A Tale of Two Cities · Chapter
The Night Shadows explained
The chapter reflects on the inherent mystery and secrecy of every human soul, as the mail coach travels through the night.
What happens
The chapter reflects on the inherent mystery and secrecy of every human soul, as the mail coach travels through the night. The messenger, Jerry Cruncher, rides back to Tellson's Bank with the cryptic message 'Recalled to Life,' while a passenger inside the coach dreams of digging a man out of a grave after eighteen years of burial. The passenger's thoughts are haunted by a ghostly face and the repeated question of whether the buried man wishes to live, culminating in the dawn and the realization of the long imprisonment.
Themes in this chapter
Resurrection and Renewal
The central theme of the chapter is 'Recalled to Life,' as the passenger dreams of digging a man out of a grave after eighteen years, symbolizing a resurrection from a living death.
Fate and History
The mysterious and inevitable forces of fate are evoked through the night shadows and the passenger's haunting visions, suggesting that history and destiny are inescapable.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Cruncher
Jerry Cruncher is the messenger riding back to Tellson's Bank, muttering about the message 'Recalled to Life' and showing a secretive, sinister demeanor.
- Mr. Jarvis Lorry
The bank passenger inside the mail coach, who dreams of digging a man out of a grave and repeatedly asks about the length of burial and the desire to live, representing his mission to recall Dr. Manette.
Key passages
“A wonderful fact to reflect upon, that every human creature is constituted to be that profound secret and mystery to every other.”
It is a remarkable truth that every person is a deep mystery to everyone else.
This opening reflection establishes the theme of human isolation and the unknowability of others.
“Recalled to Life!”
Brought back from the dead!
The cryptic message that Jerry Cruncher carries, which becomes the central metaphor for Dr. Manette's release from prison.
“Buried how long? Almost eighteen years.”
How long have you been buried? Nearly eighteen years.
The repeated question in the passenger's dream, referring to Dr. Manette's long imprisonment.