Book II - Chapter XX. A Plea Practice Quiz — A Tale of Two Cities
by Charles Dickens — tap or click to flip
Practice Quiz: Book II - Chapter XX. A Plea
Who is the first person to visit the newly married Darnays?
Sydney Carton. He appears to offer his congratulations shortly after they return home.
What new quality does Darnay notice about Carton during his visit?
A certain rugged air of fidelity that was new to Darnay’s observation, despite Carton being unchanged in habits, looks, or manner.
What past occasion does Carton ask Darnay to forget?
A drunken evening when Carton was "insufferable about liking you, and not liking you," referring to his conflicted feelings about Darnay after the treason trial.
How does Darnay respond when Carton asks him to forget the incident?
"I forgot it long ago." He dismisses the incident as trivial and reminds Carton of the great service he rendered at the trial.
What does Carton call his role in saving Darnay at the trial?
"Mere professional claptrap." He admits he did not particularly care what became of Darnay when he rendered the service.
How does Carton describe himself when asking to visit the Darnay household?
As a "dissolute dog" and a "worthless fellow" of "indifferent reputation" who is incapable of the "higher and better flights of men."
What metaphor does Carton use for the role he wants in the Darnay household?
An "useless" and "unornamental" piece of furniture, tolerated for its old service and taken no notice of.
How often does Carton estimate he would actually visit?
He says it is "a hundred to one" if he would come four times in a year, and merely knowing he had the permission would satisfy him.
What milestone in their relationship occurs when Darnay grants Carton’s request?
They use each other’s surnames ("Darnay" and "Carton") for the first time, indicating a new level of familiarity.
What happens to Carton’s demeanor immediately after his earnest conversation with Darnay?
Within a minute, he returns to his old mask of indifference—"to all outward appearance, as unsubstantial as ever."
How does Darnay describe Carton at dinner that evening?
As "a problem of carelessness and recklessness," speaking casually and without malice but missing the depth of Carton’s character.
Who is present at dinner when Darnay mentions his conversation with Carton?
Miss Pross, Doctor Manette, and Mr. Lorry.
What physical gesture signals that Lucie has something serious on her mind?
The "old pretty lifting of the forehead" that Darnay recognizes as strongly marked when she is troubled.
What promise does Lucie extract from Darnay before sharing her feelings about Carton?
She asks him to promise not to press one question on her if she begs him not to ask it—she will not reveal how she knows Carton’s heart.
What does Lucie say she has seen in Carton?
She says he has a heart he very seldom reveals, that there are deep wounds in it, and she has "seen it bleeding."
What does Lucie believe about Carton’s potential?
She believes he is capable of "good things, gentle things, even magnanimous things," though she fears he is not to be reclaimed.
What does Lucie ask Darnay to remember about their relative positions?
"Remember how strong we are in our happiness, and how weak he is in his misery!"—urging compassion rooted in their privileged position.
Who is the unnamed "forlorn wanderer" pacing the dark streets at the chapter’s end?
Sydney Carton, implied but never named, who would have cried "God bless her for her sweet compassion!" had he heard Lucie’s words.
What does the closing scene of Chapter 20 foreshadow?
Carton’s eventual self-sacrifice for the Darnay family, motivated by his unrequited love for Lucie and desire for redemption.
What resemblance does Carton mention between himself and Darnay?
Their physical resemblance—the same likeness that saved Darnay at his trial when Carton’s similar appearance cast doubt on the identification.
What is the double meaning of the chapter title "A Plea"?
It refers both to Carton’s plea to Darnay for acceptance as a friend, and to Lucie’s plea to her husband to show Carton compassion and respect.