Book II - Chapter XII. The Fellow of Delicacy Practice Quiz — A Tale of Two Cities
by Charles Dickens — tap or click to flip
Practice Quiz: Book II - Chapter XII. The Fellow of Delicacy
What does Mr. Stryver plan to do before leaving London for the Long Vacation?
Propose marriage to Lucie Manette. He considers this a "magnanimous bestowal of good fortune on the Doctor's daughter."
How does Stryver approach his marriage proposal mentally?
As a legal case: he "called himself for the plaintiff," saw "the counsel for the defendant threw up his brief," and the jury "did not even turn to consider." He treats courtship as forensic argument.
What are Stryver's three planned approaches to Lucie before going to Soho?
First, a formal proposal to take her to Vauxhall Gardens; failing that, to Ranelagh; and failing that, to present himself in Soho and "declare his noble mind."
What word does Dickens repeatedly use to describe how Stryver moves through London?
"Shouldered" -- he "shouldered his way from the Temple," projecting himself along the pavement "to the jostlement of all weaker people," reflecting his aggressive, overbearing personality.
Why does Stryver stop at Tellson's Bank on his way to Soho?
To reveal his marriage plans to Mr. Lorry, whom he knows to be "the intimate friend of the Manettes," hoping to share the "brightness of the Soho horizon."
What is Stryver's "grand peculiarity" according to Dickens?
"That he always seemed too big for any place, or space." He is so much too big for Tellson's that old clerks look up "with looks of remonstrance, as though he squeezed them against the wall."
How does Mr. Lorry first react when Stryver announces his plan to propose to Lucie?
With an awkward "Oh dear me!" while rubbing his chin and looking at Stryver dubiously -- clearly signaling his doubt without directly stating it.
What three qualities does Stryver demand Mr. Lorry acknowledge about him?
That he is eligible, prosperous, and advancing. Mr. Lorry concedes all three points but gently argues they may not matter to "the young lady."
What insult does Stryver level at Lucie when Lorry suggests she might not accept?
He asks if Lorry means to say that Lucie is "a mincing Fool" -- prompting Lorry to angrily reply that he "will hear no disrespectful word of that young lady from any lips."
What compromise does Mr. Lorry propose to spare everyone embarrassment?
He offers to visit the Manettes that evening and discreetly assess their feelings, so Stryver can either test the advice for himself or withdraw without a painful formal rejection.
What is Mr. Lorry's basis for advising Stryver, as he explains it?
Not as a man of business ("I know nothing of it") but "as an old fellow, who has carried Miss Manette in his arms, who is the trusted friend of Miss Manette and of her father too."
What "Old Bailey tactician" strategy does Stryver use after swallowing the rejection?
He decides to "put you all in the wrong" -- reframing the rejection so that Lucie and the Manettes are at fault for their "mincing vanities and giddinesses" rather than admitting his own failure.
How does Stryver behave when Mr. Lorry arrives that evening with the confirmed rejection?
He pretends to have forgotten the subject entirely, acts surprised that Lorry brought it up, and claims he was never certain he "should have committed myself to that extent."
What does Stryver predict will happen to Lucie for rejecting him?
He says "young women have committed similar follies often before, and have repented them in poverty and obscurity" -- implying Lucie will regret passing up his worldly prosperity.
Why is the chapter title "The Fellow of Delicacy" ironic?
Because Stryver is the opposite of delicate: he shoulders through crowds, shouts, slaps desks, treats courtship as cross-examination, and when rejected, insults Lucie rather than accepting gracefully.
What is the chapter's final image of Stryver?
"Mr. Stryver was lying back on his sofa, winking at his ceiling" -- having successfully convinced himself he is the magnanimous party, not the rejected suitor.
What effect does Stryver have on the two ancient clerks at Tellson's as he leaves?
He causes "such a concussion of air on his passage through, that to stand up against it bowing behind the two counters, required the utmost remaining strength of the two ancient clerks."
How does this chapter set up Sydney Carton's confession in Chapter 13?
Stryver's arrogant, transactional approach to Lucie contrasts sharply with Carton's painfully honest, self-aware, and selfless declaration in the following chapter, highlighting the difference between worldly bluster and genuine emotion.
What does Mr. Lorry's handshake reveal about Tellson's Bank culture?
He shook hands "in a self-abnegating way, as one who shook for Tellson and Co." -- even personal gestures are performed on behalf of the institution, not the individual.
What physical detail does Dickens use to describe Stryver at the desk in Tellson's?
Although it was "a large double" desk, "there appeared to be not half desk enough for him" -- a physical metaphor for how Stryver's ego and personality overwhelm every space he enters.