A Tale of Two Cities--Questions for thought and discussion.

1.  Examine the device of "doubling" in this story--the two cities, the two trials, the "twins" Darnay and Carton.  What use does the author make of this device?

2.  Carton's redemption and ennoblement at the end of the novel serve as an uplifting (if melodramatic) climax.  Which is the more noble action--his willingness to die to save Darnay (and hence prove his love to Lucie) of his comfort to the young woman who accompanies him to the guillotine?

3.  Examine the shift in narrative point of view in the end of the Chapter entitled "52."  (. . .Houses in twos and threes pass by us, . . .The hard uneven pavement is under us,. . . Sometimes, we strike into the skirting mud,. . .)  What is the effect of this shift?

4.  How does our opinion of Mme Defarge change over the course of the story?  Were you initially sympathetic to her cause?  What changed your opinion?

5.  How does this work address the question of honor?  Examine the honor displayed by characters such as Lorry, Darnay, Carton, and Dr. Manette.