Here is a detailed chapter-wise summary of “A Tale of Two Cities” to help new learners understand the novel thoroughly:
Book the First: Recalled to Life
Chapter 1 — The Period
The novel opens with the famous line, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times,” setting a tone of contrasts and contradictions. The chapter describes the political and social environment in England and France, highlighting the widespread unrest and turmoil. In England, crime and capital punishment are rampant, while in France, the oppression of the peasantry by the aristocracy is leading to revolution.
Chapter 2 — The Mail
Mr. Jarvis Lorry, an employee of Tellson’s Bank, is traveling from London to Dover by mail coach. The journey is tense, as the passengers fear highway robbers. During the trip, Mr. Lorry receives a message from Jerry Cruncher, a messenger from the bank, instructing him to wait at Dover for a young woman. Mr. Lorry’s cryptic reply, “Recalled to life,” hints at a mysterious mission.
Chapter 3 — The Night Shadows
As Mr. Lorry continues his journey, he reflects on the message and his upcoming mission. He dreams of digging someone out of a grave, symbolizing the “recalling to life” of a man who has been wrongfully imprisoned for many years. This dream foreshadows the resurrection theme that runs throughout the novel.
Chapter 4 — The Preparation
Mr. Lorry arrives in Dover and meets Lucie Manette, a young woman who has been under the care of Tellson’s Bank since her parents’ disappearance. Mr. Lorry reveals to Lucie that her father, Dr. Alexandre Manette, is alive and has been released from the Bastille after eighteen years of wrongful imprisonment. They prepare to travel to France to retrieve him.
Chapter 5 — The Wine-shop
In Paris, a cask of wine spills in the streets, and the starving people eagerly drink it, symbolizing their desperation. The wine-shop is owned by Monsieur and Madame Defarge, who are secretly leaders of the revolutionary movement. Monsieur Defarge shows Mr. Lorry and Lucie to a small attic room where Dr. Manette is found making shoes, a skill he learned to cope with the trauma of his imprisonment.
Chapter 6 — The Shoemaker
Dr. Manette is mentally unstable and has lost touch with reality. He does not recognize his daughter and is obsessed with his shoemaking. Lucie’s compassion and love begin to restore his sanity. Mr. Lorry and the Defarges help Dr. Manette prepare for his journey back to England, symbolizing his slow recovery and “recalling to life.”
Book the Second: The Golden Thread
Chapter 1 — Five Years Later
Five years later, in 1780, Dr. Manette has fully recovered and lives peacefully with Lucie in London. Charles Darnay, a French aristocrat who has renounced his family’s name and wealth, is on trial for treason in England. He is accused of being a spy for the French government.
Chapter 2 — A Sight
The trial reveals that Darnay is accused of passing English secrets to the French. Dr. Manette, Lucie, and Mr. Lorry are called as witnesses. Lucie’s testimony unintentionally strengthens the prosecution’s case, but her compassionate nature wins the sympathy of the jury.
Chapter 3 — A Disappointment
Sydney Carton, a dissolute and cynical lawyer, notices that he bears a striking resemblance to Darnay. He uses this resemblance to cast doubt on the identification of Darnay as the spy. This clever strategy helps secure Darnay’s acquittal. Carton, despite his outwardly indifferent demeanor, is deeply affected by Lucie’s kindness and beauty.
Chapter 4 — Congratulatory
After the trial, Darnay expresses his gratitude to Carton and Mr. Stryver, the more ambitious of the two lawyers. Carton, feeling unworthy and despondent, spends the evening drinking. He confesses his feelings of self-loathing and wasted potential to Darnay, who remains compassionate towards him.
Chapter 5 — The Jackal
Sydney Carton and Mr. Stryver have a professional relationship where Carton does much of the work behind the scenes while Stryver takes the credit. Carton, referred to as “The Jackal,” is brilliant but lacks ambition. He spends his nights drinking and reflecting on his unfulfilled life.
Chapter 6 — Hundreds of People
The Manette household becomes a center of domestic happiness. Lucie, Dr. Manette, and their loyal servant Miss Pross enjoy a peaceful life. Mr. Lorry becomes a close family friend. Despite the tranquility, Lucie often hears “hundreds of footsteps” echoing in her mind, foreshadowing the coming revolution and the many people who will enter their lives.
Chapter 7 — Monseigneur in Town
In Paris, Monseigneur, a powerful and arrogant aristocrat, hosts a lavish party, displaying the opulence and indifference of the French nobility. The chapter highlights the stark contrast between the aristocrats’ extravagance and the peasants’ suffering. Monseigneur dismisses a desperate petition from a poor man, revealing his cruelty and callousness.
Chapter 8 — Monseigneur in the Country
Monseigneur’s carriage runs over and kills a child of a poor peasant named Gaspard. Monseigneur shows no remorse, further angering the peasants. Gaspard later avenges his child’s death by killing Monseigneur. This act of revenge symbolizes the growing resentment and rage among the lower classes.
Chapter 9 — The Gorgon’s Head
Charles Darnay returns to France to settle his family’s affairs. He renounces his family’s wealth and titles, disgusted by their cruelty. His uncle, the Marquis, embodies the corrupt and heartless aristocracy. The Marquis is found murdered in his bed, with a note from Gaspard claiming responsibility. This event marks the beginning of the aristocracy’s downfall.
Chapter 10 — Two Promises
In London, Darnay confides in Dr. Manette his love for Lucie and his desire to marry her. He promises to reveal his true identity if Lucie agrees to marry him. Dr. Manette, though distressed by the prospect of losing his daughter, gives his consent, valuing Lucie’s happiness above all.
Chapter 11 — A Companion Picture
Mr. Stryver, confident and self-important, decides to propose to Lucie. He consults Mr. Lorry, who delicately suggests that Lucie is unlikely to accept his proposal. Stryver, offended but pragmatic, abandons his plan.
Chapter 12 — The Fellow of Delicacy
Mr. Stryver arrogantly assumes Lucie will accept him, but when Mr. Lorry informs him of Lucie’s probable refusal, he pretends that he never intended to propose. This chapter highlights Stryver’s egotism and lack of genuine affection for Lucie.
Chapter 13 — The Fellow of No Delicacy
Sydney Carton visits Lucie and confesses his love for her. He acknowledges his flaws and unworthiness but promises to do anything for her or anyone she loves. Lucie is moved by his sincerity and compassionately urges him to strive for a better life.
Chapter 14 — The Honest Tradesman
Jerry Cruncher is revealed to be a “resurrection man,” someone who digs up bodies to sell to medical students. His son, young Jerry, discovers his father’s nocturnal activities and is both horrified and fascinated. This subplot adds a grimly comic element to the novel and underscores the theme of resurrection.
Chapter 15 — Knitting
In Paris, Madame Defarge is seen knitting a register of those who must die in the revolution. The Defarges meet with other revolutionaries, discussing their plans and their readiness to overthrow the oppressive regime. The knitting symbolizes the inevitability and the meticulous planning of the revolution.
Chapter 16 — Still Knitting
The Defarges learn that John Barsad, a British spy, is in Paris. Madame Defarge adds his name to her register, showing her cold determination and the meticulous nature of the revolutionary plans. The revolutionaries continue to build their network and prepare for the uprising.
Chapter 17 — One Night
On the eve of Lucie’s wedding, she and Dr. Manette share a quiet and emotional moment. Dr. Manette is haunted by memories of his imprisonment, but he is also filled with hope and gratitude for his daughter’s happiness. Lucie’s love and presence offer him solace and strength.
Chapter 18 — Nine Days
Lucie and Darnay marry in a simple ceremony. Dr. Manette relapses into his old habit of shoemaking for nine days, overwhelmed by the trauma of his past. Mr. Lorry and Miss Pross take care of him, ensuring Lucie is unaware of his condition. Dr. Manette eventually recovers, and the family resumes their peaceful life.
Chapter 19 — An Opinion
Mr. Lorry consults Dr. Manette about his own mental health under the guise of asking for a “friend.” Dr. Manette provides insights into his condition, unaware that he is discussing himself. To prevent future relapses, Mr. Lorry and Miss Pross destroy Dr. Manette’s shoemaking bench, symbolizing a break from his traumatic past.
Chapter 20 — A Plea
Carton visits Lucie and asks for her friendship. He promises to do anything for her and her family, declaring that her compassion has inspired him to strive for a better life. Lucie, moved by his sincerity, assures him of her friendship and support.
Chapter 21 — Echoing Footsteps
Years pass, and Lucie and Darnay have a daughter. The storming of the Bastille in 1789 marks the beginning of the French Revolution. The chapter describes the violent uprising and the fall of the Bastille, symbolizing the people’s pent-up rage and the collapse of the old regime. The echoes of the revolution reach the Manettes, foretelling the upheaval that will soon engulf their lives.
Chapter 22 — The Sea Still Rises
The revolutionaries, led by the Defarges, continue their violent retribution against the aristocracy. Foulon, a cruel aristocrat who once told the starving peasants to eat grass, is captured and brutally killed by the mob. The Defarges take active roles in the revolution, with Madame Defarge knitting the names of the condemned. The sea of revolution continues to rise, threatening to engulf everyone in its path.
Chapter 23 — FireRises
Revolutionary fervor spreads throughout France. The peasants, emboldened by the revolution, burn down the chateaux of the aristocrats. The Marquis’ chateau is set ablaze, symbolizing the destruction of the old order. The flames of revolution spread, signaling the unstoppable force of change and the people’s vengeance.
Chapter 24 — Drawn to the Loadstone Rock
Darnay receives a letter from Gabelle, a former servant of his family, who has been imprisoned by the revolutionaries. Despite the danger, Darnay feels compelled to return to France to help Gabelle. He prepares to leave, not realizing the peril he is walking into. His decision is driven by a sense of duty and honor, but it will have dire consequences.
Book the Third: The Track of a Storm
Chapter 1 — In Secret
Darnay arrives in Paris and is immediately arrested as an emigrant and enemy of the people. He is taken to La Force prison, where he is held “in secret,” isolated and without communication with the outside world. The harsh reality of revolutionary justice becomes apparent as Darnay faces an uncertain fate.
Chapter 2 — The Grindstone
Dr. Manette, Lucie, and Mr. Lorry arrive in Paris. Dr. Manette uses his influence as a former prisoner of the Bastille to seek Darnay’s release. Outside the prison, a grindstone is used by the revolutionaries to sharpen their weapons, symbolizing the relentless and brutal nature of the revolution. The atmosphere is tense and dangerous, but Dr. Manette’s past gives him some leverage.
Chapter 3 — The Shadow
Lucie and her daughter stay near La Force prison, hoping Darnay will see them from his cell. Madame Defarge visits them, hinting at the danger they are in and the merciless nature of the revolutionaries. Lucie is filled with fear, but also with determination to support her husband. The shadow of the revolution looms over them all.
Chapter 4 — Calm in Storm
Dr. Manette manages to see Darnay and reassures him that he is working for his release. Despite the turmoil outside, there is a brief moment of calm as Dr. Manette’s presence offers Darnay some comfort. The revolutionary fervor continues, but Dr. Manette’s influence provides a glimmer of hope.
Chapter 5 — The Wood Sawyer
Lucie stands outside La Force daily, hoping Darnay will see her. A former revolutionary, now a wood sawyer, taunts her, embodying the capriciousness and cruelty of the revolutionary spirit. Lucie’s steadfastness and courage are evident as she endures this harassment, hoping to provide Darnay with some comfort.
Chapter 6 — Triumph
Darnay is tried and acquitted, thanks to Dr. Manette’s testimony and the revolutionary government’s recognition of Dr. Manette’s suffering. The family is briefly reunited, and there is a moment of triumph as it seems Darnay will be safe. However, the political climate is volatile, and the danger is far from over.
Chapter 7 — A Knock at the Door
Despite his acquittal, Darnay is arrested again on new charges. The Defarges, particularly Madame Defarge, are determined to see him punished. The knock at the door symbolizes the inescapable reach of revolutionary justice and the relentless pursuit of vengeance. The family’s joy turns to despair as Darnay faces another trial.
Chapter 8 — A Hand at Cards
Sydney Carton arrives in Paris and meets with John Barsad, now a spy for the revolutionaries. Carton blackmails Barsad into helping him with a daring plan to save Darnay. This chapter reveals Carton’s resourcefulness and determination, as he prepares to make the ultimate sacrifice for Lucie and her family.
Chapter 9 — The Game Made
Carton learns that Darnay’s trial is set for the next day. He devises a plan, securing cooperation from Mr. Lorry and others. Carton’s resemblance to Darnay becomes crucial to his scheme. The “game” is set, and Carton prepares to play his part with a calm resolve.
Chapter 10 — The Substance of the Shadow
At the trial, a letter written by Dr. Manette during his imprisonment is read. It condemns Darnay’s family, detailing the atrocities committed by his father and uncle. This evidence seals Darnay’s fate, and he is sentenced to death. The “substance of the shadow” refers to the dark secrets of the past that now cast a long shadow over the present.
Chapter 11 — Dusk
Carton comforts Lucie, promising to do all he can to save Darnay. He reflects on his own wasted life and the opportunity to find redemption through his actions. The dusk symbolizes the approaching end of Carton’s journey and the darkness that envelops the characters as they face an uncertain future.
Chapter 12 — Darkness
Carton finalizes his plan, arranging for the family’s escape from Paris. He secures passage for them and instructs them to leave the next day. Carton’s preparations are meticulous, and his determination is unwavering. The darkness represents the looming execution and the sacrifices that must be made.
Chapter 13 — Fifty-two
On the day of the execution, Carton drugs Darnay and swaps places with him, sacrificing himself to save Darnay and ensure Lucie’s happiness. Carton’s selfless act of love and bravery is the culmination of his transformation. He faces the guillotine with a sense of peace, knowing his sacrifice will bring life and hope to those he loves.
Chapter 14 — The Knitting Done
Madame Defarge plans to denounce Lucie and her family, but Miss Pross confronts her. In the struggle, Madame Defarge is killed by her own weapon. The “knitting done” signifies the end of her vengeful plans and the close of this chapter of the revolution. Miss Pross’s bravery saves Lucie and her daughter from further harm.
Chapter 15 — The Footsteps Die Out Forever
Carton goes to the guillotine, finding peace in his sacrifice. His final thoughts are of a better world that will come from his act. He envisions a future where Lucie and her family live in peace and happiness, free from the shadows of the past. Carton’s death is a poignant and redemptive conclusion, embodying the novel’s themes of resurrection and transformation.
This detailed summary of “A Tale of Two Cities” provides a thorough understanding of the story and its complex narrative, themes, and characters.