February 6th, 2009
1. Today we will take the reading quiz over Book One of A Tale of Two Cities and the related vocabulary.
2. Please read and think about the following:
from The Glencoe Literature Library
BACKGROUND
Did You Know?
This section of A Tale of Two Cities contains one of the most exciting episodes in all of Dickens’s novels, the storming of
the famous prison, the Bastille. The attack marked the beginning of the French Revolution. This massive stone fortress,
begun in 1370, was the foremost symbol of aristocratic and royal abuses of power. From the 1600s onward, the Bastille
was used as a state prison. Many of its prisoners were sent there by a lettre de cachet, special orders from the king
himself. These special orders were requested by nobles, who often wanted to eliminate troublemakers in their own
families. Because some Bastille prisoners were never tried in a court, they often spent the rest of their lives in the prison’s
dank cells. As you read the account of the attack on the Bastille, keep in mind that this prison was the most hated building
in France. It became the focus of centuries of pent-up rage among the poor. Notice also how Dickens uses language to
portray the attackers as a force of nature.
Foreshadowing
Foreshadowing is a literary technique in which the author uses clues to prepare readers for what will happen later in the
story. Both the first and second section of A Tale of Two Cities contain much foreshadowing of future events. In Book the
First, Chapter 5, a wine cask shatters. After describing hands, feet, and mouths stained red from the spilled wine, Dickens
says the time will come when the people will be stained red with another substance, blood. Another instance of
foreshadowing in earlier chapters is the footsteps Lucie hears outside her home in London. Toward the end of this section,
the footsteps draw nearer and nearer to Lucie and her family. As you read, look for other uses of foreshadowing. Note the
passages that fulfill clues given earlier, as well as those that might be hints about events to come.
3. Begin reading, using the comprehension questions as a guide or check.
 Homework
1. Complete the “Vocabulary Squares” Activity for Wednesday. Be sure that you use all of the blocks
within each square, and yes, even the picture or icon.  Students who draw the words, translate them
into symbols and pictures, remembered the words longer and better than those who used various other
methods. (Claggett & Brown, 1992)
2. In Book Two, read Chapters 1, 2, & 3 for Monday. See the ungraded comprehension questions
below.
Book 2, Chapter 1
1. Describe Tellson’s bank. What is the bank’s attitude toward change?
2. How does Tellson’s treat the young men in its employ?
3. What behavior of Mrs. Cruncher makes Mr. Cruncher angry? Why does this anger him?
4. What physical characteristic of his father’s does young Jerry wonder about? Can you make a guess about it?
Book 2, Chapter 2
1. What does Mr. Cruncher think is “Barbarous”? Do you agree or disagree with him? Why?
2. What is the “old Bailey” and what is it famous for?
3. Who is being tried, and what is the charge against him?
4. Who is present in the courtroom to act as witnesses for the prosecution?
Book 2, Chapter 3
1. Where did Mr. Lorry, Miss Manette, and Dr. Manette first meet Charles Darnay? What was Lucie’s opinion of him?
2. What did the wigged gentleman who was looking at the ceiling point out to the counsel, Mr. Stryver, on the piece of paper that he
threw to him?
3. What does Mr. Stryver say about Mr. Basard and Mr. Cly?
4. What happens in the courtroom to prove that Mr. Carton is much more observant than his manner lets on?
5. What personal service does Carton do for Charles Darnay? What do you think this hints at for the future?
6. What is the verdict?