A Tale of Two Cites

Reading Notes: Recalled to Life: Chapters 1 - 4

 

Ch. 1: The Period

·        Opening paragraph parallels Ecclesiatstes 3:1-9

 

To every thing there is a s season and a time to every purpose under the heave.

A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is panted;

A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down and a time to build up;

A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; . . .

 

The opening paragraph show the paradox of the time. For every good thing there is a bad

 

·        Farmer=Death, Woodman=Fate, foreshadowing for the revolution - 2

·        Historical references to English and French history

 

starts in 1775, written 1859--Dickens (English author) reflecting back on the French Rev

 

Ch. 2: The Mail

·London to Dover carriage (on the coast of England where the ferry goes to France)

  Sets the tone p. 4 “steaming mist. . . forlornness up the hill . . . evil spirit . . . clammy and intensely cold mist . . . unwholesome mist.” Eerie and evil, No one trusts the other

·        Mysterious message from  Mr. Jarvis Lorry to Jerry (the message delivery man) “Recalled to Life”è refers to Dr. Manette

 

Ch. 3: The Night Shadows

·        Mr. Jarvis Lorry worries a lot as he drifts in and out of sleep during the coach ride to Dover. Keeps dreaming of digging and unburying the deadè refers to bringing Dr. Manette back to life (has been in jail for 18 years)

 

Ch.4:  The Preparation

·        Lorry: “I am a man of business . . . mere business relations . . . I had no feelings . . . matter of business . . . matter of business . . .” denial—pretending that he is not attached—scared of emotions. Trying to calm Lucy Manette “ Courage! Business! You have business before you; useful business. . . “ almost funny the way he tires to calm her

·        Despite his efforts, she faints when he tells her that her father is actually alive an has been for the last 18 years.

·        Wild looking woman red and tight-fitting, odd clothes—Lucy’s maid