"A Tale of Two Cities" Book 1 Questions

1. For how long has the man in Jarvis Lorry’s thoughts been buried?
The man in Jarvis Lorry’s thoughts has been buried for eighteen years.

2. What else do we know of this man who has been “buried”?
We know that he is from the Tellson’s Bank and has abandoned all hope of being dug out of his grave a long time ago. He also says that he “can’t say” if he cares to live.

3. What are the two conditions concerning Dr. Manette?
Dr. Manette is the father of Lucie Manette, whom which he does not remember. Dr. Manette also does not remember who he is exactly, and cannot even recall his own name.

4. Who are the proprietors of the wine-shop?
The proprietors of the wine-shop are Monsieur Defarge and his wife, Madame Defarge. The husband is described as “bullnecked” and about thirty years old. His wife is explained as a very observing woman who sits in the shop and takes everything in around her.

5. Why does Defarge show Dr. Manette to the “Jacques”?
Defarge shows Dr. Manette to the “Jacques” because he likes to make a show of him. When asked how he chooses who gets to see Dr. Manette, Defarge says, "I choose them as real me, of my name-- Jacques is my name-- to whom the sight is likely to do good. Enough: you are English; that is another thing".

6. What is Dr. Manette doing when they enter his room?
When everyone enters Dr. Manette’s room, he is making a pair of girl’s shoes. He does not seem interested in who enters the room, and focuses his attention on his work.

7. What does Dr. Manette say his name is? What is the significance of what he says?
Dr. Manette says that his name is One Hundred and Five, North Tower. This is significant because it shows that he has been locked up so long that he cannot even remember his life before his time in the North Tower. He cannot recall something as simple as his own name.