https://padlet.com/8067901/9jyyp75inqp99sr0 This is the chronology of A Tale of Two Cities- tracked by rising action and setbacks (or mini-resolutions). en-us 2021-05-18 17:54:28 UTC 2025-10-22 20:54:24 UTC hello@padlet.com 8067901 https://padlet.com/8067901/9jyyp75inqp99sr0/wish/1536851741 There isn't much action here, but the intensity of the story starts off pretty high as there is latent conflict in the  massive discrepancies in the situation. Because some people enjoy the best of times while other simultaneously suffer in the worst of times, Dickens creates tension from the very beginning and spreads the scope of that tension to both the public in general and to individuals.]]> 2021-05-18 17:54:28 UTC https://padlet.com/8067901/9jyyp75inqp99sr0/wish/1536851741 8067901 https://padlet.com/8067901/9jyyp75inqp99sr0/wish/1536851744 The general intensity that Dickens created in the first chapter becomes focused here on one situation. The three travelers in the coach and the drivers of the coach are all paranoid about being robbed, which underscores the degree to which England is crime-ridden and corrupt. In addition, this chapter adds to the intensity and the interest of the story by including a message that someone has been, "Recalled to life". While this message itself is a very curious one, Dickens even has a character in the story ponder and comment on the strangeness of the message at the chapter's end.]]> 2021-05-18 17:54:28 UTC https://padlet.com/8067901/9jyyp75inqp99sr0/wish/1536851744 8067901 https://padlet.com/8067901/9jyyp75inqp99sr0/wish/1536851745 This chapter adds intensity without much action, as it focuses on the internal situation of Jarvis Lorry, one of the few characters as yet named. Lorry's internal condition is conflicted as he dreams of a mysterious person who has been buried alive for nearly eighteen years. The mysterious man's mysterious responses to what would seem a simple question, "I hope you care to live?" as well as indirectly introducing other people of consequence with the question, "Shall I show her to you?" This chapter primarily starts several threads that create suspense and foreshadow situations to come. These situations primarily deal with characters that Dickens has not yet introduced, which increases the intensity and suspense]]> 2021-05-18 17:54:28 UTC https://padlet.com/8067901/9jyyp75inqp99sr0/wish/1536851745 8067901 https://padlet.com/8067901/9jyyp75inqp99sr0/wish/1536851747 The meaning of this title is clear in two ways- it is the preparation for a journey to France (still controlled by the upper class) and preparing Lucie Manette for the shocking news that the father whom she thought was dead is actually still alive (GASP!!), and that not only is he still alive but he has been released they are about to go and get him!!!! 

]]> 2021-05-18 17:54:28 UTC https://padlet.com/8067901/9jyyp75inqp99sr0/wish/1536851747 8067901 https://padlet.com/8067901/9jyyp75inqp99sr0/wish/1536851749 The intensity grows here with the description of the sad condition of Paris and the desperation and poverty of the people. Foreboding things happen, like "blood" being written on the wall. The emotional intensity also increases with the anger that Defarge relates as he fumes at the condition of the poor doctor, reduced to total insanity by his solitary confinement.]]> 2021-05-18 17:54:28 UTC https://padlet.com/8067901/9jyyp75inqp99sr0/wish/1536851749 8067901 https://padlet.com/8067901/9jyyp75inqp99sr0/wish/1536851750 The intensity of this section comes to a head in this scene, as the horribly treated doctor is reunited with his daughter, and somewhere in his tortured mental state he realizes that Lucy is his daughter as her hair is the same color as the hair that he keeps in the packet around his neck. There is a heart-felt reunion as the shoemaker begins to realize that his daughter has come for him, and the journey forth in the coach, and while the intensity drops sharply with the reunion, the chapter ends on a lingering question: will the doctor be able to recover? Additionally, the chapter notes the horrible treatment that doctor received that so badly broke him.]]> 2021-05-18 17:54:28 UTC https://padlet.com/8067901/9jyyp75inqp99sr0/wish/1536851750 8067901 https://padlet.com/8067901/9jyyp75inqp99sr0/wish/1536851752 And the start of Book the Second!]]> 2021-05-18 17:54:28 UTC https://padlet.com/8067901/9jyyp75inqp99sr0/wish/1536851752 MatthewChriss https://padlet.com/8067901/9jyyp75inqp99sr0/wish/1536877735 The intensity increases in the chapter as Dickens describes Tellson's Bank. Tellson's bank is dark, dirty, and depressing, but the partners of the Bank are proud of it for this reason. This helps to later to create intensity in The Gorgon's Head when the Marquis talks about how proud he is that the people fear him. Additionally, the chapter fleshes out Jerry Cruncher and provides more information about him.  ]]> 2021-05-18 17:59:56 UTC https://padlet.com/8067901/9jyyp75inqp99sr0/wish/1536877735 8067901 https://padlet.com/8067901/9jyyp75inqp99sr0/wish/1536881390 The intensity continues to increase as in the beginning of the chapter, Jerry is given a mission to deliver a note to Mr. Lorry at the Old Bailey. He is ordered to go into the courtroom and deliver the message to the door-keeper to give to Mr. Lorry. In the courtroom, Jerry finds that Charles Darney is on trial for treason where everyone assumes to find him guilty! Both Lucie and Doctor Manette are there to serve as witnesses against the prisoner. Jerry is tranced by the case as Dickens makes a point that he continued to suck the rust off of his fingers.]]> 2021-05-18 18:00:41 UTC https://padlet.com/8067901/9jyyp75inqp99sr0/wish/1536881390 806958 https://padlet.com/8067901/9jyyp75inqp99sr0/wish/1536905346 The intensity increases as the trial begins with the treason charges against Darnay. The counsel, or Mr. Stryver attempts to discredit the witnesses, but the trials turning point occurs when Sydney Carton is introduced. An associate with an uncanny resemblance to Darnay. Stryver then creates an intense doubt in one of the witnesses testimony, by casting light to the idea that it was in fact not Darnay he saw waiting outside the hotel. Stryver then paints Barsad as the spy and Cly as his accomplice, and following it with the claim that Darnay is no more than an innocent bystander who was only travelling between the two countries because of a confidential family affair. Darnay is found innocent but there is still tension as Carton's appearance caused for a number of reactions, leaving the people wanting to know more about him.]]> 2021-05-18 18:05:43 UTC https://padlet.com/8067901/9jyyp75inqp99sr0/wish/1536905346 MatthewChriss https://padlet.com/8067901/9jyyp75inqp99sr0/wish/1536937346 After Charles Darnay is released, and is thanking everyone that helped him, Darnay asks Lucie a question and in doing so, looks at Dr. Manette. Upon seeing Darnay's face, Dr. Manette is scared and untrusting. This exchange provides intensity as the reader starts to wonder if Dr. Manette and Darnay had met before and what their conflict could be. ]]> 2021-05-18 18:12:11 UTC https://padlet.com/8067901/9jyyp75inqp99sr0/wish/1536937346 8067901 https://padlet.com/8067901/9jyyp75inqp99sr0/wish/1536976126 The intensity and tension decreases as the book narrows on Sydney Carton's personal life while developing his character. His relationship with Stryver is put into perspective after they continue working on cases together. Dickens uses figurative language to compare Stryver to a lion who hunts and still receives all the glory. However, Carton is represented as the jackal who scavenges, but doesn't receive the same glory as the lion. Their discussion moves to their school experiences where it is admitted that Carton did all the work for Stryver even back then. Stryver admits his admiration for Lucie Manette while Carton passes her off to conceal his love for her.]]> 2021-05-18 18:20:26 UTC https://padlet.com/8067901/9jyyp75inqp99sr0/wish/1536976126 806958 https://padlet.com/8067901/9jyyp75inqp99sr0/wish/1536982246 2021-05-18 18:21:46 UTC https://padlet.com/8067901/9jyyp75inqp99sr0/wish/1536982246 8067901 https://padlet.com/8067901/9jyyp75inqp99sr0/wish/1537048225 Tensions continue as Monseigneur the Marquis continues his travels through a village where he stops after someone sighted a man underneath his carriage. After no one was found, Gabelle is ordered to be the one to find the man previously sighted. The carriage continues and comes once again to another stop where a widowed woman begs the Marquis for a marker for her husband's grave. His greed continues to reveal itself as he refuses her petition and wish to be barred next to her dead husband.]]> 2021-05-18 18:36:30 UTC https://padlet.com/8067901/9jyyp75inqp99sr0/wish/1537048225 8067901 https://padlet.com/8067901/9jyyp75inqp99sr0/wish/1537241408 Stryver admits his interest and love for Lucie Manette to Carton. He continues by adding the fact that he is a very successful and attractive man that Lucie would be lucky to have as a husband. He views Lucie as a wife for the house, not necessarily an independent and capable woman able to make decisions of her own. Stryver then continues by bashing Carton for being a rather "disagreeable fellow" who needs to marry within his same respect in society. ]]> 2021-05-18 19:26:33 UTC https://padlet.com/8067901/9jyyp75inqp99sr0/wish/1537241408 8067901 https://padlet.com/8067901/9jyyp75inqp99sr0/wish/1537282349 A funeral is held for Roger Cly, a spy and witness against Darney's case mentioned in the chapter A Disappointment. Jerry Cruncher attends this funeral as they bury the coffin. During this time, crime breaks out as the people lash out throughout the town forcing the police to bring it down. Afterwards, Jerry Cruncher goes back to the burial sight accompanied by two other men. His son follows him, but is horrified when he finds his father digging up the same grave of Roger Cly. It's then revealed that Cruncher is a "resurrection man" who was somehow displeased and scared about what he found.]]> 2021-05-18 19:38:16 UTC https://padlet.com/8067901/9jyyp75inqp99sr0/wish/1537282349 8067901 https://padlet.com/8067901/9jyyp75inqp99sr0/wish/1537622998 In this chapter, the events and characters are being "teed up" before a downfall occurs during the climax. One Night refers to the night before Lucie's wedding where tensions release as Lucie discusses with her father that their relationship will not change. Dickens also reveals how important the relevance of Lucie is in the Doctor's life as they continue on in their journey.]]> 2021-05-18 21:48:25 UTC https://padlet.com/8067901/9jyyp75inqp99sr0/wish/1537622998 MatthewChriss https://padlet.com/8067901/9jyyp75inqp99sr0/wish/1558774350 Tension rises in the book as Dickens first describes Monseigneur's lavish lifestyle and then contrasts it abruptly. Dickens portrays Monseigneur needing four men to help him drink his chocolate which shows how wealthy he is. Later in the chapter, as the Monseigneur leaves town in a carriage, he purposely runs over a child and proceeds to offer a coin in compensation. This act of equating a life to a single coin creates tension and exemplifies the differences and conflict between the rich and the poor. ]]> 2021-05-25 18:09:13 UTC https://padlet.com/8067901/9jyyp75inqp99sr0/wish/1558774350 MatthewChriss https://padlet.com/8067901/9jyyp75inqp99sr0/wish/1558810952 This chapter increases tension in the book. Charles Darnay and Dr. Manette have a conversation in which they each make a promise. Darnay promises to not get in between Lucie and her father, and Dr. Manette promises to vouch for Darnay and support his relationship with Lucie. Darnay also promises to tell Dr. Manette his real name on the day of the wedding. This causes tension because the reader knows who Darnay is, but Dr. Manette doesn't. This is an example of dramatic irony used to increase tension in the novel. ]]> 2021-05-25 18:18:24 UTC https://padlet.com/8067901/9jyyp75inqp99sr0/wish/1558810952 MatthewChriss https://padlet.com/8067901/9jyyp75inqp99sr0/wish/1583776491 In this chapter, Carton tells Lucie how he really feels. Carton says that he has lived a bad life and hopes that Lucie can help him live in a more fulfilling way. She rejects him, but he says that he would give his life for her and anyone she loves. This doesn't really add any tension, but is foreshadowing. ]]> 2021-06-03 21:57:34 UTC https://padlet.com/8067901/9jyyp75inqp99sr0/wish/1583776491 MatthewChriss https://padlet.com/8067901/9jyyp75inqp99sr0/wish/1583798347 In this chapter, the tension rises a lot. Madame Defarge talks about how once the revolution starts, it will be unstoppable. John Barsad goes into the wine shops and asks the Defarges about Gaspard's execution, and as he does, Madame Defarge knits his name. Barsad tells Madame Defarge that Charles Darnay and Lucie Manette got married, and Darnay's name is also knitted. This provides tension because the Charles Darnay (the nephew of the Marquis) is now a target of the revolution. ]]> 2021-06-03 22:15:11 UTC https://padlet.com/8067901/9jyyp75inqp99sr0/wish/1583798347 MatthewChriss https://padlet.com/8067901/9jyyp75inqp99sr0/wish/1583817179 This chapter does not add tension to the book. After sleeping for ten days, Dr. Manette wakes up from his slumber. Mr. Lorry and Dr. Manette have a conversation about what could have caused the relapse, and Mr. Lorry suggests that the tools and workbench could keep reminding him of his time in prison. Dr. Manette agrees to get rid of them and the tools and bench are destroyed. This doesn't create any tension, but provides relief and closure for Dr. Manette.]]> 2021-06-03 22:29:37 UTC https://padlet.com/8067901/9jyyp75inqp99sr0/wish/1583817179 MatthewChriss https://padlet.com/8067901/9jyyp75inqp99sr0/wish/1583846733 After the revolutionaries take the Bastille, they learn that Foulon is alive after having faked his death. They captured Foulon, so Madame Defarge leads a mob over to the hotel. Madame Defarge puts grass in Foulon's mouth, which is ironic because he told the starving to each grass. She then kills him and puts his head on a spike. The mob loves it. This increases the intensity because it shows how violent and chaotic the revolution has become. ]]> 2021-06-03 22:54:44 UTC https://padlet.com/8067901/9jyyp75inqp99sr0/wish/1583846733 MatthewChriss https://padlet.com/8067901/9jyyp75inqp99sr0/wish/1583859380 In this chapter, tension decreases. This chapter also includes a mini- resolution. Darnay, who has been in prison for over a year, finally has his trial. When Dr. Manette and Mr. Jorry speak up for Darnay, it convinces the jury to release him. This is a release of tension because for now, Darnay is safe. ]]> 2021-06-03 23:04:56 UTC https://padlet.com/8067901/9jyyp75inqp99sr0/wish/1583859380 MatthewChriss https://padlet.com/8067901/9jyyp75inqp99sr0/wish/1583867568 In this chapter, there is another mini- resolution. Tension rises as Madame Defarge tells her plan to kill Lucie. When she goes to kill Lucie, she meets Ms. Pross. They have a stand-off, and in the end, Madame Defarge dies. Tension decreases after Madame Defarge dies. ]]> 2021-06-03 23:11:37 UTC https://padlet.com/8067901/9jyyp75inqp99sr0/wish/1583867568 MatthewChriss https://padlet.com/8067901/9jyyp75inqp99sr0/wish/1583874375 The prison carts carrying Carton and fifty one other prisoners rolls towards the Guillotine. Before Carton is executed, he talks to Lucie for the final time. He tells her of a future in which the evil caused by the Revolution is gone. He tells her that Dr. Manette and her and everyone else will live long, happy lives. His last words are, "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", which shows Carton feels he finally has a purpose in his life (Dickens 382). ]]> 2021-06-03 23:17:22 UTC https://padlet.com/8067901/9jyyp75inqp99sr0/wish/1583874375 8067901 https://padlet.com/8067901/9jyyp75inqp99sr0/wish/1584270893 After the Darnays return from their honeymoon, Carton is in town to visit them. He speaks with Charles asking in the sincerest of tones if he could put their tensions behind them forever in order for him to still be slightly apart of their new family's life. Carton truly makes himself vulnerable as tensions between them release and his character is developed. Charles excepts, although later on he insists that Carton is still careless and reckless as he complained to Lucie who still found him respectable.]]> 2021-06-04 02:34:15 UTC https://padlet.com/8067901/9jyyp75inqp99sr0/wish/1584270893 8067901 https://padlet.com/8067901/9jyyp75inqp99sr0/wish/1584426989 Tensions once again increase as the Revolution grows stronger and wider. After the mender of roads helps guide one man to the chateau which belonged to the Evrémonde family, the rebells (East, West, North, and South) began setting fire to the building as night fell. Although the events consisted of much violence and terror, the village people never stopped to help the burning servants who were trapped inside. They continue their fight by proceeding to Gabelle's house where he is threatened by the village.]]> 2021-06-04 03:58:56 UTC https://padlet.com/8067901/9jyyp75inqp99sr0/wish/1584426989 8067901 https://padlet.com/8067901/9jyyp75inqp99sr0/wish/1584440620 2021-06-04 04:08:53 UTC https://padlet.com/8067901/9jyyp75inqp99sr0/wish/1584440620 8067901 https://padlet.com/8067901/9jyyp75inqp99sr0/wish/1584441108 Tensions increase, especially for Mr. Lorry as he discovers both the Doctor and Lucie walk into Tellson's Bank. Mr. Lorry is devastated to find that Lucie Manette, who he values as a daughter, is in the center of one of the most dangerous and violent cities during the Revolution. They continue by informing Mr. Lorry that the Revolutionaries had taken Charles prisoner. He protects Lucie by placing her in a single room where the Doctor and Mr. Lorry can discuss the extent of danger in their current situation. As the weapons were sharpened on the grindstone, the Doctor decides to use his voice to peacefully speak to the revolutionaries about Darney. ]]> 2021-06-04 04:09:16 UTC https://padlet.com/8067901/9jyyp75inqp99sr0/wish/1584441108 8067901 https://padlet.com/8067901/9jyyp75inqp99sr0/wish/1584466085 The tensions don't necessarily rise in this chapter, but readers see a character development within Lucie Manette. She is always seen at the same spot everyday in hopes of Darnay seeing her. Although this spot contains the fear of being caught by the mender of roads/ the wood-sawyer each day, she is able to peacefully stop his brutal threats of killing both her and her daughter speaking and offering money. Additionally, a mob approaches before she meets with her father and Madame Defarge, and is informed that Darnay's trial will be the following day. ]]> 2021-06-04 04:27:54 UTC https://padlet.com/8067901/9jyyp75inqp99sr0/wish/1584466085 8067901 https://padlet.com/8067901/9jyyp75inqp99sr0/wish/1584488187 Tensions quickly release at first as Darnay is allowed freedom after he was proven innocent at his trial case. The tone lightens as everyone is reunited and Ms. Pross and Jerry Cruncher leave to obtain supplies for food. Afterwards, they hear a knock at the door where four men arrest Darnay once again on account of Monsieur Defarge, Madame Defarge, and one other. It is also informed that his new trial case will be held the next day which increase the tensions.]]> 2021-06-04 04:40:01 UTC https://padlet.com/8067901/9jyyp75inqp99sr0/wish/1584488187