A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

Overview

• Originally published in weekly installments in Dickens's literary journal.
• Set during the French Revolution.
• Central plot revolves around a love triangle involving:
  • Charles Darnay: French Aristocrat
  • Sydney Carton: Darnay's look-alike
  • Lucie Manette

Key Characters

• Lucie Manette: Daughter of Dr. Manette.
• Dr. Manette: Once esteemed, imprisoned in Bastille.
• Jarvis Lorry: Bank clerk who reunites Lucie with her father.
• Charles Darnay: French nobleman; renounces title.
• Sydney Carton: Looks like Darnay; dissatisfied lawyer.
• Monsieur Evrémonde: Darnay’s uncle; epitomizes French aristocracy.
• Defarge and Madame Defarge: Former servants of Dr. Manette; revolutionaries.
• John Barsad: English spy; aka Solomon Pross.
• Miss Pross: Lucie's servant.

Plot Summary

• 1775: Lucie discovers her father is alive and not dead.

  • Lorry brings Lucie to her father who is housed by Defarge.
  • Dr. Manette is mentally unstable, works as a cobbler.
  • Lucie’s affection helps him regain sanity over 5 years.

• 1780: Darnay’s trial in London for spying.

  • Sydney Carton’s resemblance to Darnay leads to acquittal.
  • All three men: Darnay, Carton, and Striver, fall for Lucie.
  • Lucie marries Darnay; Carton expresses undying loyalty.

• Post-wedding: Darnay reveals his nobility to Dr. Manette.

  • Visit to France: Darnay is disgusted by his uncle's cruelty.
  • Monsieur Evrémonde’s murder signifies anti-aristocracy sentiment.

• Revolution (1789): Peasants revolt, Bastille is stormed.

  • Darnay goes to Paris; arrested as a nobleman.
  • Dr. Manette gains temporary release for Darnay using influence.
  • Darnay denounced by Defarges; sentenced to death.

• Final Act: Carton’s sacrifice.

  • Carton overhears plot against Lucie; realizes Madame Defarge’s vendetta.
  • Carton swaps places with Darnay in jail; Darnay escapes.
  • Miss Pross confronts and accidentally kills Madame Defarge.
  • Carton dies at the guillotine, ensuring safety for Lucie and family.