In the final week of reading for A Tale of Two Cities, Jacques Three makes the statement, about Lucie, that she has a fine head for hanging. Blue eyes and golden hair, and looked charming. What a sick man! If you actually enjoy watching people get their heads chopped off, you may have some slight mental health problems.
Later, Madame Defarge, being the piece of work she is, tries to sneak up on Lucie to try to catch her grieving the death of one of the prisoners. If it would be possible to catch her in the act, it would essentially be easier for them to build a case (and have them decapitated also) against Lucie and her family. When Madame Defarge breaks into their home, she demands to know where Lucie is. Miss Pross and Madame Defarge get into a struggle, but Madame Defarge pulls a gun and threatens to shoot, when in turn, Miss Pross ends up shooting Madame Defarge. Thanks God someone was able to kill her, because she is such a b*tch! I'm glad that it was Miss Pross also, she took her part as being a heroin by killing Lucie's enemy. In a sense, she is like Carton, just on a smaller level. However, she has lost her hearing after the gunshot.
The last chapter is basically a reflection of what Carton was thinking as he was walking to his death; how he would be remembered by the Everemonde's, Lucie and Darney. This is an appropriate ending because it gives a reflection of how Carton is proud to save Lucie and Darney. Carton truly is a hero.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
A Tale of Two Cities-12/10/08
We start off this weeks reading with Chapter 10, The Substance of the Shadow. We get to read the letter that was hidden in the tower finally! Personally, I liked the style in which this chapter was written. I like how it was Dr. Manette's point of view throughout the chapter. Anyway, in the letter, we learn about why he was put into prison.
Later on, Manette is requested to aid in the medical attention of a boy and a girl. He tires to save them, but is unsuccessful. Throughout this letter, there are missing pieces coming together and the story is becoming more enjoyable because of the new connections.
In Chapter 11, Darney is being escorted back to his cell after being sentenced to death. He and Lucie have one last chance to say goodbye outside of the courtroom. Later, Carton escorts Lucie home and tries to encourage her that there is still a chance that he will be freed. However, Lorry thinks there is no hope for Darney, which I also agree with.
At Defarge's wine shop, the Defarge's kind of act like 'what's he doing here.' While there, he overhears the Defarges plan to accuse Manette, Lucie, and even little Lucie of spying so they will be put to death also. What a jerk! It isn't enough for just Darney to be "knocked out", but she wants the whole family gone for revenge.
Later in this chapter, Manette is going crazy because he can't find his shoemaking bench. I think he just wants to think that it's gone, because he basically Lorry to destroy it for him. He seems to be extremely distraught about what he brought about himself.
In the last chapter for this week, Carton comes up with the perfect plan to do anything for Lucie, just like he said earlier in the book! He switches spots with Darney and takes the "head-chopping" for him. He talks to a old woman who realizes that he is not Darney. Does she have any revelance? It seems wrong that Carton has to die, but be that what it may. Darney, Lucie and Little Lucie are virtually shipped out of the country to flee from the Defarge's.
Later on, Manette is requested to aid in the medical attention of a boy and a girl. He tires to save them, but is unsuccessful. Throughout this letter, there are missing pieces coming together and the story is becoming more enjoyable because of the new connections.
In Chapter 11, Darney is being escorted back to his cell after being sentenced to death. He and Lucie have one last chance to say goodbye outside of the courtroom. Later, Carton escorts Lucie home and tries to encourage her that there is still a chance that he will be freed. However, Lorry thinks there is no hope for Darney, which I also agree with.
At Defarge's wine shop, the Defarge's kind of act like 'what's he doing here.' While there, he overhears the Defarges plan to accuse Manette, Lucie, and even little Lucie of spying so they will be put to death also. What a jerk! It isn't enough for just Darney to be "knocked out", but she wants the whole family gone for revenge.
Later in this chapter, Manette is going crazy because he can't find his shoemaking bench. I think he just wants to think that it's gone, because he basically Lorry to destroy it for him. He seems to be extremely distraught about what he brought about himself.
In the last chapter for this week, Carton comes up with the perfect plan to do anything for Lucie, just like he said earlier in the book! He switches spots with Darney and takes the "head-chopping" for him. He talks to a old woman who realizes that he is not Darney. Does she have any revelance? It seems wrong that Carton has to die, but be that what it may. Darney, Lucie and Little Lucie are virtually shipped out of the country to flee from the Defarge's.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
A Tale of Two Cities-12/4/08
In chapter 3, Mr. Lorry moves Lucie and Manette to a different location because of fear of drawing danger to Tellson's and leaves Jerry to be their guard. Judging by the title, there has been a shadow cast over Lucie. I believe something bad will happen to either Lucie or Manette, but I am unsure. The Defarges are quickly becoming the people to stay away from. She gives Lucie from Manette, saying that Darney is OK. Madame Defarge is intentionally trying to scare Lucie in order to lessen her as a threat.
As the revolution becomes more and more violent, Manette is still desperate to get Darney out of jail. I am not sure if his perseverance will pay off or not, but for how hard he is trying, i really do hope so. His confidence plays off of how he escaped from Bastille, so he is trying to help Darney the same way he helped himself. During this time, the king and queen are beheaded by the guillotine.
In chapter 5, Lucie talks to a man who has a saw. It seems like she is trying o become friends with him to avoid him. Later, the townspeople are dancing the Carmagnole, a once innocent dance which has been turned "dirty." Lucie is disgusted with this because it is not the way she remembered the dance.
In the next chapter, Darney is aquitted and marched out grandly on a chair. However, the Defarges still want him dead! It is suprising, considering that they don't really even know him. They have connections with Lucie and Manette, but they don't know Darney very well.
As the revolution becomes more and more violent, Manette is still desperate to get Darney out of jail. I am not sure if his perseverance will pay off or not, but for how hard he is trying, i really do hope so. His confidence plays off of how he escaped from Bastille, so he is trying to help Darney the same way he helped himself. During this time, the king and queen are beheaded by the guillotine.
In chapter 5, Lucie talks to a man who has a saw. It seems like she is trying o become friends with him to avoid him. Later, the townspeople are dancing the Carmagnole, a once innocent dance which has been turned "dirty." Lucie is disgusted with this because it is not the way she remembered the dance.
In the next chapter, Darney is aquitted and marched out grandly on a chair. However, the Defarges still want him dead! It is suprising, considering that they don't really even know him. They have connections with Lucie and Manette, but they don't know Darney very well.
Monday, November 24, 2008
A Tale of Two Cities-11/24/08
In the chapter The Sea Still Rises, we meet a man by the name of Foulon. He is an absolutely sick and disgraceful man. He tells poor people who are hungry to eat grass. Foulon is a very wealthy man, but doesn't associate with people out of his class. He is eventually hung, but he is not killed on the first try...or the second...but the third time's a charm! The rope breaks twice, and what a perfect way for this jerk to die! After the rope breaks, townspeople shove grass in his mouth. I wonder how he likes it. When he is successfully hung, they put his head on a pike, showing off their "good work."
In the next chapter, a man meets the mender of roads. They converse a while. The man starts the chateau on fire. This is the act of the revolution, but why are the townspeople lighting candles in their windows?
Darney receives a letter from Gabelle in France. He requests that he comes to France to free him. We learn, again, that Darnay is the Marquis of Evermonde. He writes two letters, one to Lucie, one to Dr. Manette, stating that he is going to France, but there will be no chance of him getting into danger. However, when he arrives in France, he is immediately taken under arrest. Emmingrants have no rights anymore in France, so Darnay has no chance to redeem his name.
In the next chapter, a man meets the mender of roads. They converse a while. The man starts the chateau on fire. This is the act of the revolution, but why are the townspeople lighting candles in their windows?
Darney receives a letter from Gabelle in France. He requests that he comes to France to free him. We learn, again, that Darnay is the Marquis of Evermonde. He writes two letters, one to Lucie, one to Dr. Manette, stating that he is going to France, but there will be no chance of him getting into danger. However, when he arrives in France, he is immediately taken under arrest. Emmingrants have no rights anymore in France, so Darnay has no chance to redeem his name.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
A Tale of Two Cities-11/19/08
In the reading this week, Madame Defarge is knitting shrouds with names on them. As the Defarges return to Saint Antoine, the mender of the roads informs them of a spy named John Basard. After receiving the description of his figure, madame says, "He shall be registered tomorrow." This clearly isn't a good situation for Basard, because once you get registered with madame, you're as good as gone. Once your name is on that list, they will search until they find you.
Why does Basard refer to Mr. Defarge as Jacques? Since he is a spy, he must be trying to get some information out of him in any way possible, but this seemed a bit strange. What is the purpose of Basard calling him Jacques when he knows he isn't? We also learn why madame knits so much. She believes that knitting "feeds" her and if she stops, she will become famished.
In chapter 17, Lucie and Dr. Manette are sitting under a tree, enjoying the evening, discussing the marriage. For once (it seems like), Dr. Manette is happy, and looking forward to Lucie's wedding. Later in the evening, Lucie checks on Dr. Manette while he is sleeping, and actually finds him sleeping rather than making shoes! It is like he has finally found comfort with himself.
But, he doesn't stay this way for long. After the wedding, he continues to make his shoes, like it is the only thing he remembers how to do!! It is obvious that he is unsure how to function without Lucie. And after only 10 short days after the wedding, he has completely forgotten his relapse. Mr. Lorry talks to him about his "friend" who suprisingly has the exact same problems as Dr. Manette! Shocker! Anyway, Dr. Manette thinks it would be wisest to destroy the problem. So when he goes off to visit Lucie, Mr. Lorry and Mrs. Pross destroy his table and equipment.
About the only thing I understood about Chapter 21 is that Lucie has a daughter. Later on, there is a war going on. What does Defarge do in Tower Five (or whatever tower it was)? What do the footsteps mean?
Why does Basard refer to Mr. Defarge as Jacques? Since he is a spy, he must be trying to get some information out of him in any way possible, but this seemed a bit strange. What is the purpose of Basard calling him Jacques when he knows he isn't? We also learn why madame knits so much. She believes that knitting "feeds" her and if she stops, she will become famished.
In chapter 17, Lucie and Dr. Manette are sitting under a tree, enjoying the evening, discussing the marriage. For once (it seems like), Dr. Manette is happy, and looking forward to Lucie's wedding. Later in the evening, Lucie checks on Dr. Manette while he is sleeping, and actually finds him sleeping rather than making shoes! It is like he has finally found comfort with himself.
But, he doesn't stay this way for long. After the wedding, he continues to make his shoes, like it is the only thing he remembers how to do!! It is obvious that he is unsure how to function without Lucie. And after only 10 short days after the wedding, he has completely forgotten his relapse. Mr. Lorry talks to him about his "friend" who suprisingly has the exact same problems as Dr. Manette! Shocker! Anyway, Dr. Manette thinks it would be wisest to destroy the problem. So when he goes off to visit Lucie, Mr. Lorry and Mrs. Pross destroy his table and equipment.
About the only thing I understood about Chapter 21 is that Lucie has a daughter. Later on, there is a war going on. What does Defarge do in Tower Five (or whatever tower it was)? What do the footsteps mean?
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
A Tale of Two Cities-11/12/08
In this weeks readings, we now learn about Mr. Darney wants to take Miss Manette's hand in marriage. I am not sure what to think about this at the present time. I am sure Miss Manette has many men just like Mr. Darney, I don't know what makes him think that he is so much different from the rest of them. Darnay tries to tell who he really is, but shrugs is off.
In the following chapter, Stryver brags about his being able to marry Miss Manette. He overdoes it quite a lot and portrays himself as an arrogent jerk. Carton, who is drinking heavily, is trying not to be upset by the news. And only to add to the situation, Stryver suggests that Carton find a woman with a "nice piece of property." When Stryver takes Miss Manette to the garden, he was going to propose, but is informed not to because he would be declined anyway. I don't know which I would rather hear; the rejection after proposing, or the rejection from another source. Talk about a rough night!
In Chapter 14, we first see the funeral procession of Roger Cly. It seems like the people watching the procession are overjoyed that he is dead. They are yelling "Spies!' and i'm not completely sure why. However, they could be praising him for his good work. I don't really know. Also, later in the Chapter, we see three men, including Jerry, in the graveyard "fishing." It just so happens that young Jerry also was there watching what was happening. It scares young Jerry initially, but later he tells his dad he wants to the the Resurection-Man when he grows up. Why does he want to do this? Does he just think he wants to do that because his dad does it??
In the following chapter, Stryver brags about his being able to marry Miss Manette. He overdoes it quite a lot and portrays himself as an arrogent jerk. Carton, who is drinking heavily, is trying not to be upset by the news. And only to add to the situation, Stryver suggests that Carton find a woman with a "nice piece of property." When Stryver takes Miss Manette to the garden, he was going to propose, but is informed not to because he would be declined anyway. I don't know which I would rather hear; the rejection after proposing, or the rejection from another source. Talk about a rough night!
In Chapter 14, we first see the funeral procession of Roger Cly. It seems like the people watching the procession are overjoyed that he is dead. They are yelling "Spies!' and i'm not completely sure why. However, they could be praising him for his good work. I don't really know. Also, later in the Chapter, we see three men, including Jerry, in the graveyard "fishing." It just so happens that young Jerry also was there watching what was happening. It scares young Jerry initially, but later he tells his dad he wants to the the Resurection-Man when he grows up. Why does he want to do this? Does he just think he wants to do that because his dad does it??
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
A Tale of Two Cities-11/4/2008
In this weeks reading, we learn about Miss Pross. I am not sure on who Miss Pross is at this point, but she comes off to be Miss Manette "protector." Miss Manette has many men visit her and Miss Pross despises that. If she actually found a man that could sweep her off her feet, a caretaker would be unnecessary, so Miss Pross doesn't really like the visitors. However, the one person that she would be OK with her being with, is her brother.
Chapter seven starts us off as telling us how splendid Monseigneur is! He is the center of attention. Monseigneur is so "good" that he can't even eat chocolate without the help of four strong men! So either he is very "grand," or he is a cripple that can't eat. The party takes place in Paris. I find it funny...these people are so simmilar to some of our countries politicians. They talk a big game but don't do a thing. But in this situation, they don't really know what they are doing. It is all about being rich, having the ladies, and looking good...Isn't that what the world is kind of like now?!?!?
Monsieur makes a mention of a young boy that he killed with his car. Not only did he kill him, Monsieur doesn't even care that he did so! How could someone think this way? It's like he knows he is so superior over him, he doesn't care if he's dead or not.
Later, we learn that Mr. Darney is Monseigneurs nephew. It is clear that Mr. Darney doesn't trust his uncle, but I am unsure about the knife and note left for Monsieur. Who exactly was is sent from?
Chapter seven starts us off as telling us how splendid Monseigneur is! He is the center of attention. Monseigneur is so "good" that he can't even eat chocolate without the help of four strong men! So either he is very "grand," or he is a cripple that can't eat. The party takes place in Paris. I find it funny...these people are so simmilar to some of our countries politicians. They talk a big game but don't do a thing. But in this situation, they don't really know what they are doing. It is all about being rich, having the ladies, and looking good...Isn't that what the world is kind of like now?!?!?
Monsieur makes a mention of a young boy that he killed with his car. Not only did he kill him, Monsieur doesn't even care that he did so! How could someone think this way? It's like he knows he is so superior over him, he doesn't care if he's dead or not.
Later, we learn that Mr. Darney is Monseigneurs nephew. It is clear that Mr. Darney doesn't trust his uncle, but I am unsure about the knife and note left for Monsieur. Who exactly was is sent from?
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