Plot Diagram for A Tale of Two Cities
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A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
Lesson Plans by Kristy Littlehale
The French Revolution is the perfect setting to analyze the limits of justice and what happens when a ruling class continues to suppress the people. In doing so, Dickens explores important themes such as the destructive nature of revenge, revolution, the importance of sacrifice, and resurrection.
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A Tale of Two Cities Summary | Use this plot diagram activity to summarize A Tale of Two Cities!
Storyboard Text
- EXPOSITION
- CONFLICT
- RISING ACTION
- In 1775, Mr. Lorry meets a woman named Lucie to take her to see her father, who has been released from prison. The novel jumps to 1780 where Charles Darnay is tried for treason. Lucie and Lorry are witnesses for the prosecution. When defense attorney points out the strong resemblance between his assistant Sydney Carton and Darnay, the jury acquits Darnay.
- CLIMAX
- Darnay and Lucie quickly fall in love. Darnay is not who he says he is: he is actually a French nobleman, the son of the Marquis St. Evrémonde. While Darnay is building a family and home in England with Lucie, the French peasants continue to revolt. Saint Antoine wine shop owners Ernest and Madame Defarge are leaders in the revolt.
- FALLING ACTION
- On July 14, 1789, the revolutionaries storm the Bastille fortress. Defarge goes to the cell where Dr. Manette had been held and searches for something. The Marquis’ chateau burns down and the peasants arrest Monsieur Gabelle, the tax collector and caretaker. He writes to Darnay asking for help. Darnay decides to return to France in secret so as not to worry Lucie.
- RESOLUTION
- Darnay is arrested in France and imprisoned. The revolutionaries found out his identity. Lucie and Dr. Manette arrive and visit Mr. Lorr. Dr. Manette is a martyr for the cause because of his time in the Bastille. He tries to get Charles out of prison, but he remains there for another year. He is acquitted, but is re-arrested before he can go back to England.
- Miss Pross and Jerry Cruncher encounter Miss Pross’ brother Solomon, who now goes by John Barsad. Sydney Carton blackmails Barsad to see Charles in prison. He knows Roger Cly is still alive and that Barsad is spying for the revolutionaries and the English. Charles is sentenced to death - his father and uncle raped Madame Defarge’s sister, and killed her brother.
- Dr. Manette was asked to help save Madame Defarge’s sister. He writes a letter about the Marquis’ crimes to the Minister of State. He is imprisoned after. Madame Defarge tries to kill Lucie and her daughter but is shot by Miss Pross. Right before Charles’ execution, Carton drugs him and switches places, sacrificing his own life instead, finding a sense of purpose.
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