A Tale of Two Cities · Chapter
The Game Made explained
Charles Darnay is re-accused and tried before the Revolutionary Tribunal, denounced by Defarge, Madame Defarge, and unexpectedly by Doctor Manette.
What happens
Charles Darnay is re-accused and tried before the Revolutionary Tribunal, denounced by Defarge, Madame Defarge, and unexpectedly by Doctor Manette. Despite Manette's protest, the court proceeds. Sydney Carton, having resolved to sacrifice himself, prepares by visiting Mr. Lorry, following Lucie's steps to the prison, obtaining chemicals from a chemist, and meditating on the biblical words 'I am the resurrection and the life.'
Themes in this chapter
Resurrection and Renewal
Carton repeatedly meditates on the biblical passage 'I am the resurrection and the life,' signaling his spiritual renewal and sacrificial resolve.
Sacrifice and Redemption
Carton prepares to sacrifice himself for Darnay and Lucie, buying chemicals and walking with a settled purpose toward his redemptive act.
Social Injustice and Revolution
The Revolutionary Tribunal's lack of fair procedure, the mob's bloodthirsty approval, and the forced denunciation of Doctor Manette illustrate the revolution's descent into injustice.
Characters to notice
- Charles Darnay
Re-accused and tried before the Revolutionary Tribunal as Charles Evrémonde, denounced as an aristocrat and enemy of the Republic.
- Sydney Carton
Resolves to sacrifice himself; walks through Paris, meditates on resurrection, obtains chemicals, and prepares for the next day.
- Lucie Manette
Present at the trial, sitting beside her father, sustaining and encouraging Darnay with her look.
- Doctor Manette
Denounced as one of the accusers, protests indignantly but is rebuked by the President; sits trembling after.
- Madame Defarge
One of the three denouncers of Darnay; stands at the bottom of the steps looking steadily at Defarge during his testimony.
- Monsieur Defarge
Testifies about the imprisonment and release of Doctor Manette; one of the three denouncers.
Key passages
“I am the resurrection and the life, saith the Lord: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me, shall never die.”
Carton repeats the biblical promise of eternal life through faith, finding solace and purpose as he prepares for his sacrifice.
This passage becomes Carton's mantra, symbolizing his spiritual transformation and hope for redemption.
“Before that unjust Tribunal, there was little or no order of procedure, ensuring to any accused person any reasonable hearing.”
The Revolutionary Tribunal lacked proper legal process, denying fair trials to the accused.
Highlights the breakdown of justice during the Reign of Terror.
“If the Republic should demand of you the sacrifice of your child herself, you would have no duty but to sacrifice her.”
The President tells Doctor Manette that the Republic requires absolute loyalty, even to the point of sacrificing one's own child.
Illustrates the extreme demands of revolutionary ideology over personal bonds.