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 begun to understand?
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 ...
Richard Brinsley Sheridan (1751–1816)
Playwright, writer, politician
In 1780, while Sydney Carton was fictionalized as a disillusioned young lawyer struggling with his wasted potential, another young man was making a name for himself in London.
Richard Brinsley Sheridan was only 29 years old, but had already established himself as one of Britain’s most celebrated playwrights.
His plays The Rivals (1775), The School for Scandal (1777), and The Critic (1779) demonstrated extraordinary wit, intelligence, and an understanding of human nature. He was also involved in managing London’s prestigious Drury Lane Theatre. In 1780, he was elected to Parliament, where he would eventually become renowned for his public speaking.
Yet Sheridan’s remarkable abilities did not protect him from his own weaknesses.
He enjoyed drinking, fashionable society, and an extravagant lifestyle. His spending habits, mounting debts, and financial difficulties would follow him throughout much of his life, eventually ...
