A Dramatisation of A Tale of Two Cities for English Learners
Peter Mountford
Abstract
Drama offers many possibilities for teaching English as a second language; however, a lack of drama-based
teaching materials suggests it is not widely used in the classroom. To investigate the practical difficulties of
using drama in the classroom, I wrote a script for Charles Dickens’ novel, A Tale of Two Cities. The objectives
and process of writing the script and the script itself are presented in this paper.
Key words: English as a second language, drama,
Introduction
best-selling novels. The story contains many themes
In a previous paper, I reported on using drama as an
and plots, but the one best remembered and easiest to
extra-curricular English activity. The merits of using
relate is the triangular relationship of Sydney Carton,
drama to teach English as a second language have
Charles Darnay, and Lucie Manette. The two men,
been discussed by several authors, and their work has
Sydney Carton and Charles Darnay look remarkably
been reviewed by Belliveau and Kim. Drama offers
alike. This physical likeness leads to the Frenchman
many possibilities for teaching English as a second
Charles Darnay being rescued twice from execution,
language and as a second subject in mixed ability
once in London and once in Paris, by Sydney Carton.
classes in tertiary education, to Japanese students who
The dramatisation presented here was developed as an
have received at least 6 years of English instruction.
accompaniment for the Macmillan Graded Reader of
However, a major obstacle to the wider use of drama
A Tale of Two Cities,3） although it could also be used
in the classroom, is quite simply a dearth of structured
as a template for the Oxford or Penguin adaptations of
teaching materials. To investigate the difficulties
the same novel.4,5） The drama was developed for use
behind using drama in the classroom, I have scripted
with university students, but it could also be used in
a dramatisation of Charles Dickens’ novel, A Tale of
high school English education, as the grammar (but
Two Cities. In Outline, I write about the context for
not the vocabulary) is restricted to the tenses taught
which the drama was conceived and the necessary
in junior high school. There is no need for elaborate
limitations this entails, and in Discussion, the structure
stage furniture or props. Most of what is required can
of the dramatisation is discussed in more detail. The
be improvised from classroom furniture: the titles of
full script is presented as an Appendix.
the scenes can be written on a blackboard. I suggest
1）
2）
that the same person play the roles of Sydney Carton
Outline
and Charles Darnay, wearing a battered hat and
A Tale of Two Cities was written and published in
shabby jacket for Sydney’s role, and a smart jacket
weekly installments by Charles Dickens in 1859.
for Charles, to differentiate the roles. For ease of
According some to accounts it is one of the world’s
comprehension, the dialogues are written in modern
山梨県立大学　国際政策学部　総合政策学科
Department of Policy Management, Faculty of Glocal Policy Management and Communications, Yamanashi Prefectural
University
− 99 −
山梨国際研究　山梨県立大学国際政策学部紀要　No. 11（2016）
English, and idiomatic usage has been avoided. The
The Escape - A Coach at the Gates of Paris: The coach
use of pronouns has also been restricted, to make
carrying Lucie, Dr Manette, Mr Lorry and Charles
understanding easier. In the following section I give
Darnay safely leaves Paris.
an overview of the drama, some comments on stage
A limitation of the present script is that it concentrates
direction, and the educational objectives.
on the narrative rather than the characters, and in the
process Charles Darnay becomes a rather ephemeral
Discussion
figure. The triangular love story of Lucy, Charles and
The Old Bailey - London: The drama begins with the
Sydney, also becomes a victim of this process. For
trial of Charles Darnay at the Old Bailey in London.
convenience, Miss Pross, Jerry Cruncher, and Little
How Dr Manette arrived in London is revealed through
Lucie all disappear from the narrative.
the court procedure of asking witnesses questions
Ideally, each chapter of the novel should be dramatised,
and listening to their answers. Questions, questions,
as a comprehension aid for the text. However, the
questions: Practice in articulating questions is the
drama as presented could also be performed in toto
underlying objective of this part of the drama. Stage
in English, since most of the parts are short enough
directions have not been given. This should be left
for memorisation. As with any drama work, it is the
to the students to decide, and should form a basis for
interpretation of the actors and the decisions of the
discussion. Audience participation is also required in
director, that are important.
this scene. This is one of two scenes in which Charles
One conclusion to be drawn from this exercise is that
Darnay and his look-alike, Sidney Carton appear
scripting drama is time-consuming, and presents its
together. Point out this problem, but let the students
own difficulties with creating an easily understood
decide how to overcome it.
narrative.
Defarge’s Wine Shop - Paris (1): The story moves
to Paris. The story of Gaspard and the Marquis St
References
Evrémonde is told, and we learn more about Dr
１）Peter Mountford, “Drama as an extra-curricular activity for
teaching English as a foreign language” 山梨県立大学国際
Manette through the dialogue.
政策学部紀要『山梨国際研究』第 10 号、pp. 99-102、
2015 年 3 月
Mr Stryver’s House - London: This part of the play is
an invention and is not present in Dickens’ novel. It is
used as a bridge in the narrative to get Charles Darnay
and Sydney Carton from London to Paris, the former
２）George Belliveau and Won Kim, “Drama in L2 learning:
A research synthesis” Scenario vol VII http://research.ucc.ie/scenario/2013/02/BelliveauKim/02/en
as a prisoner, the latter as an aide to Mr Lorry.
３）Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities, retold by Stephen
Colbourne
The Tribunal - Paris: Once again Charles Darnay is
being tried, this time by a revolutionary tribunal. The
two trials of the novel are condensed into one for
convenience.
Defarge’s Wine Shop - Paris (2): Now we learn of
the growing danger to Lucie, and Sydney Carton
ISBN: 9781405076067
４）Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities, retold by Ralph
Mowat
ISBN: 9780194791878
５）Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities, retold by A Johnson
and G C Thornley
blackmails the spy, John Barsad, to gain access to the
prisoner, Charles Darnay.
The Escape - La Force: Sydney Carton drugs Charles
Darnay and changes places with him. Barsad helps to
carry Charles to Mr Lorry’s coach.
− 100 −
ISBN: 9781405862561
A Dramatisation of A Tale of Two Cities for English Learners
Appendix - A Tale of Two Cities Dramatisation
Mr Lorry, who do you work for?
Lorry:
Tellson’s Bank of London and Paris,
A Tale of Two Cities
sir.
The Old Bailey - London (1780)
Judge:
Silence in court!
Mr Wig who is the accused?
Wig:
A Frenchman, Charles Darnay.
Tellson’s Bank. I was helping Miss
Judge:
What is M Darnay accused of Mr
Manette bring her father to London.
Wig:
Why were you travelling with Dr
and Lucie Manette?
Lorry:
Dr and Miss Manette are clients of
Wig?
Wig:
Did you see Darnay on the ship?
Wig:
Darnay is a French spy.
Lorry:
Yes, sir. He helped Miss Manette
Judge:
What are the accusations?
Wig:
Darnay travelled many times between
take care of her father.
Wig:
England and France. There are
Did Darnay talk to you about the
American Colonies.
witnesses. One witness saw Darnay
Lorry:
No sir, he did not.
give papers to a Frenchman.
Wig:
Mr John Barsad. (calling the witness)
Judge:
Who are your witnesses?
How often do you travel to France
Wig:
Lucie Manette. (calling the witness)
Miss Manette, where did you see
Mr Barsad?
Barsad:
Charles Darnay?
Lucie:
Wig:
Very often, sir. I have business in
France.
We were on a ship travelling from
Wig:
Are you an Englishman Mr Barsad?
Calais to Dover?
Barsad:
Yes, sir, and I’m very proud to be an
When did you travel from Calais to
Englishman.
Dover?
Wig: Where did you see Darnay?
Lucie:
Last year.
Barsad:
I saw him in Calais, sir. He was
Wig: Why were you travelling from
giving papers to a Frenchman. A
France?
French spy!
I was bringing my father to England.
Stryver:
My Lord (to the Judge)
He was very ill at the time.
May I ask the witness questions?
Did Darnay speak to you about the
Judge:
Yes, Mr Stryver.
American Colonies?
Stryver:
Are you an honest man, Mr Barsad.
No sir, but he was very kind to us.
Barsad:
An honest man? Why, of course, sir.
He helped me take care of my father.
Stryver:
What is your business in France?
Wig:
Thank you Miss Manette.
Barsad:
Ahem (nervously), it’s private
Dr Mannette. (calling the witness)
Dr Manette did you speak to Darnay
Stryver:
Do you give papers to Frenchmen?
on the ship?
Barsad:
Sometimes, sir, yes.
Dr Manette:
I don’t remember.
Stryver:
M Darnay also has private business
Wig:
You don’t remember?
in France. Why are his papers
Dr Manette:
No, sir. I was very ill at the time, and
different from your papers?
Lucie:
Wig:
Lucie:
I have no memory of the journey.
Wig:
business, sir.
Barsad:(angrily) Darnay gave his papers to
Mr Jarvis Lorry. (calling the witness)
− 101 −
a French spy! I saw them meet at
山梨国際研究　山梨県立大学国際政策学部紀要　No. 11（2016）
night. I heard them talk about George
Was hington and the A merican
Evrémonde.
Jacques 3:
Colonies.
killed Gaspard’s child.
Stryver:
Are you a spy, Mr Barsad.
Barsad:
A spy! Me, sir? No, sir!
Stryver:
You say you saw Darnay and the
Mme Defarge: Many have suffered at the hands of
Evrémonde.
Jacques 1:
French spy at night. Were you paid
to say you saw Charles Darnay?
Jacques 2:
Are you sure Mr Darnay is the man
M Defarge:
Be careful what you say. There is a
new man in St Antoine. A spy.
Quite sure! I never forget a face?
Jacques 3:
Stryver:(pointing at Sydney Carton) Have
I have seen him. He is English, but
he speaks French well.
Barsad:(entering, Mme Defarge gets up
you ever seen this man before?
Audience:
Soon we will kill all the aristocrats
and make new laws.
you saw?
Barsad:
The people have suffered at the
hands of the aristocrats for too long.
Barsad:(weakly) No, sir.
Stryver:
The Marquis deserved to die. He
Amazing! Like two peas in a pod!
and puts a rose in her hair) Good
Just like twins! I’ve never seen two
afternoon. A glass of wine, please.
people look so alike. I don’t believe
Mme Defarge: Good afternoon.
it!
Barsad:
It is bad news about Gaspard.
This is my clerk, Mr Sydney Carton.
Jacques 1:
He killed the Marquis St Evrémonde.
Does he look like Charles Darnay?
M Defarge:
And now, he too, is dead.
Barsad:(uncomfortably) Why, yes sir, but....
Barsad:
Why did Gaspard kill the Marquis?
Stryver:
Jacques 2:
Gaspard was a bad man. He was
Stryver:
Did Mr Carton give papers to a
French spy in Calais?
executed.
Barsad:(confused) Yes, er, I mean no, sir!
Barsad:
Was the Marquis a bad man?
Stryver:
It was night. You saw a man in the
Was the Marquis executed, too?
dark, but the man was not Mr Carton.
Jacques 3:
We know nothing about that.
Mr Carton and Mr Darnay look very
Barsad:
There is, however, a new Marquis.
alike, so it was not M Darnay either.
Mme Defarge: Yes, the nephew of the old Marquis.
Members of the jury, what is your
Barsad:
The nephew lives in England.
verdict.
Jacques 1:
Really?
Not guilty!
Barsad:(to M and Mme Defarge) I know
Judge:
Audience:
about you. You took care of Dr
Manette when he came out of the
Defarge’s Wine Shop (1) - Paris (1787)
M Dafarge:
Bastille prison.
No names! This is Jacques 1. You
M Defarge:
are Jacques 2, and you are Jacques 3.
Jacques 1:
servant before he went to prison.
Jacques brings news of Gaspard.
Barsad:
Gaspard is dead. They left his body
Mme Defarge: We do not know the reason why.
hanging in the village for everyone
Barsad:
to see.
Jacques 2:
Everyone knows that. I was his
Why did Dr Manette go to prison?
Did the Marquis St Evrémonde send
Dr Manette to prison.
Gaspard killed the Marquis St
M Defarge:
− 102 −
We k n o w n o t h i n g a b o u t t h i s ,
A Dramatisation of A Tale of Two Cities for English Learners
monsieur.
Barsad:
Stryver:
Very well. But I have news for you.
I think we will not have to wait long.
I can see Mr Lorry outside, now.
Dr Manette’s daughter, Lucie, has
Enter Mr Lorry
married. Her husband is known as
Stryver:
Why Mr Lorry, you look so upset.
Charles Darnay in England, but
Lorry:
Indeed I am. I have terrible news
in France he has another name,
from Paris. Where are Dr Manette
Monsieur the Marquis St Evrémonde.
and Lucie.
Mr Stryver’s House - London (1790)
Stryver:
What do you mean?
Lorry:
We don’t have any time to waste.
Stryver:
What is the latest news from France?
I must find Dr Manette and Lucie
Tranby:
You mean the Revolution.
immediately.
Stryver:
Yes. I hear there is much trouble in
Richer:
France.
What is the news Mr Lorry? And
what is the hurry?
Richer:
There are executions every day.
Carton:
Many good people are losing their
Lorry:
lives at the guillotine.
I have news from Paris. M Charles
Darnay is a prisoner of the Republic.
Tranby:
How can that be? He’s in York, is he
Harnet:
And many try to escape to England!
Tranby:
I’m glad I don’t live in France.
Harnet:
I’m glad I’m not a French aristocrat.
r e v o l u t i o n , h e d i d n ’t w a n t D r
They are accused of being enemies
Manette or Lucie to know he was
of the Republic, and then executed!
going to France.
Richer:
not.
Lorry:
M Darnay often travels to France.
Carton:
What does he say about the
revolution?
Stryver:
Carton:
Tranby:
No, no, no. Because of the
A prisoner of the Republic? He is in
great danger.
Lorry:
Yes, yes. But Dr Manette was a
I don’t know. I haven’t seen him
prisoner in the Bastille. Maybe he
since his wedding to Dr Manette’s
can help Charles. Maybe the tribunal
daughter. How about you Carton?
will listen to him. We must hurry to
You often visit their house.
Paris as fast as we can.
I haven’t seen him since his wedding
Stryver:
Yes, and Mr Carton must travel with
either. How about you Mr Tranby?
you, too. He studied in Paris and
I met Dr Manette, yesterday. He
knows the city well.
said, M Darnay had gone to York on
Harnet:
business.
The Tribunal - Paris (1794)
That’s odd. I know M Darnay often
Tribune 1:
Charles St Evrémonde, also known
travels to France on business. But
York? I didn’t know he had any
as Charles Darnay
Tribune 2:
of the French Republic.
business there.
Carton:
You are an aristocrat and an enemy
Mr Lorry of Tellson’s Bank gets
Audience: Death to the aristocrat!
news from Paris, regularly. We will
Darnay:
I do not want to be the Marquis St
have to wait for him to arrive, for
Evrémonde, and I am not an enemy
news from France.
of France.
− 103 −
山梨国際研究　山梨県立大学国際政策学部紀要　No. 11（2016）
Tribune 3:
Aristocrats steal from the people of
1789, I was at the Bastille.
the Republic.
Audience: Long live the Republic!
Audience: Death to the thief!
M Defarge:
When the gates opened, I went to
Darnay:
I have taken nothing from the people
the cell where Dr Manette had been
of France.
prisoner for 18 years, and I found
Who will speak for you, St
this letter.
Tribune 1:
Darnay:
Evrémonde?
Tribune 3:
M Defarge, please read the letter.
Citizen Gabelle and Citizen Manette
M Defarge:
I, Alexander Manette, am a doctor in
will speak for me.
Paris. In December 1757 the Marquis
Tribune 2:
Citizen Gabelle. (calling for Gabelle)
St Evrémonde called me to his
Who are you?
château. At the château, there was a
Gabelle:
I was the servant of the Marquis St
young woman. She was very ill. She
Evrémonde. When the Marquis died,
was dying. She kept repeating: “My
Charles Darnay did not want to be an
father, my husband, my brother.”
aristocrat. He lived in England, and
Her brother was in another room.
he told me to do my best for the poor
He had been injured in a sword
people of France. He is a good man.
fight. He was dying too. He said:
Doctor Manette. (calling for Dr
“St Evrémonde did this. He killed
Manette)
my father. He brought my sister to
Doctor, what do you have to say?
the château and killed her husband.
Dr Manette:
I was a prisoner in the Bastille for 18
Only my youngest sister, Thérèse,
years.
escaped.”
Tribune3:
Audience: Long live Dr Manette!
Dr Manette:
Charles Darnay helped me to escape
died. I returned to Paris. I wrote to
to England. I was very ill, and he
the King about this terrible event.
took care of me. The English said,
The next day I was brought to the
“Darnay is a French spy, and a friend
Bastille. There was no trial. I have
of the American revolutionaries.”
been 10 years in the Bastille with
Now you say, “He is an enemy of
no news of my wife or child. The
France.” You are wrong. He is a
house of Evrémonde has no pity. I,
good man.
Alexander Manette, condemn the
Audience: Long live the people of France!
evil family of St Evrémonde.
Let him go! He is a friend of the
Audience: Revolution!
Tribune 1:
After the young man and woman
Death to the aristocrat! Death to St
Evrémonde
Charles Darnay, you are not guilty.
Tribune 2:
Charles St Evrémonde, your uncle
You are free to go.
was an enemy of the people. You
M Defarge:
Wait! J’accuse!
are an Evrémonde, an enemy of the
Tribune 2:
Who are you?
people. Tomorrow you will go to the
M Defarge:
I am Ernest Defarge. I was the
guillotine.
servant of Dr Manette before he was
sent to the Bastille. On the 14th July
− 104 −
A Dramatisation of A Tale of Two Cities for English Learners
Defarge’s Wine Shop (2) - Paris (1794)
Barsad:(scared) Who are you, and what do
Carton:(enters) A glass of wine, please.
you want?
Mme Defarge: ( t o M D e f a rg e ) H e l o o k s l i k e
Carton:
Evrémonde.
M Defarge:
Jacques 1:
prison.
(looking at Carton) Hmm, yes, a
Barsad:Yes.
little.
Carton:
Ye s , a l i t t l e , b u t i t c a n n o t b e
I wish to see the prisoner, Charles
Darnay, tomorrow morning.
Evrémonde, because he is in
Barsad:
It is too difficult. I won’t help you.
prison. He will die at the guillotine
Carton:
If you help me, I will keep your
tomorrow.
secrets. If you don’t, you too will go
Mme Defarge: Evrémonde! The guillotine! I have
waited a long time for this. And he
to the guillotine!
Barsad:
has a wife in Paris. She should go to
M Defarge:
Barsad, you work at the La Force
Very well then, 11 o’clock, and keep
your promise.
the guillotine too.
Enter Lorry
Yes, Thérèse. But Lucie is Dr
Barsad:
Good night.
Manette’s daughter. He has suffered
Lorry:
Who was that man? Haven’t I’ve
much because of St Evrémonde. And
you would kill his daughter, too?
seen him before?
Carton:
Mme Defarge: L i s t e n . I t w a s m y f a m i l y, m y
He will help me to see Charles
Darnay tomorrow morning.
father, my brother, my sister and
Lorry
That will be very dangerous!
her husband who were killed by St
Carton:
Mr Lorry, if we stay in Paris, we
Evrémonde. I will not be satisfied
are all in danger, especially Lucie.
until all the Evrémonde’s are dead.
Have a coach ready to leave at noon
Many people died because of
tomorrow. Make sure that Lucy is
Evrémonde.
on it. Here, take my papers. Keep
Jacques 3:
There was Gaspard, too.
them safe for me. I will join you at
M Defarge:
Enough! I must prepare for
the coach. Be ready to depart when
tomorrow. Good night!
I arrive. Don’t leave without me. I
All except Carton leave - enter
have no time to explain. Do it! Many
Barsad
lives depend on it!
Jacques 2:
Barsad:( f r i g h t e n e d a n d s u r p r i s e d )
Carton:
Evrémonde! What are you doing
The Escape - La Force Prison
here? How did you escape from
Barsad:
A visitor for you Evrémonde. (leaves)
prison?
Darnay:
Carton! What are you doing here?
I am not Evrémonde, but I do know
Carton:
I came to say goodbye.
you, John Barsad.
Darnay:
I thank you for your visit. But, it is
Barsad:( a n g r i l y ) W h o a r e y o u ? Te l l
Carton:
dangerous for you here.
m e q u i c k l y, b e f o r e I c a l l t h e
Carton:
What are you doing?
Revolutionary Police.
Darnay:
I am writing a letter to my wife,
Lucie.
And let me tell them about the
English spy, John Barsad?
Carton:
− 105 −
Then, finish your letter quickly, and I
山梨国際研究　山梨県立大学国際政策学部紀要　No. 11（2016）
will take it to Lucie.
Guard:
Bon voyage, citizens.
Darnay:
That is very kind of you.
Darnay writes. Carton drugs Darnay
Lucie:
How did Charles escape from prison.
and changes clothes with him.
Lorry:
A good man helped us. We will never
Carton:
Barsad! (enters)
be able to thank him.
Hurry Barsad, and take care. Take
him to Mr Lorry.
Barsad:
And you will keep your promise?
Fifty-two must die at the guillotine
today. You are No. 23.
Carton:
Yes, man. Hurry, and keep your
promise too, or we will all die.
Barsad:
Jacques! Come, help me with the
Englishman. He has fainted. These
English are so weak! Ha, ha, ha!
The Escape - A Coach at the
Gates of Paris
Guard:
Halt! Who goes there? Citizens, your
papers please.
Mr Lorry, Englishman.
Lorry:
That is me.
Guard:
You are leaving early. You will miss
the executions. Fifty-two enemies of
the Republic will die today.
Lucie Darnay? (Lucie leans forward
and nods)
There will be a big crowd. Many will
want to see the death of Evrémonde.
Citizen Manette?
Lorry:
He is the poor old man.
Dr Manette:
Room 105, North Tower. Room 105,
North Tower…..
Guard:
Sydney Carton?
Lorry:
He is the sick man next to me.
Guard:
Ha! What is wrong with him?
Another Englishman who does not
like a revolution?
Where are you going?
Lorry:
To Calais, and then to England by
ship.
− 106 −
***********