# The Mail explained — A Tale of Two Cities

> Chapter companion for A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens.

## What happens

On a foggy November night in 1775, the Dover mail coach struggles up Shooter's Hill with three wary passengers. A mysterious horseman named Jerry delivers a message to Mr. Jarvis Lorry, who reads it and replies with the cryptic phrase 'Recalled to Life.'

## Themes in this chapter

### Resurrection and Renewal

The cryptic message 'Recalled to Life' introduces the theme of resurrection, suggesting a return from death or obscurity.

### Fate and History

The mysterious dispatch and the ominous atmosphere hint at larger historical forces and personal destinies unfolding.

## Character check-ins

### Mr. Jarvis Lorry

The passenger booked by this history, traveling on the Dover mail, receives a message and responds with 'Recalled to Life.'

### Mr. Cruncher

Jerry, the messenger, delivers a despatch to Mr. Lorry and is puzzled by the reply 'Recalled to Life.'

## Key lines

> Recalled to life.

Brought back from the dead or from a state of oblivion.

_Mr. Lorry's enigmatic reply to Jerry's message, foreshadowing Dr. Manette's release from prison._

> I say a horse at a gallop, Tom,” returned the guard, leaving his hold of the door, and mounting nimbly to his place. “Gentlemen! In the king’s name, all of you!”

The guard hears a galloping horse and quickly prepares to defend the coach, calling on the passengers to stand ready.

_Illustrates the constant threat of highwaymen and the tense atmosphere of the journey._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_tale_of_two_cities_se/chapters/ii-the-mail
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_tale_of_two_cities_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_tale_of_two_cities_se/chapters