Tale of Two Cities Quotes
"Dr. Manette sat with his face turned away, and his eyes bent on the ground...he turned towards him in his chair, but did not look at him, or raise his eyes. His chin dropped upon his hand, and his white hair overshadowed his face."
Who said It? - narrator Context? - When Darnay is talking to Dr. Manette about loving Lucie Meaning? - going to reveal his name on the morning of wedding Importance?Dr. manette is traumatized by something about darnay
"On the drunken occasion in question (one of a large number, as you know), I was insufferable about liking you, and not liking you. I wish you would forget it." Page 187 lines 20-22
Who said It? Carton Context? talking to Darnay at the doorstep of his home talking about becoming friends Meaning? he wishes for him to forget the night when they got drunk Importance? event causes Darnay to belittle Carton, but Lucie protects Carton
This property and France are lost to me...I renounce them"
Who said It? Charles Darnay Context? At dinner in the chateau Meaning? he will give the land back to the people so it will make up for what horrible things have done to them Importance? Darnay doesn't care about France
"Dearest - Take courage. I am well, and you father has influence around me. You cannot answer this. Kiss our child for me." (243: 13-15)
Who said It? Charles Darnay talking to Lucy Context? in the letter that Charles gave to M Defarge to give to Lucie Meaning? Darnay tells Lucie to be brave while he is in prison Importance? it is short
"I renounce it...If it ever becomes mine, it shall be put into some hands better qualified to free it slowly...from the weight that drags it down, so that the miserable people who cannot leave it and who have been wrung to the last point of endurance may, in another generation, suffer less...there is a curse on it, and on all this land."
Who said It? Darnay Context? dinner discussion Meaning? Darnay will give up land to the common people Importance? Darnay doesn't care about France
"It is madness. It cannot be accomplished, it can never be done, it has been attempted, and has always failed. I implore you not to add your death to the bitterness of mine." ( 321: 32-34)
Who said It? Darnay Context? he is talking to Carton while they are in Darnay's cell because Darnay does not want Carton to die for him Meaning? Darnay first thinks that Carton is trying to sneak him out of the Conciergerie, he says that is impossible to escape Importance? Darnay did try to get Carton out of trouble
"Every stone if its inner wall was covered by inscriptions which had been carved by prisoners- dates, names, complaints, and prayers...Upon a corner in the angle of a wall, one prisoner, who seemed to have gone to execution, had cut, at his last work, three letters...it was suggested that the letters were not initials, but the complete word DIG." (pg. 90 lines 5-15)
Who said It? Darnay Context? telling the DIG story under the plain tree Meaning?Darnay tells a story about a cell in which a prisoner wrote what officials first thought were his initials. Under closer inspection, they realized the letters actually spelled the word "dig." He later explains that they dug and found the ashes of papers and a leather bag. Dr. Manette jumps up because he is scared they have found his letter he had written in his cell. Importance? mirror scene to searching for the letter in Dr. Manette cell at Bastille;
"'It does not take a long time,' said ---, composedly, 'does it take to make and store the lightning? Tell me.' --- raised his head thoughtfully, as if there were something in that too. 'It does not take a long tim,' said ---, 'for and earthquake to swallow a town. Eh well! Tell me how long it takes to prepare an earthquake?' 'A long time I suppose,' said ---. 'But when itit ready, it takes place, and grinds to pieces everything before it. In the meantime, it is always preparing, though it is not seen or heard.'" (161, 18 - 30)
Who said It? Defarges Context? Wine shop after they talk to the Jacque Meaning? Defarges want the Revolution will start, and Ernest defarge is worried about not being alive for the revolution. Importance? they will start the revolution
"Driven home into the heart of the stone figure attached to it was a knife...Drive him fast to his tomb. This, from..."
Who said It? Dicken-note from gaspard Context?after Marquis is stabbed Meaning?drive fast to the tomb-like the marquis drove over his son Importance? gives hint of who the murderer of the Marquis is (gaspard)
It is a lady's walking shoe. It is in the present mode. I never saw the mode. I have had a pattern in my head.
Who said It? Dr. Manette Context? Mr Lorry and Miss Manette have gone upstairs to the garette to see Dr. Manette Meaning? Dr. Manette is stressed-coping mechanism Importance? his coping mechanism, it is his wife's foot measurement
"But, now I believe that the mark of the red cross is fatal to them, and that they have no part in His mercies. And them and their descendants, to the last of their race, I, unhappy prisoner, do this last night of the year 1767, in my unbearable agony, denounce to the times when all these things shall be answered for. I denounce them to Heaven and to earth. " (Pg. 304 Line 21+).
Who said It? Dr. Manette Context? The letter is being read in the trial of Darnay, the letter was written in his cell Meaning? denouncing the Evremondes Importance? Darnay man
"You must not be weak my darling," he remonstrated; "don't tremble so. I have saved him." (pg. 263 lines 10-11)
Who said It? Dr. Manette said it to Lucie Context?Darnay has just been acquitted Meaning? telling Lucy that he saved Charles Darnay from prison; comforting Importance? Dr. Manette will do anything to keep Lucie happy
"Did you ask me for my name. . .105 North Tower."
Who said It? Dr. manette Context?Mr. lorry and Miss Manette have gone upstairs to the garret to see Dr Manette Meaning?the prison cell that dr.manette was in bastille Importance? Gives a hint into his past (subplot); he thinks of himself as his cell number as opposed to his real name
"For the love of Heaven, of justice, of generosity, of the honour of your noble name, I supplicate you, Monsieur heretofore the Marquis, to succor and release me" (220, 2-4).
Who said It? Gabelle Context? Gabelle is writing Darnay from prison Meaning? Telling Darnay to come to Paris and release him from prison Importance? this is how Darnay gets imprisoned for the 2nd and 3rd time!!!
"'Recalled to life.' That's a blazing strange message. Much of that wouldn't do for you, Jerry! I say, Jerry! You'd be in a blazing bad way, if recalling to life was to come into fashion, Jerry!" 8-9:39- 3
Who said It? Jerry Context? after delivering the message recalled to life to Lorry Meaning? the phrase recalled to has a different meaning to jerry cruncher Importance? a clue to his second occupation
What do you mean by flopping yourself down and praying again' me?
Who said It? Jerry Cruncher Context? The Cruncher's apartment.Jerry notices that his wife is praying, and he thinks that she is praying against him Meaning? Asking his wife why she is praying against him Importance? the subplot of Cruncher's life
**So you put him in his coffin? Who took him out of it?
Who said It? Jerry Cruncher Context? They're trying to get Sydney to see Charles but John is like no so then they start talking about his partner and then they talk about him and then somehow Roger Cly comes up and then John says he is dead but then Jerry reveals that Roger IS NOT DEAD. blackmailing/threatening Meaning? Cruncher is a resurrection man Importance? Jerry's old night job finally plays into the story
n-oh! Twenty years." (p. 19: lines 10-15)
Who said It? Lorry Context? explaining the situation to Miss Manette-Royal george Hotel Meaning? Mr. Lorry is telling her her father is alive but in 3rd person to distance himself Importance? tells 3rd person to keep distance from the story
"But he has been-been found. He is alive. Greatly changed, it is too probable; almost a wreck, it is possible; though we will hope the best. Still, alive. Your father has been taken to the house of an old servant in Paris, and we are going there: I, to identify him if I can: you, to restore him to life, love, duty, rest, comfort." (p. 22: lines 3-7)
Who said It? Lorry Context?telling Miss Manette her father is alive at the Royal george Hotel in London Meaning?Mrs. Manette must travel to Paris to help recall him to life and Mr. Lorry is to identify him Importance?Lucie's life is being rearranged; Lucie has to recall Dr. Manette to life
245:30-31: "'I am not thankless, I hope, but that dreadful woman seems to throw a shadow on me and on all my hopes.'"
Who said It? Lucie Context? When Mme. Defarge comes into the room and gives bad vibes and tells Lucie that she will protect her and her child Meaning? Mme. is compared to a shadow that throws darkness upon Lucie and terrifies her Importance? Lucie is paranoid of Mme. Defarge and this foreshadows that Defarge will try to exterminate them
I fear he is not to be reclaimed; there is scarcely a hope that anything in his character or fortunes is reparable now. But, I am sure he is capable of good things, gentle things, even magnanimous things.
Who said It? Lucie Manette Context? After dinner when Darnay belittles Carton Meaning? That she sees a softer side of Carton, and he is good Importance? Lucie sees the softer side of Carton
"Repression is only lasting philosophy. The dark deference of fear and slavery... will wat inkeep the dogs obedient to the whip."
Who said It? Marquis Context? at dinner after he ran over the kid and they were arguing Meaning?The peasants only listen to oppression and fear. The Marquis considers fear and slavery as compliments and ways to control the people. Importance? doesn't care about other humans other than himself
"They are sought by so many, and they are granted (comparatively) to so few! It used not to be so, but... in all such things is changed for the worse. Our not remote ancestors held the right of life and death over the surrounding vulgar."
Who said It? Marquis Context?conversation with darnay while they are having dinner Meaning? the aristocrat don't have the power over the peasants like they used to Importance? shows his superior way of thinking
"...a face... I can look at... which looks at me with any deference on it but the dark deference of fear and slavery."
Who said It? Marquis Context?discussion w Darnay at the Chateau Meaning? Darnay notices that everyone associates the family w fear and slavery which marquis sees as a complement Importance? likes the idea of fear and slavery
You shall not get the better of me. I am an Englishwoman!
Who said It? Miss Pross Context? speaking to Mme. Defarge in Paris because Mme. wants to kill Lucie Meaning? English people are better than French Importance? Showing her strength and loyalty to the Manettes
"'There never was, not will be, but one man worthy of Ladybird,' said -- ; 'and that was my brother Solomon, if he hadn't made a mistake in life.'" (pg. 85 lines 28-30)
Who said It? Miss Pross Context? talking to Mr. Lorry about the 100s of suitors for Lucie Meaning?no one is of enough for her except Solomon Importance? Situational irony because Solomon is later discovered as the spy John Barsad, introduces the subplot of Solomon Pross
My husband, fellow-citizen, is a good Republican and a bold man; he had deserved well of the Republic, and possesses its confidence. But my husband has his weaknesses, and he is so weak as to relent towards this Doctor." (p 329: 2-6)
Who said It? Mme. Defarge Context? speaking to the Vengeance and Jacques Three Meaning? Doesn't want him to get involved because he has weaknesses (emotions for Dr. Manette) Importance? Mme. Defarge has an utter hatred for the Evremondes and anyone associated with them because of her tragic past.
"Then tell wind and fire where to stop... but don't tell me."
Who said It? Mme. Defarge speaking to her husband Context? speaking to her husband wants her to stop killing people Meaning? shows the fire in her heart and ruthless Importance? compared to wind and fire; not satisfied and wants entire Evremonde family dead
"'nothing for you. My duty is to my country and the People. I am the sworn servant of both, against you. I will do nothing for you.'" (230:39 & 231:1-2)
Who said It? Monsieur Defarge Context? Charles is asking M. Defarge to help him but he can't because Defarge is a revolutionary and Charles is aristocracy. Meaning? It shows that Defarge won't help Carles Importance? foreshadows that Defarge won't ever help him or his family
Be a brave man, my Gaspard: It is better for the poor little thing to die so, than to live in such times as these. It has died in a moment without pain. Could it have lived an hour as happily?
Who said It? Monsieur Defarge Context? after Gaspards child was run over by the Marquis' carriage Meaning? the times are bad so the child is better off dead Importance? shows how miserable the lives of the french peasants are
"The chateau and all the race. Extermination!"
Who said It? Monsieur Defarge Context? This is when Madame Defarge is knitting (registering) the names Meaning? they are going to kill all of the Evremonde Importance? dooms the Evremonde family and anyone connected to their family
"'Wait at Dover for Mam'selle.' It's not long, you see, guard. Jerry, say that my answer was, RECALLED TO LIFE." 7: 37- 39
Who said It? Mr Lorry Context? Jerry just delivered a message from Tellson's to Lorry Meaning? someone at Tellson will understand the message Importance? introduces the theme of recalled to life, secrets, codes. No one but Lorry understands the message.
182:14-15"I'm a mere man of business, and unfit to cope with such intricate and difficult matters."
Who said It? Mr. Lorry Context? He was talking to Dr. Manette about the relapse Meaning? Mr. Lorry feels uncomfortable handling the personal mental affairs of Doctor Manette. Importance? repeats that Mr. Lorry is a man of business
241:9-14: "One of the first considerations which arose in the business mind of Mr. Lorry when business hours came round, was this - that he had no right to imperil Tellson's by sheltering the wife of an emigrant prisoner under the Bank roof. His own possessions, safety, life, he would have hazarded for Lucie and her child, without a moment's demur; but the great trust he held was not his own, and as to that business charge he was a strict man of business."
Who said It? Narrator Context? Lucie and little Lucie have just arrived at Tellson's Bank in Paris and are told that Darnay is in La Force Meaning? They need a place to stay even though Mr. Lorry is a man of business and doesn't want anything to ruin his reputation at the bank Importance? Mr. Lorry is still a businessman at his core
"In wild dreamlike procession, embracing whom they met and pointing him out, they carried him on. Reddening the snowy streets with the prevailing Republican color, in winding and tramping through them and as they reddened them below the snow with a deeper dye". (pg. 266 lines 15-19)
Who said It? Narrator (Dickens) Context? Lucie is in the streets trying to see Darnay, the Carmagnole comes around, Lucie is scared Meaning? The revolutionaries perform an intense dance called the Carmagnole. It terrifies Lucie Importance? That dance is crazy
"The shadow attendant on Madame Defarge and her party seemed to fall so threatening and dark on the child, that her mother instinctively kneeled on the ground beside her, and held her to her breast. The shadow attendant on Madame Defarge and her party seemed then to fall, threatening and dark, on both mother and the child."224; Lines 15-20
Who said It? Narrator (Dickens) Context? Mme. Defarge has come to Tellson's to talk to them Meaning? Madame Defarge is compared to a shadow that throws darkness upon Lucie. The analogy shows that Madame Defarge truly terrifies Lucie and diminishes her hope that she, Darnay, and little Lucie will ever get their lives back. This shadow causes Lucie to protectively hold little Lucie. Importance? Mme. Defarge's shadow never leaves Lucie
"I don't care about fortune: she is a charming creature, and I have made up my mind to please myself: on the whole, I can afford to please myself...I feel Miss Manette will tell well in any station, and will always do me credit."
Who said It? Stryver Context? speaking to Carton at temple Bar Meaning?he thinks Lucie is a trophy wife Importance? arrogance of Stryver - looking everything from his point of view
"Well! I'll say gallantry meaning is that I am a man who cares to be more agreeable, who takes more pains to be agreeable, who knows better how to be agreeable, in a women's society, than you do."
Who said It? Stryver Context?at the temple bar drinking Meaning?-says stryver is better women than carton Importance?- ironic of how big headed Stryver
"... It is good until recalled. But it may be soon recalled, and, I have reason to think, will be."
Who said It? Sydney Carton Context? When he found the papers that will allow them to leave France in Dr. Manette's coat pocket Meaning? Lorry is responsible for getting them out of France Importance? Carton isn't totally trusting his plan so just in case, gets the Manettes travel passes to get out of France
It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to than I have ever known.
Who said It? Sydney Carton Context? about to get his head cut off at the guillotine Meaning? best thing he's ever done in his life & it gives his life worth Importance? Gives his life value as he selflessly dies, he goes to Heaven (we assume)
"By the help of heaven you shall! Promise me solemnly that nothing will influence you to alter the course on which we now stand pledged to one another."
Who said It? Sydney Carton Context? speaking to Mr. Lorry about their plans for the Manettes Meaning? don't get distracted from getting them out of France Importance? so they don't get exterminated because they are also Evremondes
"I see the lives for which I lay down my life, peaceful, useful, prosperous and happy, in that England which I shall see no more. I see Her with....." (Page 345, Lines 4-10)
Who said It? Sydney Carton (thinking it in his head) Context? He is in Charles Darnay's cell Meaning? Thinking about why and who he is dying for Importance? he's not dying just for Lucie but for her loved ones and for their lives
"Bad Fortune!" "and here are the tumbrils! And Evremonde will be despatched in a wink, and she not here! See her knitting in my hand, and her empty chair ready for her. I cry with vexation and disappointment!" (Page 342, Lines 34-38)
Who said It? The Vengeance Context? when they are watching the people getting killed and waiting for Mme. Defarge Meaning? Self explanatory Importance? dramatic irony; the vengeance doesn't know that mme. Defarge is actually dead
Are you dying for him? Oh, you will let me hold your brave hand, stranger?
Who said It? The little Seamstress Context? asking Sydney Carton while they are waiting in line to die. Meaning?she's astonished by his bravery because he is selflessly dying for Darnay and his family Importance? She recognizes Carton isn't Darnay
"But for you, dear stranger, I should not be so composed, for I am naturally a poor little thing, faint of heart, nor should I have been able to raise my thoughts to Him who was put to death, that we might have hope and comfort here to-day. I think you were sent to me by Heaven." (Page 343, Lines 13-17)
Who said It? The little Seamstress Context? speaking to Carton and she is about to get her head cut off Meaning? Seamstress is grateful Carton is with her because she has been able to witness selfless compassion and courage i, believes that God sent Carton to her to comfort her before she dies. Carton has been able to relax and comfort her despite her impending death. Importance? she is first person who actually realizes he's doing something great
"he'll be drawn on a hurdle to be half hanged, and then he'll be taken down and sliced before his own face, and then his inside will be taken out and burnt while he looks on, and then his head will be chopped off, and he'll be cut into quarters. That's the sentence."(53:23-27)
Who said It? bluefly/spectator Context?someone asked his punishment Meaning?lets the reading know that the trial is not fair, mock the english justice system Importance? theme of secrets: that is his punishment for keeping secrets
"...he is denounced- and gravely- by the Citizen and Citizeness Defarge. And by one other...Do you ask Citizen Doctor?" (268:2-3,5)
Who said It? guard who comes to get Darnay Context? Darnay just got released because of Manette's influence and soldiers come back to re-arrest him Meaning? They only say that the Defarge's and someone else come to arrest him Importance? guard has that ironic tone in his voice because Dr. Manette is the "one other"
"Al-ways rusty! His fingers is al-ways rusty!" muttered young Jerry. "Where does my father get all that iron rust from? He don't get no iron rust here!" (2.1.1-3)..
Who said It? little Jerry Context? after his father comes home Meaning? he is curious of his dads night job wondering where the rust is from Importance? foreshadows Jerry's 2nd job
"Oh, Father, I should so like to be a resurrection-man when I'm quite grown up!"(147:30)
Who said It? little Jerry Context? after seeing his dad at the graveyard the night before Meaning? That little Jerry wants to be a grave digger just like his father Importance? makes his dad proud (jerry)
"His face had become frozen,as it were , in a very curious look at Darnay: an intent look, deepening into a frown of dislike and distrust, not even unmixed with fear. With this strange expression on him his thoughts had wandered away
Who said It? narrator Context? After the 1st trial; Dr. Manette looks at Darnay Meaning? Dr. manette's remind by something of darnay Importance? recognizes family resemblance; clue as to why Dr. Manette was imprisoned
"Except on the crown, which was raggedly bald, he had stiff, black hair, standing jaggedly all over it, and growing downhill almost to his broad, blunt nose. It was so like smith's work, so much more like the top of a strongly spiked wall than a head of hair, that the best of players at leap-frog might have declined him, as the most dangerous man in the"Why, yes, of Beauvais. Like Monsieur Manette, your father, the gentleman was of Beauvais. Like Monsieur Manette, your father, the gentleman of repute in Paris. I had the honor of knowing him there. Our relations were business relations, but confidential. I was at that time in our French House, and had bee world to go over" (Page 10 Lines 19-25)
Who said It? narrator Context? Jerry Cruncher is being described going back to tellson's after delivering the message. Lorry Meaning? description of Cruncher Importance? Gives comic relief; setting him up as a comic character
"...already fast shouldering his way to a large and lucrative practice..." (Page 76)
Who said It? narrator Context? Mr. stryver and Mr. cartons dinner Meaning? uses Carton to do well Importance? shouldering up way to the ladder of success
"It was a heavy mass of building,... with a large stone courtyard before it, and two stone sweeps of staircase meeting in a stone terrace... a stony business altogether, with heavy stone balustrades, stone urns, and stone flowers, and stone faces of men, and stone heads of lions, in all directions."
Who said It? narrator Context? The chateau after marquis arrives after the party and killing the son Meaning? A metaphorical similarity of the Marquis' heart and his stone chateau how they are both stone Importance? stone is sense of place that reflects on Marquis; reflects Marquis' cold personality
But, he had oppressed no man, he had imprisoned no man; he was so far from having harshly exacted payment of his dues, that he had relinquished them of his own will, thrown himself on a world with no favour in it, won his own private place there, and earned his own bread" (221, 5-11).
Who said It? narrator Context? after Darnay had read the letter Meaning? Gabelle's imprisonment was unreasonable, and that he really got punished for nothing at all Importance? show Darnay's unrealistic idealism
"'[He] could swallow a great many things with ease, and was by some few sullen minds supposed to be rather rapidly swallowing France; but, his morning's chocolate could not so much get into [his throat] without the aid of four strong men...'" (2:7:5-9).
Who said It? narrator Context? beginning of chapter; mocking the nobility of the Monsignor in town Meaning? can't do anything himself; lives lavish and expensive life Importance? shows how Monsignor has a really lavish lifestyle; extravagance of the lifestyle
"He was so deadly pale- which had not been the case when they went in together- that no vestige of colour was to be seen in his face" (175:16-18).
Who said It? narrator Context? morning of the wedding of Darnay and Lucie Meaning? Dr. Manette had gotten pale in his face Importance? This event instigates Doctor Manette's shoemaking for the next 9 days.
"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness..." (1.1-3).
Who said It? narrator Context? opening sentence Meaning? superlative degree of comparison, difference between France and England Importance? shows the extremes and shows the satirical tone (Paradox)
"'He made shoes, he made shoes, he made shoes...Five paces by four and a half.'" (234:38-39)
Who said it: Narrator Context? Darnay has been imprisoned in Laforce upon returning to France Meaning? he paces and make shoes to stay sane Importance? Darnay's scene in prison is a mirror scene to Doctor Manette's. Although Darnay has not deteriorated like Doctor Manette did, they both quickly found ways to cope and keep their minds off prison.