Book Summary
Book the Second contains 24 chapters, and it focuses on the power of connection, the frailty of the human condition, and the abrupt fall from power. In these chapters, you begin to learn about the characters' daily lives and the motives that guide them. This section introduces the inevitable conflict that arises when extreme wealth and extreme poverty collide. We are introduced to Charles Darnay, who is framed by Roger Cly and John Barsad, greedy spies. Lucie speaks on behalf of Charles, however, and he is acquitted. A romance begins to develop between Lucie and Darnay, but he is not the only suitor in line. Mr. Stryver, who defended Darnay in trial, and Mr. Carton, an oddity of a man who feels defeated by his own life, have also taken interest in Lucie. Manette remains haunted by memories of his past, particularly upon meeting Darnay, although he isn't positive why his uneasiness exists. One night, as Darnay tells tales of the prison that his uncle was in charge of, he brings up a story of a man who wrote letters while in prison that were hidden from his jailer. This reference from his own past makes Manette ill.
We are introduced to The Mauquis St. Evremonde, Charles' uncle and a deeply cruel man. He shows no qualms over the destruction of life, young or old, so long as the wasted lives are that of the poor. Charles pays a visit to his uncle and insults him by condemning the cruel acts of his family. Darnay denounces his family and leaves. The next day, the Marquis is found stabbed to death in his bed.
Darnay returns and speaks to Manette of his love for Lucie. While he wishes to reveal his cruel family line to Manette, Manette refuses to hear of it. While Manette only wishes for Lucie to be happy, he struggles with the thought of his daughter marrying the nephew of the man who imprisoned him. When Stryver hears of Lucie's love for Darnay, he feigns indifference, but when Carton hears, he speaks with Lucie. He tells her that, if they were to be married, he would only drag her down, and he cares too much for her to do that. Among all of this, it is proclaimed that the spy Cly has died, but it is simply a sham to help him escape. Cly's partner Barsad reveals that Charles is entitled to the name Marquis.
Charles and Lucie are married and leave for nine days. Manette feels imprisoned once again and reverts back to shoemaking. Lorry worries over his friend and convinces him to let someone destroy his cobbler's bench, thus ridding himself of the ghosts of his past. The Darnays return and have a child, a little girl named Lucie. The Bastille is stormed and death and execution take control. Defarge visits Manette's old jail cell and discovers his letters, but says nothing. In August of 1972, Lorry informs Darnay of the condemnation of an old servant, Gabelle, who is in trouble for aiding Charles. Without informing his wife or Manette of his departure, Darnay leaves to speak on his behalf.
We are introduced to The Mauquis St. Evremonde, Charles' uncle and a deeply cruel man. He shows no qualms over the destruction of life, young or old, so long as the wasted lives are that of the poor. Charles pays a visit to his uncle and insults him by condemning the cruel acts of his family. Darnay denounces his family and leaves. The next day, the Marquis is found stabbed to death in his bed.
Darnay returns and speaks to Manette of his love for Lucie. While he wishes to reveal his cruel family line to Manette, Manette refuses to hear of it. While Manette only wishes for Lucie to be happy, he struggles with the thought of his daughter marrying the nephew of the man who imprisoned him. When Stryver hears of Lucie's love for Darnay, he feigns indifference, but when Carton hears, he speaks with Lucie. He tells her that, if they were to be married, he would only drag her down, and he cares too much for her to do that. Among all of this, it is proclaimed that the spy Cly has died, but it is simply a sham to help him escape. Cly's partner Barsad reveals that Charles is entitled to the name Marquis.
Charles and Lucie are married and leave for nine days. Manette feels imprisoned once again and reverts back to shoemaking. Lorry worries over his friend and convinces him to let someone destroy his cobbler's bench, thus ridding himself of the ghosts of his past. The Darnays return and have a child, a little girl named Lucie. The Bastille is stormed and death and execution take control. Defarge visits Manette's old jail cell and discovers his letters, but says nothing. In August of 1972, Lorry informs Darnay of the condemnation of an old servant, Gabelle, who is in trouble for aiding Charles. Without informing his wife or Manette of his departure, Darnay leaves to speak on his behalf.