A Tale of Two Cities, Chapter 12 summary
Chapter 12 of 45 · Book 2: The Golden Thread · 10 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 12, Mr. Stryver plans to propose to Miss Manette, but Mr. Lorry warns that worldly success does not guarantee her affection and offers to investigate. After Lorry confirms his advice against proposing, Stryver abandons the plan while pretending that the family, rather than himself, loses an opportunity.
What happens
- After two unsuccessful invitations, Mr. Stryver heads toward Soho to declare his intention to marry Miss Manette.
- He stops at Tellson’s and tells Mr. Lorry, expecting approval of his wealth, prospects, and suitability.
- Lorry puts Miss Manette’s wishes first, rejects Stryver’s disrespect, and offers to visit Soho before advising him again.
- Stryver postpones his visit and privately decides to make others appear mistaken rather than accept embarrassment.
- That night, Lorry confirms his warning, and Stryver dismisses the marriage as an unsuitable match while claiming to spare the family.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Lorry redirects the discussion from Stryver’s advantages to Miss Manette’s wishes. This directly challenges Stryver’s assumption that his proposal must succeed.
Quick check
What does Lorry report after visiting Soho?
Cite this page
“A Tale of Two Cities, Chapter 12 summary.” Library of Alexandria, 2026, libraryofalexandria.com/pages/a-tale-of-two-cities-chapter-12-summary.
Library of Alexandria. (2026). A Tale of Two Cities, Chapter 12 summary. https://libraryofalexandria.com/pages/a-tale-of-two-cities-chapter-12-summary
“A Tale of Two Cities, Chapter 12 summary.” Library of Alexandria, 2026. https://libraryofalexandria.com/pages/a-tale-of-two-cities-chapter-12-summary.
@misc{a_tale_of_two_cities_chapter_12_summary_2026,
title = {A Tale of Two Cities, Chapter 12 summary},
publisher = {Library of Alexandria},
year = {2026},
url = {https://libraryofalexandria.com/pages/a-tale-of-two-cities-chapter-12-summary}
}
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