A Tale of Two Cities Life, Consciousness, and Existence Quotes

How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Volume.Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #4

While one external cause, and that a reference to his long lingering agony, would always—as on the trial—evoke this condition from the depths of his soul, it was also in its nature to arise of itself, and to draw a gloom over him, as incomprehensible to those unacquainted with his story as if they had seen the shadow of the actual Bastille thrown upon him by a summer sun, when the substance was three hundred miles away. (2.4.2)

Doctor Manette’s imprisonment actually refines some of his most noble qualities. His experiences may be incommunicable, but they’ve also made him into a man of incredible strength.

Quote #5

I am a disappointed drudge, sir. I care for no man on earth, and no man on earth cares for me. (2.4.70)

Get used to Carton’s motto—you’ll read it often. We’re not sure why the man has absolutely no hope for his own future. Perhaps it helps explain, however, his willingness to sacrifice himself for someone else’s future.

Quote #6

The water of the fountain ran, the swift river ran, the day ran into evening, so much life in the city ran into death according to rule, time and tide waited for no man, the rats were sleeping close together in their dark holes again, the Fancy Ball was lighted up at supper, all things ran their course. (2.7.44)

A small boy gets run over by the Marquis. Drawing back to focus on the bigger picture becomes a way for Dickens to point out the insensitivity of the world at large. A small boy dies, and the world moves on as usual.