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 ...
Today we learned a great deal more about the relationship between Carton and Stryver. We learn that they were school boys together and they even went and studied in Paris together. Now Carton does much of the analytical work for Stryver.
We also learned that even as a student Carton was doing the hard work for others instead of himself. He has carried on that tradition with Stryver.
When asked how he realized he look just like Darnay, Carton responded “I thought he was a rather handsome fellow, and I thought I should have been much the same sort of fellow, if I had any luck.”
Why would Carton consider a lack of luck as the thing that is holding him back when he has shown a consistent habit of doing hard work for others?
Is Carton's behavior evidence of generosity, insecurity, a lack of ambition, or something else?
Meanwhile Stryver has become a successful and increasingly prominent barrister.
When we attribute our failures to bad luck, are we recognizing circumstances beyond our control, or...
Sydney Carton and Stryver were classmates at Shrewsbury School. King Edward VI founded the school by royal charter in 1552 and it is still in operation today. Students are referred to as Salopians and alumni of the school are known as Old Salopians. Perhaps the most famous Old Salopian is Charles Darwin.
The school moved to its current location in 1882. Its original school building still stands and now form part of Shrewsbury's public library. Currently the school has boarding and none boarding options and is for students aged 13-18. The school is located about 160 miles from London.
