A Tale of Two Cities, Book 3: The Track of a Storm, Chapter 2 summary
Book 3: The Track of a Storm, Chapter 2 of 45 · 10 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 2, Lucie and Doctor Manette reach Tellson’s in Paris and tell Mr. Jarvis Lorry that Charles is imprisoned in La Force, while a crowd sharpens bloody weapons outside. Learning that prisoners are being murdered, Manette uses his standing as a former Bastille prisoner to gain help, but dawn brings no news of Charles.
What happens
- Mr. Jarvis Lorry watches anxiously over Tellson’s Paris branch while revolutionary agents occupy the surrounding house.
- Lucie and Doctor Manette arrive and report that Charles is imprisoned in La Force.
- Lorry shelters Lucie, then shows Manette the bloodstained crowd sharpening weapons in the courtyard.
- Lorry explains that prisoners are being murdered and urges Manette to use his influence to reach La Force.
- The crowd welcomes Manette as a former Bastille prisoner and escorts him away to help his family.
- Lorry comforts Lucie through repeated visits by the armed crowd, but dawn arrives without news or Manette’s return.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Manette treats his imprisonment as a source of present authority. The crowd’s welcome supports his confidence, although Charles’s safety remains unknown.
Quick check
Why does Doctor Manette expect the patriots to help him?
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