A Tale of Two Cities · Chapter
XIV: The Honest Tradesman explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Cruncher and his son Young Jerry observe a funeral procession for Roger Cly, a former spy, which is met with public derision. Later, Mr. Cruncher returns home, suspicious of his wife's praying, and prepares for his nighttime activities as a 'Resurrection-Man,' a trade his son aspires to follow.
Themes in this chapter
Class and Privilege
Mr. Cruncher's lowly trade as a Resurrection-Man and his suspicion of his wife's piety highlight the struggles of the working class.
Duality and Opposites
The contrast between Mr. Cruncher's public persona as an honest tradesman and his secret work as a grave robber.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Cruncher
Observes the funeral of Roger Cly, suspects his wife of praying, and prepares for his work as a Resurrection-Man.
- Young Jerry
Accompanies his father, expresses interest in becoming a Resurrection-Man, and is encouraged by Mr. Cruncher.
- Mrs. Cruncher
Dejectedly endures her husband's accusations of praying and is warned against meditating petitions.
- Roger Cly
His funeral is the subject of public scorn; he is identified as a former Old Bailey spy.
Key passages
“To the eyes of Mr. Jeremiah Cruncher, sitting on his stool in Fleet-street with his grisly urchin beside him, a vast number and variety of objects in movement were every day presented.”
Jeremiah Cruncher, perched on his stool in Fleet Street with his ragged son nearby, daily witnessed a bustling crowd of people and vehicles.
Establishes the setting and Mr. Cruncher's observational role.
“If, as a honest tradesman, my wenturs goes wrong tonight, I shall make sure that you’ve been praying again me, and I shall work you for it just the same as if I seen you do it.”
If my ventures fail tonight, I will assume you've been praying against me and will punish you as if I caught you in the act.
Reveals Mr. Cruncher's superstitious belief that his wife's prayers cause his bad luck.
“Oh, father, I should so like to be a Resurrection-Man when I’m quite growed up!”
Father, I want to become a body snatcher when I'm older!
Young Jerry expresses his ambition to follow his father's secret trade.