A Tale of Two Cities · Chapter
IX: The Gorgon's Head explained
The Marquis Evrémonde and his nephew Charles Darnay engage in a tense philosophical debate about the family's legacy of oppression and injustice.
What happens
The Marquis Evrémonde and his nephew Charles Darnay engage in a tense philosophical debate about the family's legacy of oppression and injustice. Darnay renounces his title and property, declaring his intention to live by working in England. The Marquis, unrepentant, vows to perpetuate the system. Later, alone in his chamber, the Marquis is murdered during the night, his death foreshadowed by the ominous stone faces of the château.
Themes in this chapter
Class and Privilege
The Marquis embodies the arrogance and cruelty of the aristocracy, while Darnay's renunciation highlights the moral conflict and the system's inherent injustice.
Vengeance vs. Justice
The Marquis's murder, foreshadowed by the stone faces and the turning fountain to blood, represents the violent vengeance of the oppressed against their oppressors.
Characters to notice
- Monseigneur
The Marquis Evrémonde, unrepentant aristocrat who defends the system of oppression and is murdered in his bed.
- Charles Darnay
The Marquis's nephew who renounces his title and property, expressing guilt over the family's wrongs and planning to live by working in England.
Key passages
“Repression is the only lasting philosophy. The dark deference of fear and slavery, my friend, will keep the dogs obedient to the whip, as long as this roof shuts out the sky.”
The Marquis asserts that fear and oppression are the only effective means to maintain control over the lower classes.
This quote encapsulates the Marquis's unyielding belief in aristocratic tyranny.
“I will die, perpetuating the system under which I have lived.”
The Marquis declares his commitment to the oppressive social order until his death.
This line underscores the Marquis's stubborn refusal to change, leading to his violent end.