# A Disappointment explained — A Tale of Two Cities

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

## What happens

In the trial of Charles Darnay for treason, the Attorney-General presents a damning case, calling witnesses John Barsad and Roger Cly, who claim Darnay passed military secrets to France. Mr. Lorry testifies but cannot identify Darnay as a fellow passenger. Sydney Carton, lounging in court, reassures Darnay about Lucie Manette's condition. After a tense wait, the jury returns a verdict of 'Acquitted,' and Jerry Cruncher rushes the news to Tellson's Bank, reflecting on the earlier message 'Recalled to Life.'

## Themes in this chapter

### Vengeance vs. Justice

The prosecution's aggressive demand for Darnay's head contrasts with the eventual acquittal, highlighting the tension between vengeful rhetoric and judicial outcome.

### Class and Privilege

Barsad's claim to be a 'gentleman' and his evasive answers about his property and debts expose the hypocrisy and instability of social class.

## Character check-ins

### Charles Darnay

The prisoner on trial for treason, accused of passing military lists to France.

### Sydney Carton

Appears in court with a careless, almost insolent manner; speaks briefly to Darnay about Lucie Manette.

### Mr. Jarvis Lorry

Testifies as a Tellson's bank clerk; cannot identify Darnay as a fellow mail passenger; later sends Jerry with the verdict.

### Mr. Barsad

Testifies as a patriot witness; cross-examined about his past as a spy, debtor, and gambler.

### Roger Cly

Testifies as Darnay's former servant, claiming he discovered treasonable lists and gave information out of patriotism.

### Mr. Cruncher

Messenger for Tellson's; waits for the verdict and carries the word 'Acquitted' back to the bank.

## Key lines

> That head Mr. Attorney-General concluded by demanding of them, in the name of everything he could think of with a round turn in it, and on the faith of his solemn asseveration that he already considered the prisoner as good as dead and gone.

The prosecutor demanded the jury sentence Darnay to death, insisting he was as good as dead already.

_Illustrates the prosecution's dramatic and prejudicial rhetoric._

> Hastily written on the paper was the word 'Acquitted.'

The verdict was 'Not Guilty.'

_The pivotal moment of the chapter, reversing the expected outcome._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_tale_of_two_cities_se/chapters/iii-a-disappointment
- 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