# XIV: The Honest Tradesman explained — A Tale of Two Cities

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_tale_of_two_cities_se/chapters/xiv-the-honest-tradesman
- 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