“I went to Communism as one goes to a spring of fresh water, and I left Communism as one clambers out of a poisoned river strewn with the wreckage of flooded cities and the corpses of the drowned.”
Arthur Koestler
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 ...
“Mr. Darnay, said Carton, I wish we might be friends.”
A Tale of Two Cities
Book II
Chapter 20 - A Plea
Read from the beginning of the chapter through the paragraph that ends “…as unsubstantial as ever.”
Reading Background:
Much has happened since the last reading assignment. Important to our study of Sydney Carton is that Lucie and Charles Darnay have married. After the ceremony, Doctor Manette experienced a nine-day relapse into the mental state associated with his imprisonment. Mr. Lorry and Miss Pross cared for him while keeping his condition from Lucie. He recovered and later joined the newlyweds during their wedding journey. Today’s reading assignment begins as they return home.
Things to consider when reading:
