A Tale of Two Cities

Study Questions

In order to prepare for the exam on Monday, November 3, please reflect on and write down answers to the following questions. Also, read over all of your notes and your related writing assignments. There will be two sections on the short answer exam: Quotation Reflection & Short Answer.

1. Compare Dickens’ version of the French Revolution to the actual historical version. List specific parallels.

2. Describe the scene where the wine cask breaks in front of Defarge’s wine shop in Chapter 5 of Book the First. What is the symbolism behind this scene. What is Dickens’ purpose in focusing on the breaking of a simple wine cask dropped in the street?

3. Madame Defarge does not appear frequently in the novel and she is always in the background, so why is she such a powerful force in the novel? What is her role?

4. Analyze Stryver’s character. What is his role in the novel? How is he a foil to Carton?

5. What is Jerry Cruncher's role in the novel? How does he change by the end?

6. Define irony. Give at least two examples of irony from the novel.

7. Describe the term anaphora. Give an example from the novel. How does Dickens’ use of anaphora contribute to the novel?

8. Define the term foil. Give and example of a foil from the novel. Explain how the characters work as a foil.

9. Define the term foreshadowing. Give and example of foreshadowing from the novel.

10. List and explain at least three main themes in the novel. Explain why you think they are central to the novel.

11. List several ways that the revolution is symbolized or personified in the novel.

12. Comment on Miss Pross’s belief in the “vigors of love, always so much stronger than hate” (Chapter 14, Book the Third).

13. This is a book of many resurrections. Identify several and comment on their importance to the novel.

14. Describe the following characters and their roles in the novel: John Barsard, The Vengeance, the mender of roads, Mr. Lorry, Miss Pross, Monseigneur the Marquis, Marquis de Evremonde, Jerry Cruncher.

15. Analyze the plot development of the novel. Why do you think Dickens waits so long to tie the pieces together?

16. Who do you admire more, Darnay or Carton? Did Carton make the right choice in dying for Darnay? Could you admire Carton if he had not sacrificed his life?

17. What is the symbolism behind Carton’s death?

18. What social commentary does Dickens give through this novel?

19. Analyze the symbolism of the guillotine.