A Tale of Two Cities, Chapter 19 summary
Chapter 19 of 45 · Book 2: The Golden Thread · 11 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 19, Doctor Manette recovers from nine days of relapse, and Mr. Lorry discreetly asks him to explain his own condition through the case of an unnamed friend. Manette reluctantly approves removing his shoemaking equipment, and after his departure, Lorry and Miss Pross secretly destroy or bury it.
What happens
- On the tenth morning, Mr. Lorry finds Doctor Manette reading calmly, with his shoemaking equipment put away.
- At breakfast, Manette seems unaware of the elapsed days, and Lorry decides to seek his advice privately.
- Discussing an unnamed friend, Manette attributes the relapse to painful associations and says healthy activity helps protect the mind.
- Lorry urges removal of the equipment, and Manette reluctantly agrees, provided it happens during his absence.
- That night, Lorry and Miss Pross burn the dismantled bench and bury the tools, shoes, and leather.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Doctor Manette’s concern for his daughter overcomes his resistance to removing the equipment. This consent enables Lorry and Miss Pross to act.
Quick check
What condition does Manette place on removing the equipment?
Cite this page
“A Tale of Two Cities, Chapter 19 summary.” Library of Alexandria, 2026, libraryofalexandria.com/pages/a-tale-of-two-cities-chapter-19-summary.
Library of Alexandria. (2026). A Tale of Two Cities, Chapter 19 summary. https://libraryofalexandria.com/pages/a-tale-of-two-cities-chapter-19-summary
“A Tale of Two Cities, Chapter 19 summary.” Library of Alexandria, 2026. https://libraryofalexandria.com/pages/a-tale-of-two-cities-chapter-19-summary.
@misc{a_tale_of_two_cities_chapter_19_summary_2026,
title = {A Tale of Two Cities, Chapter 19 summary},
publisher = {Library of Alexandria},
year = {2026},
url = {https://libraryofalexandria.com/pages/a-tale-of-two-cities-chapter-19-summary}
}
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