Book II - Chapter XIV. The Honest Tradesman Practice Quiz — A Tale of Two Cities
by Charles Dickens — tap or click to flip
Practice Quiz: Book II - Chapter XIV. The Honest Tradesman
What is Jerry Cruncher's official job at Tellson's Bank?
He is the odd-job man (porter/messenger), sitting on a stool outside the bank on Fleet Street to run errands.
What is the ironic meaning of the chapter title "The Honest Tradesman"?
It refers to Jerry Cruncher's grave-robbing profession, which he treats as a legitimate trade despite its illegality and immorality.
Whose funeral procession passes through Fleet Street?
Roger Cly, the Old Bailey spy who testified against Charles Darnay in his treason trial.
Why does the London mob hate Roger Cly?
He was a government spy and informer at the Old Bailey, and the public despises all such spies.
What happens to the lone mourner in Cly's funeral coach?
He scuffles out of the coach, sheds his mourning cloak, hat, hatband, and handkerchief, and escapes up a side street.
Where does the mob take Roger Cly's funeral procession?
To the old church of Saint Pancras, far off in the fields, where they bury him in their own chaotic way.
What does the mob do after burying Roger Cly?
They chase innocent passersby as supposed "spies," break windows, plunder public houses, and tear up iron railings until rumors of the Guards disperse them.
Why does Jerry Cruncher linger in the churchyard after Cly's burial?
He is assessing the fresh grave as a professional body snatcher, planning to return that night to dig up the corpse.
What euphemism does Jerry use for his grave-robbing work?
He calls it "fishing" and refers to his crowbar, sack, rope, and chain as "fishing tackle."
What does Jerry mean when he accuses his wife of "flopping"?
He means she is praying (kneeling), which he believes works against his grave-robbing business through divine interference.
What tools does Jerry bring on his nighttime expedition?
A sack, a crowbar of convenient size, a rope and chain, and other "fishing tackle."
What does Young Jerry see when he follows his father to the churchyard?
He sees Jerry and two companions scale an iron gate, creep through a graveyard, and dig up a coffin using spades and a corkscrew-like instrument.
What terrifying vision haunts Young Jerry as he runs home?
He imagines the coffin hopping after him upright on its narrow end, hiding in doorways, lurking in shadows, and finally following him upstairs and into bed.
What evidence shows that Jerry's grave-robbing expedition failed?
There is "no fish for breakfast" the next morning, and Jerry returns home furious, blaming his wife's prayers.
How does Jerry punish his wife when the expedition fails?
He holds her by the ears and knocks the back of her head against the headboard of the bed.
What does Dickens say about Jerry's fear of his wife's prayer?
"The devoutest person could have rendered no greater homage to the efficacy of an honest prayer than he did in this distrust of his wife."
What does Young Jerry say he wants to be when he grows up?
A resurrection man -- a body snatcher, just like his father.
How does Jerry describe a resurrection man's goods to Young Jerry?
He says they are "a branch of Scientific goods," avoiding a direct admission that the trade involves stealing dead bodies.
How does the mob scene in London foreshadow events later in the novel?
The irrational, destructive London mob previews the far more violent Parisian crowds who will storm the Bastille and drive the Reign of Terror.
What is the broader significance of Roger Cly's burial in the novel?
Cly's burial (and Jerry's attempt to rob the grave) becomes important later when questions arise about whether Cly was truly dead -- connecting to the novel's resurrection theme.
What does Jerry warn his wife about at dinner the night before his expedition?
He tells her not to refuse meat or beer if he provides them, and not to "stick to bread" or declare for water -- essentially warning her not to fast or pray.
Who is described as joining the remodelled funeral procession?
A chimney-sweep drives the hearse, a pieman drives the mourning coach, and a bear-leader with his mangy black bear is "impressed" as an additional ornament.