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 ...
Following Charles Darnay’s acquittal, Sydney Carton places himself in the darkest shadow, leaning against a wall where he can observe the group gathered around Darnay without being observed himself.
Only after the group has dwindled to two does Carton emerge from the shadows.
Why does Carton avoid the larger group?
Is he uncomfortable with attention? Does he prefer to remain unnoticed? Or is there another explanation for his behavior?
We also know that Carton was the first to recognize the remarkable physical resemblance between himself and Darnay. His observation helped undermine the prosecution’s case, yet Carton makes no effort to reveal his role in the acquittal.
Why might Carton choose not to take credit for his contribution?
Consider these two observations together.
Carton appears to avoid both the attention of others and recognition for his accomplishments.
Does this suggest that Carton is deliberately hiding his potential, or are we drawing conclusions about a man we have only just...
Our reading assignment ends today with Mr. Lorry leaving the Old Bailey and heading back to his job at Tellson’s. Dickens describes the bank as old-fashioned, cramped, and fiercely resistant to change.
Although Tellson’s is fictional, it was likely inspired by Child & Co., which started as a goldsmith business run by Robert Blanchard in 1649. Blanchard’s business was recognized by the sign of a marigold.
Francis Child joined Blanchard in 1665. In 1673 they moved their business to Fleet Street. In 1681 Child inherited the entire business and it became known as Child & Co. By 1780, it had been an established financial institution for generations, serving wealthy families and influential members of British society.
At the time Dickens was writing A Tale of Two Cities Child & Co was headed by Sarah Sophia Fane, which was uncommon in the business world of the 1850s. The business remained at 1 Fleet Street until it closed in 2022. If you are in London you can still walk by the building that ...
