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 ...
Sydney Carton does not look the part.
Throughout the trial, he is repeatedly described as staring at the ceiling, seemingly uninterested in the proceedings. Mr. Cruncher is even willing to wager that Carton receives very little legal work based on his appearance.
Dickens describes Carton as careless, slovenly, and debauched in appearance. His manners are described as careless or “almost insolent.”
Yet despite this apparent indifference, Carton makes two important observations that others in the courtroom have overlooked.
First, when the prosecution relies upon a witness’s identification of Charles Darnay, Carton recognizes that he bears a remarkable physical resemblance to the accused. This observation raises serious questions about the reliability of the witness’s identification and helps establish reasonable doubt.
Second, while apparently paying little attention to the proceedings, Carton notices that Miss Manette is becoming faint. He alerts the court to her condition, allowing others...
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 ...
