Topics for Discussion
1. How is Lucie Manette referred to as the "golden thread" in the novel?
2. What are Monsieur Defarge's reasons for keeping the door to Dr. Manette's room locked?
3. What triggers the French mob to revolt? Do you believe their actions are justified? How does Dickens portray the revolutionary mob? What evidence supports your interpretation?
4. In what ways does Dickens use foreshadowing to prepare the reader for future events in the novel? How does he hint at significant events such as the revolution, Carton's ultimate sacrifice, or Roger Cly's reappearance?
5. How does Dr. Manette inadvertently provide testimony against his son-in-law during Darnay's second trial in France?
6. Why is Madame Defarge so determined to seek vengeance against Darnay and his family? What events lead to her specific focus on him?
7. Compare and contrast Miss Pross and Madame Defarge.
8. How does Carton convince John Barsad to grant him access to Darnay's cell? What is Barsad's true identity?
9. What coincidences are present in the novel? Do they diminish the book's
overall impact?
10. Dickens is often regarded as a writer with a sense of humor. What instances
of humor do you find in A Tale of Two Cities? How do they contribute to
the story?
11. What symbols are present in this novel? How do they help Dickens convey his themes?
12. Do you observe any similarities between London and Paris? Why is it called a tale of two cities?
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