A Tale of Two Cities, Chapter 9 summary
Chapter 9 of 45 · Book 2: The Golden Thread · 17 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 9, Charles Darnay confronts his uncle, the Marquis, condemns their family’s oppression, and renounces France and the property he expects to inherit. Their dispute leaves the Marquis firmly defending repression, but morning reveals him stabbed through the heart, with a note attributing the killing to Jacques.
What happens
- The Marquis returns to his stone chateau, eats supper, and receives his nephew, Charles Darnay.
- Charles suspects his uncle of worsening his danger in England and says court disgrace prevents the Marquis from imprisoning him.
- The Marquis praises fear and repression, while Charles condemns the family’s abuses and recalls his mother’s plea for mercy.
- Charles renounces France and his prospective inheritance, choosing work in England; his uncle questions him about a doctor and daughter.
- The Marquis sleeps, and morning brings unusual alarm at the chateau and a crowd around the village fountain.
- The Marquis lies murdered in bed, with a knife in his heart and a message naming Jacques.
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In this chapter
What to notice
The Marquis refuses Charles’s appeal for change. His declaration links his identity to the oppressive order he defends, shortly before his murder.
Quick check
What does Charles intend to do to support himself in England?
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