Chapter 2

A Sight
Introduction
In Book 2, Chapter 2 of 'A Tale of Two Cities,' Jerry Cruncher
accompanies Jarvis Lorry to court where a man is being tried for
treason. The man turns out to be Charles Darnay, an important player
in our story.
Introduction
• In Book 2, Chapter 2 of A Tale of Two Cities, titled 'A Sight' Jerry
and Jarvis Lorry go to the court to take in a treason trial. It turns out
two of the witnesses are Lucie and Dr. Manette. And the man on
trial is someone who will become important later on: Charles
Darnay.
Jerry Visits the Court
• Jerry Cruncher, odd-jobs man for Tellson's Bank, is heading into work to get
his assignment for the day. He gets sent to deliver a message to Jarvis Lorry,
banker at Tellson's and key player in Book 1, who is at court. Lorry tells Jerry
that he needs him to hang out at the court with him today.
• This is an attractive show for Jerry, especially when he learns of the trial that's
underway. It's a trial for treason, or betrayal of the government. Punishment for
treason is to be drawn and quartered, a particularly brutal form of punishment
that involves hanging someone until they're almost dead, then beheading
them, before finally cutting their body into four parts.
• Jerry isn't the only one excited about this prospect, as the court has a carnival
atmosphere.
The Defendant and the Crowd
• As Jerry enters the courtroom he gets the first glimpse of the man on trial, Darnay.
He's a young man, about 25, who appears to come from well-off background. And
he's really good-looking. And while he seems a little nervous, Jerry notices that he
seems to be a man of good upbringing, as they would say back then, and a
gentleman.
• Of course, the crowd doesn't care about that and are all looking at him like they
can't wait to see his guts get spilled on the ground. It doesn't seem like a lot of
people are presuming him innocent until proven guilty. The exception, however, is
an older man and young woman. This is Dr. Manette and his daughter Lucie.
• However, while they are the only ones who don't seem to want to watch Darnay get
executed and dismembered, we also learn that they are to be the key witnesses.
The Introduction of Darnay and Portrayal of the Justice System

• By far the most important aspect of this chapter is the introduction

of Charles Darnay, who will become one of the most important
characters in the book. His initial description as a handsome young
man who keeps his dignity despite his circumstances will become
important as the story continues.
Main Events
• One day, Jerry Cruncher is sent to await Mr. Lorry's orders at the
Old Bailey Courthouse, where a handsome young gentleman
named Charles Darnay stands accused of treason.
• Jerry enters the court and pushes through the crowd gathered to
see the trial.
• The spectators stare at Darnay, and one onlooker excitedly predicts
that the accused will be pronounced guilty and then brutally drawn-
and-quartered.
Main Events
• Charles, who stands accused of being a French spy, is defended by
two lawyers: Mr. Stryver and the arrogant and bored-looking Mr.
Carton.
• When Darnay glances at a young woman and her father sitting
nearby (Lucie and Dr. Manette), word flashes through the crowd
that these two are witnesses against Darnay.
• However, Lucie's face glitters a compassion that amazes the
spectators.
Analysis

Dickens spends a lot of time in A Tale of Two Cities telling the reader
about horrific punishments for seemingly harmless crimes. Treason is
not a harmless crime, but drawing and quartering goes far beyond
straightforward capital punishment. Even Jerry Cruncher reacts
violently. Dickens wants the reader to know not only how inhumane
punishment was during this time, but how the crowd went along with
it and saw the death of another human being as entertainment.
Analysis

It is interesting to note that the Manettes are in the courtroom to

testify against Charles Darnay. Lucie Manette feels terrible about
testifying against Darnay, which is the first sign that she has fallen for
him—although, of course, Lucie is portrayed as such a flawlessly
good character that she would feel bad testifying against almost
anyone.
Analysis

Their appearance in court also foreshadows events at Darnay's next

court date in France, which will be even more dramatic and
dangerous and far less successful. Because he is an aristocrat, there
is almost no way that he can get out of being imprisoned by the
revolutionaries when he dares to go back to France. Dr. Manette will
prove to be the one person who can save Darnay from prison and
death the first time he is imprisoned in France.
Answer the given questions:

1. Why are the Manettes in court?

2. What punishment is meant by "quartering"?
3. What does Mr. Cruncher think is “Barbarous”? Do you agree or disagree
with him? Why?
4. What is the “old Bailey” and what is it famous for?
5. Who is being tried, and what is the charge against him?
6. Who is present in the courtroom to act as witnesses for the prosecution?