A Tale Of Two Cities Book 3 Chapter 10

Okay, let's talk A Tale of Two Cities. Specifically, Book 3, Chapter 10. You know, the one most people probably skimmed. I'm just saying.

"The Substance of the Shadow" - Seriously?

The title alone sounds like something your English teacher would love. But, let's be real. It's about Dr. Manette trying to save Charles Darnay...again.

He's giving evidence. Remember that time Dr. Manette was, you know, a prisoner? Yeah, that’s gonna come up.

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The Manette Family History - A Plot Device

Honestly, sometimes I think Dickens just threw darts at a board to decide plot points. Someone yell, "Revolutionary Tribunal!" Then add a secret letter! Why not?

And, oh boy, is there a letter. A letter that conveniently indicts Charles! Talk about family drama. Move over, Kardashians.

Dr. Manette unknowingly wrote this thing ages ago. Now it's biting his son-in-law in the posterior.

My Unpopular Opinion: Manette's a Bit of a Drama Queen

Okay, hear me out. Dr. Manette has been through a lot, I get it. But every time something happens, he collapses! It's a bit much, even for the 1790s.

Did he really not remember writing this letter? Or was it buried so deep down that only a trial and the threat of execution could unearth it? I'm suspicious.

Maybe I'm just heartless. But sometimes I want to shake him and say, "Get it together, man! Your daughter needs you!"

The Darnay Family Curse – Talk About Bad Luck

Charles Darnay cannot catch a break. He tries to be a decent guy. Tries to distance himself from his family’s horrible past.

But nooo! The sins of the father (or grandfather, in this case) are visited upon the son. Apparently, being a good egg isn't enough when your ancestors were jerks.

A Tale of Two Cities (Baker Street Readers): Tavner, Gill, Dickens

It's almost comical. Like, "What next, Charles? Will a flock of pigeons spontaneously attack you?"

The True Villain: The Ever Evaporating Marquis

We all know who the real villain is. Not exactly. It's not one person specifically but the system of aristocratic cruelty and entitlement! The Marquis Evrémonde family is the face of that.

The original Marquis caused so much pain. The system upheld him. Then the revolution sought revenge. Circle of violence anyone?

Charles, in a way, is collateral damage. A victim of a cycle he tried to escape.

Justice? What Justice?

Let's face it: the French Revolution's justice system was a little... wonky. Evidence? Who needs evidence when you have revolutionary fervor!

This chapter highlights that pretty well. It all comes down to past grudges and mob mentality. Yikes.

So Charles is condemned based on something his father-in-law wrote years ago. Justice is served? I don't think so.

"In secret, too, Miss Pross and Jerry had been every day at the prison, that they might see the prisoner, and pass near him."

Even in the darkest moments, Dickens gives you glimmers of hope. Miss Pross and Jerry Cruncher are always there, quietly supporting those they care about.