Questions for “Book the First” of Charles Dickens’ “Tale of Two Cities”

1)   As we begin this novel, what is your experience with it? Is this a first time read, or a re-read? Have you seen a film or play version? What are your impressions and prejudices about the novel and about the plot?

      2) The book opens with arguably the most famous opening lines of a novel.  A reviewer on Goodreads (I think that was where I saw it) pointed out that no character is introduced in the first chapter.  Do you think the lines and this first chapter are effective? Did you note the lack of characters in the first chapter?

      3) This book (section) is filled with foreshadowing of the coming storm of the French Revolution.  What foreshadowing did you notice in these first chapters, and was it effective for you?

      4) In Chapter II, Mr. Lorry begins using the term “recalled to life.” Discuss this motif in these chapters and how it was used. Do you feel that it has been fulfilled by the end of the first section?

      5) What did you think of Mr. Lorry’s introduction to Miss Manette? Did you agree or disagree with the way he told the story of his errand, “I to identify him if I can: you, to restore him to life, love, duty, rest, comfort.” (Chapter IV) 
     
      6) Chapter V describes wine being spilled outside a wine shop, the crowd’s reaction, and foreshadows another to be spilled on the streets of France. It also introduces the specter of Hunger that haunts the French peasantry.  Discuss the themes of this chapter and your reaction to them.

      7) The last chapter of this section, Chapter VI, we see Mr. Manette recalled to life.  What did you think of his reaction to his daughter and how he answered the question, “what is your name?”

     8) Anything I missed that you noted?

Book The Second is comprised of 24 chapters. Questions will be posted for the first 12 about this time next week. I look forward to your thoughts and the conversation that evolves!