Book II - Chapter XII. The Fellow of Delicacy Quiz — A Tale of Two Cities

What does Mr. Stryver plan to do before leaving London for the Long Vacation?

• Propose marriage to Lucie Manette, which he considers a magnanimous bestowal of good fortune
• Ask Dr. Manette for a loan to fund a new legal partnership at the King's Bench bar
• Invite Sydney Carton to join him on a holiday tour of the English countryside
• File a legal petition on behalf of Charles Darnay regarding his inheritance in France

How does Stryver mentally prepare for his proposal to Lucie?

• He rehearses a love letter and consults with Sydney Carton about the proper romantic approach
• He writes out a formal contract of marriage terms and has it witnessed by two barristers
• He treats it as a legal case, calling himself for the plaintiff with the jury not even turning to consider
• He prays at St. Dunstan's church and asks a clergyman for advice on matters of the heart

Why does Stryver stop at Tellson's Bank on his way to Soho?

• To withdraw money for an engagement ring that he plans to present to Lucie Manette
• To reveal his marriage plans to Mr. Lorry, knowing Lorry is an intimate friend of the Manettes
• To deposit his legal earnings before the courts close for the Long Vacation recess
• To ask the bank to prepare a financial settlement document for the Manette family

What does the word "crestfallen" mean when Dickens writes that Stryver "demanded, perceptibly crestfallen"?

• Visibly angry and flushed with indignation, ready to argue the point more aggressively
• Sad, disappointed, or dejected, especially after having been confident or hopeful
• Confused and disoriented, unable to follow the logic of the conversation at hand
• Physically exhausted and weakened, leaning on the desk for support and balance

Which of these events actually happened in this chapter?

What compromise does Mr. Lorry propose to prevent embarrassment for all parties?

• He suggests Stryver write a formal letter of proposal that Lorry will deliver and assess the response
• He offers to visit the Manettes that evening and discreetly assess their feelings about Stryver
• He recommends that Stryver wait until the following year to allow Lucie more time to know him
• He arranges a dinner at Tellson's where Stryver and the Manettes can meet on neutral ground

How does Stryver behave when Mr. Lorry arrives that night with the confirmed rejection?

• He breaks down in tears and begs Lorry to intercede on his behalf with the Manette family
• He challenges Lorry to a duel for insulting his honor as a gentleman and King's Bench barrister
• He pretends to have forgotten the subject entirely and acts surprised Lorry brought it up
• He demands a written explanation from Dr. Manette detailing the specific reasons for rejection

How does Stryver reframe the rejection to protect his ego?

• He claims Mr. Lorry misunderstood the Manettes and insists on proposing the next morning
• He blames Lucie for "mincing vanities and giddinesses" and says he is well out of his mistake
• He accepts the rejection with grace and asks Lorry to convey his best wishes to the family
• He decides to move to France permanently, declaring that English women lack proper judgment

What does "bootless" mean when Dickens describes Mr. Lorry's "bootless attempts to bring him round to the question"?

• Casual and informal, conducted without the usual professional formality or ceremony
• Hurried and impatient, rushing through the conversation without pausing for reflection
• Useless, futile, or unavailing -- producing no result despite sustained effort
• Cautious and gentle, approaching the subject indirectly to avoid causing offense

What is the final image of Stryver at the end of Chapter 12?

• Standing at the window of his chambers, staring angrily into the dark London streets below
• Writing a bitter letter to Mr. Lorry withdrawing his patronage from Tellson's Bank
• Lying back on his sofa, winking at his ceiling, fully satisfied with his rewriting of events
• Pacing his chambers restlessly, unable to sleep and tormented by thoughts of Lucie Manette

Which of these events actually happened in this chapter?

Why is Chapter 12 significant in setting up Chapter 13 ("The Fellow of No Delicacy")?

• It establishes that Lucie is already engaged to Charles Darnay, making Carton's confession moot
• Stryver's arrogant, transactional approach contrasts sharply with Carton's honest, selfless confession to Lucie
• Mr. Lorry tells Carton about Stryver's failed proposal, which inspires Carton to try his own
• Stryver asks Carton to propose on his behalf, but Carton decides to confess his own feelings instead

What does Mr. Lorry's anger at Stryver reveal about his character?

• That he secretly hopes to propose to Lucie himself and sees Stryver as a romantic rival
• That he is personally offended because Stryver's proposal might reflect badly on Tellson's Bank
• That beneath his professional demeanor, he has genuine affection for Lucie and will defend her honor
• That he dislikes Stryver for personal reasons dating back to a previous legal dispute years ago