A Tale of Two Cities Book 2, Chapter 21

ENG 4U

October 17, 2012

A Tale of Two Cities

Book 2, Chapter 21: “Echoing Footsteps”

96. The "Echoing Footsteps" are foreshadowing the French revolution and the footsteps of the mobs that will be rampaging through the city.

97. During this time period, Charles and Lucie lose a son. “Even when golden hair, like her own, lay in a halo on a pillow round the worn face of a little boy, and he said, with a radiant smile, “Dear papa and mamma, I am very sorry to leave you both, and to leave my pretty sister; but I am called, and I must go!”” (202).         

98. Over the years, Carton became less of an alcoholic. When he visited Lucie, he was never drunk. “He never came heated with wine” (203). Mr. Stryver became a rich, successful lawyer and married a widow with property and three sons. Stryver shoved his way toward success, dragging Carton along with him: “Mr. Stryver shouldered his way through the law, like some great engine forcing itself through turbid water, and dragged his useful friend in his wake, like a boat towed astern” (203).

99. July 14, 1989 is known as Bastille Day. On this day, in Paris, people stormed into the Bastille prison: "Come, then!...Patriots and friends, we are ready! The Bastille!” (207). This marked the start of the French revolution.

100. Defarge demanded to be taken to 105 North Tower: “Show me the North Tower!...Quick!”(208). This was the jail cell where Dr. Manette was held when he was in prison. Defarge, Jacques, and the Guard examine the room and find the initials “A.M.” scratched in the wall. This was the cell of Alexander Manette. They later search everything in the room and in frustration Defarge command the others to burn all the items in the room: “Let us collect them together, in the middle of the cell. So! Light them, you!” (210).
101.  Madame Defarge shows her merciless strength by cutting off the governor's head: “Suddenly animated, she put her foot upon his neck, and with her cruel knife—long ready—hewed off his head” (211).