The Constituents Shall be Heard Act:
Every bill over 2,000 pages in length shall trigger mandatory public comment. Any member of the public who wishes to voice an opinion on a bill over 2,000 pages shall be allowed to speak on the chamber floor unobstructed for as long as desired. Such public comments must occur before any vote may be cast.
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 ...
The world holds nothing good for Sydney Carton except wine, and Sydney Carton has nothing good to offer the world.
At least, that is how Carton sees himself.
Following Charles Darnay’s acquittal on charges of treason, Carton invites him to dinner. Carton appears increasingly hostile and antagonistic toward him. He has been drinking, and his conversation reveals a deep dissatisfaction with both himself and the world around him.
Why is Carton spending time with a man he doesn’t like?
After Darnay leaves, Carton confronts his own reflection and recognizes in Darnay a reminder of what he could have been.
Carton appears painfully aware of his shortcomings, yet he continues engaging in the very behaviors that may be contributing to them.
If Carton recognizes what he might have been why does he seem unwilling or unable to become that person?
What is the difference between acknowledging our weaknesses and allowing those weaknesses to define us?
When Sydney Carton and Charles Darnay are alone together following his acquittal Carton took him to Fleet Street and into a tavern.
Charles Dickens personally visited a tavern on Fleet Street that is still in operation today. Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese is a steakhouse that started operating as a pub in 1538. It burnt down in the great London fire of 1666. It was rebuilt in 1667 and has been in operation ever since. If you are ever in London you can stop in for a meal at 145 Fleet Street.
Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese notes on its website that it was featured in A Tale of Two Cities. This may be the tavern that Carton and Darnay had their meal together.
