]
I’d also like to mention the swords of the peasant boy and the Marquis brother. Dickens states in the Doctor's letter that "'My glance had fallen but a few moments before, on the fragments of a broken sword, lying among the hay. That weapon was a gentleman's. In another place, lay an old sword that seemed to have been a soldier's.'" The unbroken sword must have belonged to the peasant boy because he was still human and strong-willed to the end. The singular time I can remember the elder Marquis brother as being slightly human was when he looked curiously at the strength "in these common bodies," wherein, the Doctor's reply began the Marquis's suspicion of him and sealed his fate as being captured and taken to the Bastille. [But why did the Marquis brothers get Manette in the first place if they didn't care about the brother and sister?]
Madame Defarge is becoming more and more cruel as she loses her humanity in her thirst for blood and revenge. She has become blind to the reason they started this Revolution, which seemed to be to stop the heartless treatment of the people, because now she is the bestial one who is causing most of this maliciousness. In a way, I’m almost eager to see how she reacts when she has a hard time finding the dear Doctor’s family. At least her husband still seems to have a conscience, as we find that he doesn't want to go on with the violence towards the Evremonde's family. I suppose the reason for his not wanting to harm the Doctor was because he was once a servant in his household. What I want to know, is how he became the one to make Manette make shoes, because didn't the book say something about that somewhere?
Well, the book isn’t quite finished yet, but Carton gets my vote for best character. I absolutely love Carton. The scene that enticed me the most (one of many) was when Carton was being prepared to face the Guillotine and encountered that girl with the “patient” eyes. The language and the description of their movements was touching. The part I most remember is probably those few paragraphs where Dickens wrote:
"As the patient eyes were lifted to his face, he saw a sudden doubt in them, and then astonishment. He pressed the work-worn, hunger-worn young fingers, and touched his lips.
'Are you dying for him?' she whispered.
'And his wife and child. Hush! Yes.'
'O you will let me hold your brave hand, stranger?'
'Hush! Yes, my poor sister; to the last.'"
I was reminded of how Carton is a Christ figure when she asked, "You are dying for him?" as he prepares to lay down his life for Darnay and his family. I just want to give props to A-jac for remembering that Darnay and Carton look similar way back from the trial and for predicting how Carton would save Darnay. I figured some sort of switch would occur, but I'd forgotten how similar they looked (which Dickens reminds us of when Carton is in the wine shop and Madame Defarge takes second glances at him). But, yes, A-jac got it to a T.
One thing that I’m sure Darnay will look back upon in guilt is that he “never once thought of Carton.” He couldn’t remember this brave man who took his place in death. This also somewhat reflects how Sydney is a Christ figure (in a sense) because we don’t always remember Jesus and how He willingly gave His life for ours. Humans can sometimes feel a similar guilt when they realize all He’s done and how little we seem to look back and remember. (Although, Darnay didn’t realize that Carton was going to do such a thing, I would still feel guilty later about not even thinking of a person who cared enough for me and my family to die in my place.)
I guess the question got answered about the chemicals Carton purchased because he used their fumes to knock out Darnay. (I could almost hear that certain movie music as Carton restrained Darnay and made the switch, as Dickens writes so visually.) But one of the most saddening parts was when Darnay was beginning to come to again in the carriage and was speaking Carton’s name, still asking him what was in his hand, while Carton was probably already dead in his place.
Well, now that this is getting extremely long, I just have one more question: What about Miss Pross and Mr. Cruncher? When it mentioned the carriage leaving Parris, the book didn’t state them as being in there. What has become of them? Has Miss Pross stayed behind for her brother? Maybe the next few chapters will clear this up…
Thursday, December 4, 2008
A Tale of Two Cities: pg. 246-297
I am beginning to love Sydney Carton and I believe that A-Jac could possibly be right about how he saves Darnay. I was thinking that he might take his place somehow before this, but I forgot how he somewhat resembles Darnay (although, I believe that in the court hearing, they were talking about it being dark). I'm sure that Carton is going to take Darnay's place and die for him, but I'm not sure how yet. Perhaps he will claim to be the real Marquis and that Darnay was covering for him? Just a wild and out there guess, but I'm sure we'll find out soon enough.
Carton seemed to be contemplating his death the night before Darnay's second hearing as he looked at the sky and thought of that Bible verse. I think that he had some comfort in remembering it as he looked at the quiet scenery and the, shall I say "confident", waters. I found it somewhat interesting how the night was thought of as tranquil and peaceful, while the day seemed to fade that peace away as the stars and moon disappeared, because most times in literature, the night is ominous while the day brings a new light. I thought that the light gave Carton a sort of strength, though, and he seemed stronger that morning as the light shone on him, he drank only coffee (and not alcohol), and he was reassured by Lucie's loving expression towards her husband.
I had forgotten about that piece of paper from the Doctor's old cell. I'm anxious to know what it reads, but I'm worried about the position it shall put Darnay in because the people will most likely side against him now, as they are so easily swayed (especially by Mannette's words).
Some parts of this story are beginning to echo 1984 (as a lot of subjects seem to do now that that book has been carved into my brain). People are beginning to be loyal to the Republic and "denounce" each other to it, similar to the Party members in 1984 which would denounce their friends, wives, husbands, fathers, mothers, and whoever they should be siding with to the Thought Police. The people of France seem to be brainwashed and crazed by this Revolution. Before, they cared about the loyalty to each other that they must have and the anarchy against the government, but now, they don't seem so loyal to their peers, but to the Republic, which seems to me like a form of government as they willingly chop of the peoples' heads.
By the way, I was with Carton when the book said that he had to turn away so he didn't strike down the wood-sawyer as he applauded the Guillotine. I'm anxious to see what happens next with Carton. Even though he's not really the main character of the story, as it seems because he's not mentioned as much as others, he's my favorite so far.
Carton seemed to be contemplating his death the night before Darnay's second hearing as he looked at the sky and thought of that Bible verse. I think that he had some comfort in remembering it as he looked at the quiet scenery and the, shall I say "confident", waters. I found it somewhat interesting how the night was thought of as tranquil and peaceful, while the day seemed to fade that peace away as the stars and moon disappeared, because most times in literature, the night is ominous while the day brings a new light. I thought that the light gave Carton a sort of strength, though, and he seemed stronger that morning as the light shone on him, he drank only coffee (and not alcohol), and he was reassured by Lucie's loving expression towards her husband.
I had forgotten about that piece of paper from the Doctor's old cell. I'm anxious to know what it reads, but I'm worried about the position it shall put Darnay in because the people will most likely side against him now, as they are so easily swayed (especially by Mannette's words).
Some parts of this story are beginning to echo 1984 (as a lot of subjects seem to do now that that book has been carved into my brain). People are beginning to be loyal to the Republic and "denounce" each other to it, similar to the Party members in 1984 which would denounce their friends, wives, husbands, fathers, mothers, and whoever they should be siding with to the Thought Police. The people of France seem to be brainwashed and crazed by this Revolution. Before, they cared about the loyalty to each other that they must have and the anarchy against the government, but now, they don't seem so loyal to their peers, but to the Republic, which seems to me like a form of government as they willingly chop of the peoples' heads.
By the way, I was with Carton when the book said that he had to turn away so he didn't strike down the wood-sawyer as he applauded the Guillotine. I'm anxious to see what happens next with Carton. Even though he's not really the main character of the story, as it seems because he's not mentioned as much as others, he's my favorite so far.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
A Tale of Two Cities: pg. 204-246
The people are becoming more bestial than those who oppressed them. While the oppressors were appathetic, these people crave blood and revenge. When I first heard that Charles was going to go to France, I had a feeling that something was bound to go wrong. What was the deal with the people who escorted him? Were they working for the rebels like Defarge because they delivered Darnay to a prison or were they working to get some extra coin from him?
It was kind of interesting that Defarge at first seemed concerned that Darnay left his wife to come into danger, but then said that he wouldn't help him. Is it really more honorable to be loyal to your country and liberty than to be loyal to what is right?
I was somewhat relieved to hear that Lucie and her father came into the picture during the last section because all didn't seem hopeless for Darnay. The people were like savages though. I pictured seeing them like tribal canibals, viciously grinding the stone to sharpen their weapons and then charging back to slay another prisoner. It's like their hunger has caused their insanity as they thirst for blood and revenge. Chills went down my spine when Lorry said, "they are...murdering the prisoners."
It's interesting how quickly the minds of the people changed when Mannette went out to them (which is a good thing, but still, they are easily persuaded by their loyalties). I hope that Mannette and the men get to Darnay on time. I want to read on to see if he makes it and to see what the Doctor left in his cell that Defarge found. I also want to see how Sydney Carton comes in to lay down his life for Darnay or another of Lucie's loved ones.
It was kind of interesting that Defarge at first seemed concerned that Darnay left his wife to come into danger, but then said that he wouldn't help him. Is it really more honorable to be loyal to your country and liberty than to be loyal to what is right?
I was somewhat relieved to hear that Lucie and her father came into the picture during the last section because all didn't seem hopeless for Darnay. The people were like savages though. I pictured seeing them like tribal canibals, viciously grinding the stone to sharpen their weapons and then charging back to slay another prisoner. It's like their hunger has caused their insanity as they thirst for blood and revenge. Chills went down my spine when Lorry said, "they are...murdering the prisoners."
It's interesting how quickly the minds of the people changed when Mannette went out to them (which is a good thing, but still, they are easily persuaded by their loyalties). I hope that Mannette and the men get to Darnay on time. I want to read on to see if he makes it and to see what the Doctor left in his cell that Defarge found. I also want to see how Sydney Carton comes in to lay down his life for Darnay or another of Lucie's loved ones.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
A Tale of Two Cities: pg. 161-204
In the first section of our reading, Madame Defarge seems to be making shrouds with all of the knitting that she does, which foreshadows later events concerning the revolution because a shroud covers a corpse. I was somewhat worried when the Defarges were talking about Lucie's marriage to Darnay and how Charles's destiny "will lead him to the end that is to end him." Because Darnay is associated with the Marquis, he is to be killed; I really don't want this fate to befall him....
After Mannette has his relapse, he is speaking with Mr. Lorry, who refers to the Doctor in third person. This I found interesting because people still seem to do that today. When Mannette believes that he won't go into a relapse again and that the worst shock is over (figuring out Darnay's true identity the morning of the wedding), but I believe he is wrong and that the revolutionists will come after Darnay and his family....but Carton will save them.
I felt that Lucie hearing the echos became more forshadowing for the Revolution. She feels that something is closing in on her and she will die young (which, hopefully, she will be saved....sadly, perhaps at the cost of dear Mr. Carton's life...). I love how Lucie's children were fond of Carton because they can see his inner self, as children sometimes do.
The brutality of the beginning of the Revolution was gruesome...even though the people had been treated horribly by those people in higher authority. Madame Defarge always seems so composed and calm. Is there nothing that can break her? Nothing that can make her falter? She seemed to behead the governor with ease. What can possibly be going through the prisoners' heads at this point? They must be somewhat frightened (I think Dickens may have mentioned that), especially after seeing the seven heads hoisted up on sticks. Is this a symbol perhaps?
What is Defarge looking for in Mannette's cell? It was mentioned earlier in the story, but I don't think it told of the true identity of the object. What is the importance of this thing? Mannette wrote "DIG" on the wall, so he must've wanted someone to find it, so is it good that Defarge didn't? I'm interested to find out what that object was and what will become of the Doctor, his family/friends, and Carton....
After Mannette has his relapse, he is speaking with Mr. Lorry, who refers to the Doctor in third person. This I found interesting because people still seem to do that today. When Mannette believes that he won't go into a relapse again and that the worst shock is over (figuring out Darnay's true identity the morning of the wedding), but I believe he is wrong and that the revolutionists will come after Darnay and his family....but Carton will save them.
I felt that Lucie hearing the echos became more forshadowing for the Revolution. She feels that something is closing in on her and she will die young (which, hopefully, she will be saved....sadly, perhaps at the cost of dear Mr. Carton's life...). I love how Lucie's children were fond of Carton because they can see his inner self, as children sometimes do.
The brutality of the beginning of the Revolution was gruesome...even though the people had been treated horribly by those people in higher authority. Madame Defarge always seems so composed and calm. Is there nothing that can break her? Nothing that can make her falter? She seemed to behead the governor with ease. What can possibly be going through the prisoners' heads at this point? They must be somewhat frightened (I think Dickens may have mentioned that), especially after seeing the seven heads hoisted up on sticks. Is this a symbol perhaps?
What is Defarge looking for in Mannette's cell? It was mentioned earlier in the story, but I don't think it told of the true identity of the object. What is the importance of this thing? Mannette wrote "DIG" on the wall, so he must've wanted someone to find it, so is it good that Defarge didn't? I'm interested to find out what that object was and what will become of the Doctor, his family/friends, and Carton....
Thursday, November 13, 2008
A Tale of Two Cities: pg 118-161
Out of the men that expressed their love for Miss Manette, I would have to say that Darnay may be the best one for her as he seems to be a kind and respectful gentleman. Carton was brave in coming to her and confessing his love, and I did feel some pity for him, but she shouldn't marry him in pity. Stryver, on the other hand, reminded me of Gaston from Beauty and the Beast because of his boastfulness and bulkiness--whether he was bulky from fat or muscle, I didn't totally understand. He thought any woman would think of him as a prize and that it would be a joy to Lucie for him to propose, which really reminded me of the part of Disney's Beauty and the Beast where Gaston goes to propose to Belle and already has the town outside and prepared for a wedding--which makes it more comical in both instances when the boastful men get turned down. I was about to applaud Mr. Lorry.
In the chapter titled "The Honest Tradesman"--which is very ironic--Young Jerry finally figures out that his "honorable" father, Mr. Cruncher, is not quite the honest tradesman he pretends to be. I believe that the casket, or his fear, seemingly following him and wanting to consume him after Young Jerry sees what his father is doing somewhat symbolizes how that image will never leave him. Having never seen anything in the like of what his father was doing, the image haunted his memory and I believe it made him lose even more of his innocence than what was already taken away by following Mr. Cruncher before.
At first, I was surprised that Young Jerry didn't help his mother when Jerry was beating her against the headboard of the bed, thinking that the son of this abuser would change after seeing that his father was more of an enemy than his mother was; but when the next day came and Young Jerry wanted still to be like his dear old dad, I figured that there may be no hope for his changing and Young Jerry seems doomed to be a clone of Mr. Cruncher.
I feel for Mrs. Cruncher. Perhaps women weren't so independent as they are today, or perhaps she feels weaker than her husband and child, but she's becoming a captive in her own household. At least she can probably pray when Young and old Jerry go to Tellson's, but it would be difficult, I believe, to be hindered by your own husband and son from doing something so important. What I want to see happen, though it's unlikely that it will, is Mrs. Cruncher standing up for herself and fighting back when he tries to abuse her. She doesn't deserve to be treated that way.
I didn't totally understand the part about all of the men named "Jaques." Most of what I gathered was that the mender of roads is joining them and he just put out a spectacle--he was acting right?-- of crying and rejoicing for royalty...something that may come into play later in the story it seems.
In the chapter titled "The Honest Tradesman"--which is very ironic--Young Jerry finally figures out that his "honorable" father, Mr. Cruncher, is not quite the honest tradesman he pretends to be. I believe that the casket, or his fear, seemingly following him and wanting to consume him after Young Jerry sees what his father is doing somewhat symbolizes how that image will never leave him. Having never seen anything in the like of what his father was doing, the image haunted his memory and I believe it made him lose even more of his innocence than what was already taken away by following Mr. Cruncher before.
At first, I was surprised that Young Jerry didn't help his mother when Jerry was beating her against the headboard of the bed, thinking that the son of this abuser would change after seeing that his father was more of an enemy than his mother was; but when the next day came and Young Jerry wanted still to be like his dear old dad, I figured that there may be no hope for his changing and Young Jerry seems doomed to be a clone of Mr. Cruncher.
I feel for Mrs. Cruncher. Perhaps women weren't so independent as they are today, or perhaps she feels weaker than her husband and child, but she's becoming a captive in her own household. At least she can probably pray when Young and old Jerry go to Tellson's, but it would be difficult, I believe, to be hindered by your own husband and son from doing something so important. What I want to see happen, though it's unlikely that it will, is Mrs. Cruncher standing up for herself and fighting back when he tries to abuse her. She doesn't deserve to be treated that way.
I didn't totally understand the part about all of the men named "Jaques." Most of what I gathered was that the mender of roads is joining them and he just put out a spectacle--he was acting right?-- of crying and rejoicing for royalty...something that may come into play later in the story it seems.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
A Tale of Two Cities: pg. 82-118
Dickens begins these chapters somewhat describing the setting. For example, when Mr. Lorey is on his way to Dr. Manette's house, the scenery is of a beutiful Sunday that is quiet. Dickens states "A quainter corner than the corner where the Doctor lived, was not to be found in London." The quietness of the surroundings gives the passage somewhat of a tone of peace and serenity--like walking through a park on a bright, sunny, Spring day.
Another example of setting description occurs when Mr. Lorey enters the house and sees Lucie's decorations of the house. The rooms have simple accessories of no value, but they are inviting and interesting, which somewhat makes the rooms seem like a personification of Lucie. Everything is arranged carefully and delicately and are pleasant, which is somewhat of the effect Lucie has on others (like in the courtroom when most thought of her as beautiful). Dickens states that "the very chairs and tables seemed to ask [Mr. Lorey], with something of that peculiar expression which he knew so well by this time, whether he approved?" Almost directly pointing to the Doctor's daughter, the "expression" of the rooms reminds readers of the way Dickens repeatedly stated Lucie's peculiar expression of her forehead.
The story Darnay tells about the letters and words carved on the cell wall gives another instance of setting that evokes some questions. Most of the words were "dates, names, complaints, and prayers," but it may have been somewhat interesting to read some of them. But more importantly, the letters "D.I.G." were thought to mean the word "dig," so after workers dug beneath the stone of the cell, they found the ashes of paper and "a small leathern case or bag." After hearing this, Dr. Manette becomes "ill" and doesn't comment on the strangeness of the story. The people thought that the prisoner who wrote "dig" had been executed, but upon seeing Manette's reaction, it seems that the doctor did it while imprisoned or at least knows something about it...adding to the mystery of this book.
Another example of setting description occurs when Mr. Lorey enters the house and sees Lucie's decorations of the house. The rooms have simple accessories of no value, but they are inviting and interesting, which somewhat makes the rooms seem like a personification of Lucie. Everything is arranged carefully and delicately and are pleasant, which is somewhat of the effect Lucie has on others (like in the courtroom when most thought of her as beautiful). Dickens states that "the very chairs and tables seemed to ask [Mr. Lorey], with something of that peculiar expression which he knew so well by this time, whether he approved?" Almost directly pointing to the Doctor's daughter, the "expression" of the rooms reminds readers of the way Dickens repeatedly stated Lucie's peculiar expression of her forehead.
The story Darnay tells about the letters and words carved on the cell wall gives another instance of setting that evokes some questions. Most of the words were "dates, names, complaints, and prayers," but it may have been somewhat interesting to read some of them. But more importantly, the letters "D.I.G." were thought to mean the word "dig," so after workers dug beneath the stone of the cell, they found the ashes of paper and "a small leathern case or bag." After hearing this, Dr. Manette becomes "ill" and doesn't comment on the strangeness of the story. The people thought that the prisoner who wrote "dig" had been executed, but upon seeing Manette's reaction, it seems that the doctor did it while imprisoned or at least knows something about it...adding to the mystery of this book.
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