7 group study questions for Book 2 –Chapters 2-10 of A Tale of Two Cities
Chapters 2-3
1. Find lines that indicate why the spectators enjoy coming to the trials.
2. Who is John Barsad? What lines indicate that he is not credible.
3. How does Lucy feel about testifying to Darnay’s presence and activities on the boat?
Chapter 4
1. Cite lines that Dr. Manette has not completely recovered from his ordeal in prison.
2. Discuss the interaction between Mr. Lorry and Mr. Carton.
3. Compare Sydney Carton and Charles Darnay.
Chapter 5
1. How does the relationship of Carton and Stryver parallel that of a lion and a jackal?
2. Close read the last paragraph (p. 97).
Chapter 6
1. Describe the Manette home.
2. What is significant about the people who visit the Manettes?
3. What is significant about the last sentence of the chapter?
Chapter 7
1. Why does Dickens devote six pages of the description of Monseigneur having his chocolate?
2. Summarize the action of the carriage incident.
3. Who are “the rats” of the last paragraph of the chapter? Why is it an appropriate comparison?
Chapters 8-9
1. Compare the village’s poor street and the chateau.
2. Why is Darnay upset with the circumstances in the village?
3. What happens at the end of the chapter? What or who is “Jacques”? hint-meaning of Jacques
or James is supplanter.
Chapter 10
1. Cite at least two lines that illustrate Dr. Manette’s feelings about giving up his daughter?
2. Discuss the importance of this chapter.