A Tale of Two Cities: pg. 335-352 (end)

There has been a change in many characters, a show of strength and weakness. I was glad to read about Mr. Cruncher’s change and how he said that he’d no longer grave-rob or stop his wife from praying. Though he doesn’t seem like he’s the best with words, he explained to Miss Pross how he wished his wife was praying at that time. (I was also glad that he and Miss Pross made it out alright, besides her hearing.)

When I first read the chapter title “The Knitting Done,” I figured (and secretly hoped) that it meant that Madame Defarge would die, hence, her knitting would be no more. She was becoming so cruel that I think she would probably denounce her husband next after Darnay’s family. When the chapter started talking about Miss Pross and Mr. Cruncher, I also figured that Miss Pross would be the one matched up to take down of the woman who was fit to be “the wife of Lucifer,” as Pross put it. Actually, earlier in the novel, when Miss Pross confronted Madame Defarge I figured she was bound to get in a fight with Defarge then and there.

I looked up the meaning of Madame Defarge’s first name, Therese, which means “one who reaps.” I’m surprised I didn’t look it up before, because it kind of suits her as she gathers people together to harvest heads basically.

The seamstress talks with Carton before they are to be killed, she says, “But for you, dear stranger, I should not be so composed…nor should I have been able to raise my thoughts to Him who was put to death, that we might have hope and comfort here to-day. I think you were sent to me by Heaven.” This again reflects Christ’s sacrifice for mankind and how Carton is doing the same.

Some part of my mind knew that Carton and the seamstress would kiss after the way Dickens described their body language—though their kiss may not be meant in a romantic sort of way. Perhaps it was symbolic for sealing their fate or something? I’m not really sure because I wasn’t thinking about that sort of symbolism at the time.

Carton was more at peace when he died than when he lived, and his legacy shall live on, while the oppressors will die by the monster (the guillotine) which they so love to watch as it kills others. Lucie will have a child named after Sydney, and he will grow up and have a child and will show his child of the place where Carton died and what he did for the Darnay family. The Doctor will be revived, Lucie and Charles will have a greater respect in their hearts for Carton than for each other, and Mr. Lorry will live for ten more years and die peacefully, going to receive his reward (or go to heaven)….at least this is what the people believed was in Carton’s mind.

Carton’s life had more meaning as he stepped up to the guillotine than any other time. That same verse that he was repeating before, he repeated again and was killed. Carton was a round character. He started as a drunken man who hated himself and took in the harsh words from Stryver to heart. But as the story progressed, we could see the more sincere side of him, the less apathetic side, and towards the end, we saw him gain a sense of strength, pride, and love. Sydney died a man with the hope of Heaven. It’s not how you start the race, it’s how you finish, and “It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to than I have ever known.”