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A Tale of Two Cities

by Charles Dickens

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Student Question

Why does Mr. Stryver want to marry Lucie in A Tale of Two Cities?

Quick answer:

In A Tale of Two Cities, Mr. Stryver wants to marry Lucie because he thinks that her beauty and virtues would make him look all the more impressive.

Expert Answers

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While a great many characters fall in love with Lucie Manette, Mr. Stryver seems to view her as a potential trophy more than anything else. When he describes his marriage plans to Sydney Carton, his tone is less reminiscent of a man in love and more of a buyer who believes he has discovered a good bargain:

“Now you know all about it, Syd,” said Mr. Stryver. “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 think I can afford to please myself. She will have in me a man already pretty well off, and a rapidly rising man, and a man of some distinction: it is a piece of good fortune for her, but she is worthy of good fortune."

Mr. Stryver wants someone to look after his house and look good on his arm when people come to visit. His view of marriage is entirely practical and social. This is in direct opposition with Charles Darnay and Sydney Carton, who both respect Lucie as a person. They view her as more than just a potential helpmate, and they both desire her happiness. Mr. Stryver is only thinking of himself, even though he claims that Lucie would benefit from marrying a man who has the wealth and social status that he does.

Ultimately, Mr. Lorry discourages Mr. Stryver from proposing to Lucie directly, knowing that this will make the young woman uncomfortable. Instead, he says he will go and see how Lucie feels on the matter, then report back to Mr. Stryver. Mr. Stryver is offended at this, but agrees. When Mr. Lorry returns to confirm that Lucie would not accept him, Mr. Stryver pretends that he lost all interest in Lucie, dismissing her as a fool—this is a good illustration of his pride in addition to his arrogance.

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