# IV: The Preparation explained — A Tale of Two Cities

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

## What happens

Mr. Lorry meets Lucie Manette in Dover to reveal that her father, Dr. Manette, is alive and has been found in Paris. He explains the circumstances of his disappearance and imprisonment, and the need for secrecy. Lucie is overcome with emotion and faints, and is tended to by Miss Pross, who accompanies her.

## Themes in this chapter

### Resurrection and Renewal

The revelation that Dr. Manette is 'recalled to life' after being thought dead for 18 years embodies the theme of resurrection and the possibility of renewal.

### Love and Family

Lucie's emotional response and her journey to reunite with her father highlight the bonds of family and the power of love to restore.

## Character check-ins

### Mr. Jarvis Lorry

Delivers the news of Dr. Manette's survival to Lucie, struggles with the emotional weight of the revelation.

### Lucie Manette

Learns that her father is alive and is overwhelmed, fainting from the shock.

### Miss Pross

Rushes to Lucie's aid, scolds Mr. Lorry, and cares for Lucie with great devotion.

## Key lines

> I am going to see his Ghost! It will be his Ghost—not him!

Lucie expresses her fear that the father she is about to meet will be a mere shadow of the man he once was.

_Highlights the emotional shock and the theme of resurrection._

> Recalled to Life

The secret code phrase used by Mr. Lorry to refer to Dr. Manette's discovery, implying a return from the dead.

_Central to the theme of resurrection and the mystery of the plot._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_tale_of_two_cities_se/chapters/iv-the-preparation
- 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