“We are rather thoughtful tonight, for we have something on our mind tonight.”
Darnay and Lucie are alone after their guests have left. Darnay can tell she wants to talk about something. She tells him to be more considerate of Carton. Lucie’s words are gentle, but her meaning is clear. She believes her husband has treated Carton unfairly, and she is willing to tell him.
Darnay had merely described Carton’s carelessness and recklessness to their guests. Dickens makes sure the reader knows that he does not intend to be cruel. His judgment reflects the behavior Carton allows people to see. Yet Lucie made the choice to speak on Carton’s behalf.
Darnay now faces his own choice. He can defend his intentions, insist that his description was accurate, or listen. He listens and recognizes that he may have wronged someone he did not fully understand. In this interaction does it matter that Darnay did not intend to hurt Carton?
What does Darnay’s response reveal about his character?
Which requires more courage in this scene offering correction or accepting it?
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 ...
