“As official reports arrived, confirming the extent of the Terror, I grew more and more disturbed. Revolutions, I knew, we’re not accomplished without bloodshed, and the suppression of counterrevolutionary activity was both inevitable and fully justified on the part of the revolutionary regime. Russia was compelled to defend itself not only against the assaults of world capitalism but against thousands of conspirators and reactionaries within its own borders. But was wholesale slaughter necessary? Was not the Terror expanding beyond its legitimate bounds?”
Angelica Balabanov
Great literature should do more than entertain us. It should provide a roadmap to improving our lives.
In A Tale of Two Cities, Charles Dickens introduced readers to Sydney Carton, one of literature's most compelling and deeply flawed characters. Dickens also gives him an unusual title: the Jackal.
His struggles raise questions that remain relevant today.
Are we defined by our past mistakes? Can we overcome our weaknesses? What separates the people we are from the people we could become?
Lessons From the Jackal is a 25-day character study exploring these questions through Sydney Carton’s life, decisions, relationships, and personal development.
This is not a traditional course on A Tale of Two Cities. Our reading assignments will focus specifically on Carton, with sufficient background provided to understand his story. No previous knowledge of the novel is necessary.
Each day will feature selected readings, historical comparisons, reflection questions, discussions, and practical challenges ...
“I arrived at Mr. Lorry’s, to his surprise, yesterday evening; we agreed that I would not present myself elsewhere until all was well or unless I could be useful.”
Charles Darnay has spent fifteen months imprisoned in France. During that time, Lucie has remained in Paris, hoping that her husband might eventually regain his freedom. Doctor Manette has used his influence among the revolutionaries in an effort to secure Darnay's release, while Mr. Lorry has continued providing assistance to the family. Their efforts have required great patience and perseverance.
Now Sydney Carton has arrived in Paris.
Carton's decision to travel to France is remarkable because he has no formal responsibility for Darnay's predicament. He has not been involved in the family's prolonged struggle to obtain his release. He has no apparent reason to believe that his arrival will resolve the difficulties they have encountered. Yet he has come. Perhaps the more interesting question is why he did not come sooner.
For fifteen ...
During the eighteenth century, travel between England and France was relatively common among merchants, diplomats, aristocrats, and other individuals with the financial means to make the journey. The English Channel separated the two countries, but established maritime routes connected English ports with French destinations such as Calais.
The outbreak of the French Revolution in 1789 dramatically changed the political environment confronting travelers. By 1793, France was at war with Great Britain. The conflict made travel between the two countries considerably more complicated and dangerous. Foreign travelers could attract suspicion, particularly when revolutionary authorities feared that foreign governments were attempting to undermine the Republic.
Individuals entering France might encounter passport requirements, identity examinations, and restrictions on movement. Political circumstances could change rapidly, and a person who entered the country legally might subsequently find it ...
