Insights into
Chapter 2: “A Sight”
(“Book the Second”)
Wise students will want to
mark these items as they’re
reading chapter two of “Book
the Second.”
p. 59
“The Old Bailey”
London’s Historic Criminal Court
p. 60 (and then 62)
“quartering”
Until reformed under the Treason Act
1814, the full punishment for the crime
of treason in Britain was to be hanged,
drawn and quartered in that the
condemned prisoner would be:
1.  Dragged on a hurdle (a wooden
frame) to the place of execution.
This is the original meaning of
drawn.
2.  Hanged by the neck for a short time
or until almost dead (hanged).
3.  The body beheaded, then divided
into four parts (quartered).
p. 61
Clue for Jerry Cruncher
Pay attention to the characterization clue at the
bottom of page 61 that tells us that Jerry Cruncher
made his way through the crowd “with the skill of a
man accustomed to make his way quietly.”
(Jerry is used to getting around without being
noticed.)
p. 62
Introduction of Sydney Carton
On page 62, we see for the first time the
appearance of Sydney Carton (whom you should
mark in orange). Sydney (who remains unnamed at
this point) is the other “wigged gentleman with his
hands in his pockets, whose whole attention, when
Mr. Cruncher looked at him then or afterwards,
seemed to be concentrated on the ceiling of the
court.”
p. 63
Introduction of Charles Darnay
On page 63, we see for the first time the
appearance of Charles Darnay (whom you should
mark in blue). NOTICE: I have chosen two
complementary colors for Sydney and Charles.
These opposite colors are NOT a mistake—
because these two characters are opposites (or
foils).
Charles is the prisoner at the Old Bailey who is
being tried for treason against England.
p. 64
Introduction of the “blue flies”
Pay close attention to the use of “blue flies” in this
chapter. (Once again, they’re introduced but not
named in this chapter.) Dickens uses this metaphor
in “Book the Third” to represent the spectators in a
courtroom who get excited when they expect a
death sentence to be delivered. Their “buzzing” gets
louder as death gets closer, just like blue flies.