A Tale of Two Cities
Book II
Chapter 3: A Disappointment
Contextual Background:
Our story begins today in a London courtroom in 1780. Britain is engaged in the American Revolutionary War, and France has allied itself with the American colonies against the British.
A young Frenchman named Charles Darnay stands accused of treason.
Prosecutors allege that Darnay has been passing information about British military operations to France and America's revolutionary forces.
The consequences could be deadly. Under British law, men convicted of high treason could face execution by hanging, drawing, and quartering.
Many spectators have gathered to witness the proceedings, some eagerly anticipate a conviction.
At this time London is a city of tremendous wealth, crushing poverty, and political uncertainty. Across the English Channel, France is moving toward a revolution that will transform Europe.
Charles Darnay’s defense involves two lawyers: the accomplished Mr. Stryver and a seemingly unremarkable man named Sydney Carton. Dickens briefly introduced Carton in the preceding chapter as an unnamed, wigged gentleman looking at the courtroom ceiling.
In today's reading, we will begin to understand why this seemingly indifferent individual deserves our attention.
As you read, consider:
What is your first impression of Sydney Carton?
What abilities does he demonstrate?
Does his behavior reflect those abilities?
How would you evaluate his potential?
What does Carton notice that others fail to recognize?
What does his behavior suggest about his intelligence and abilities?
How does the impression he creates compare with the contribution he makes?
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...
