Tale of Two Cities Book 2 Ch.10-13 Litblog

Mary Ann MacDonald
Period 5
11-8-12

Book 2 Chapters 10-13

Summary: In chapter 10, Darnay goes to the Manette's house and tells Dr. Manette about his interest to marry Lucie. Dr. Manette is reluctant but promises that Lucie tells Dr. Manette that she wants to marry Darnay and expresses interest in him, the Doctor will let them marry. In chapter 11, Stryver tells Carton that he is planning to ask Lucie to marry him and Carton expresses his approval and congratulations. In chapter 12,   Stryver talks to Mr. Lorry about it at the bank Mr. Lorry doesn't want him to marry Lucie and in the end Mr. Stryver decides not to ask her to marry him. In chapter 13,  Mr. Carton goes to the Manette's house and tells Lucie that his life is nothing and he can never be anything more than he is now. Lucie tells him that she can save him, and Carton tells her that she has inspired him and that he would die for her, and makes her swear to remember him and not tell anyone what they talked about.

Quotation: " O Miss Manette, when the little picture of a happy father's face looks up in yours, when you see your own bright beauty springing up anew at your feet, think now and then that there is a mean who give his life, to keep a life you love beside you!"

Quotation Significance: Mr. Carton tells this to Miss Manette. He is basically saying that he would give his life to her in a second to help her have the life she wanted. He loves her and even though he can't be with her and he knows he shouldn't, he only want the very best for her. 

Reflection: A lot of romance with Lucie goes on in these four chapters! Obviously, not only does Mr. Carton and Darnay love her, it seems that Mr. Stryver does as well. In fact the only in this book who has no interest in Lucie is Mr. Lorry. When Carton hears that Stryver wants to marry Lucie Carton feels hurt but he knows that deep down he isn't good enough for Lucie and even thought he is unhappy he gives his approval. Mr. Stryver says that he isn't marrying Lucie for her money, and it seems like he loves her. But, he gives up the idea of marrying her too quickly. It seems to me that Mr. Stryver likes Lucie, but doesn't love her like Darnay and Carton. Dr. Manette is reluctant to let Darnay marry Lucie but he promises Darnay that he will let them marry if she brings up the idea to him. Carton tells Lucie that he loves her and will die for her and that she has changed his life but he knows he doesn't deserve her and has given up on her. So I think that Lucie and Darnay will eventually get married. Mr. Lorry tells Mr. Stryver he doesn't want him to marry Lucie because he knows that something is going on between Darnay and Lucie which Stryver doesn't know about.   So in the end, Lorry convinces Stryver not to marry Lucie.

Discussion Question: How do you think Lucie feels about her conversation with Carton? How does her relationship with Darnay compare to her relationship with Carton?