A Tale of Two Cities · Chapter
The Fellow of Delicacy explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Stryver decides to propose marriage to Lucie Manette and first consults Mr. Lorry at Tellson's Bank. Mr. Lorry gently dissuades him, suggesting he has no reason to believe he would succeed. Stryver, after initial indignation, reinterprets the advice as confirmation that Lucie is unworthy of him and leaves, satisfied that he has avoided a mistake.
Themes in this chapter
Class and Privilege
Stryver's assumption that his worldly success and status entitle him to Lucie's hand reflects the theme of class and privilege, while Mr. Lorry's intervention underscores that personal worth and affection are not determined by social standing.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Stryver
Resolves to propose to Lucie Manette and consults Mr. Lorry, but is dissuaded and rationalizes the outcome as fortunate.
- Mr. Jarvis Lorry
Receives Stryver's confidence and tactfully advises him against proposing, defending Lucie's character.
- Lucie Manette
The object of Stryver's intended proposal; defended by Mr. Lorry from disrespect.
- Doctor Manette
Mentioned as the father of Lucie, whose feelings Mr. Lorry considers.
Key passages
“Argued with the jury on substantial worldly grounds—the only grounds ever worth taking into account—it was a plain case, and had not a weak spot in it.”
Stryver believed that if he presented his case to Lucie based on practical, material advantages, it would be an undeniable success.
Highlights Stryver's confidence in worldly reasoning over emotional or personal considerations.
“I wouldn't go on such an object without having some cause to believe that I should succeed.”
Mr. Lorry advises Stryver not to propose unless he has some indication that Lucie would accept him.
Mr. Lorry's cautious, business-like approach to matters of the heart.
“I will hear no disrespectful word of that young lady from any lips; and that if I knew any man—which I hope I do not—whose taste was so coarse, and whose temper was so overbearing, that he could not restrain himself from speaking disrespectfully of that young lady at this desk, not even Tellson's should prevent my giving him a piece of my mind.”
Mr. Lorry firmly defends Lucie's honor, threatening to confront anyone who speaks ill of her, regardless of the setting.
Shows Mr. Lorry's deep loyalty and protective affection for Lucie.