A Tale of Two Cities ch.1-4

Summary: Daraney is taken prisoner by french revolutionaries, and is put in a jail cell to wait for Defarge. He asked Defarge for help, but Defarge thought he was too suspicious so he didn't help him. Daraney was then brought to the worst place in france, as Dickens describes it as death. His imprisonment brings Lucie and Dr.Manette to France to Lorry in the next chapter. Manette is told that revolutionists are planning to destroy La Force, where Daraney is held; so he then runs out into the outside crowd and calls for help. In chapter 3, Defarge delivers a message to Lorry from Manette, who had fled in the earlier chapter. Lorry follows all the instructions and hides Lucie, her daughter, and Miss Pross away with Defarge and his wife to watch over them. The plan is set into action… The Next chapter, Manette returns from La Force,after persuading them not to kill off Daraney. He also had gotten himself a job, and that will ensure Darneys safety in La Force. In this chapter the queen and king of France are beheaded due to the revolution.

Quote:  "Above all, one hideous figure grew… the figure of the sharp female called La Guillotine. It was the popular theme for jests; it was the best cure for headache, it infallibly prevented the hair from turning grey, it imparted a peculiar delicacy to the complexion, it was the National Razor which shaved close."

Sig. of Quote: “La Guillotine”, is really the tool the revolutionists prefered to use in beheading (for they used it to behead the king and queen). By giving the slaughter tool a name and having many admirers, it is a great personification example.

Reflection: Over all the years, this group of people have been brought together, but until now, we never knew exactly why. They have become close friends, and now they are on a mission together. Dr.Manette, being a frigid and puny little man throughout the entire novel so far, has begun to change during his mission. Dickens says that Mr.Lorry noticed that Manette seemed more confident, sure, and strong;as opposed to his usual scared, timid self Lorry has been used to being around. However, the new Manette that Dickens had described may be the original, before he was imprisoned by the French. Before he snapped and went crazy… This “new” Manette may actually be the real one.