Book III - Chapter XI. Dusk Practice Quiz — A Tale of Two Cities
by Charles Dickens — tap or click to flip
Practice Quiz: Book III - Chapter XI. Dusk
How does Lucie initially react when Darnay is sentenced to death?
She falls as if "mortally stricken" but utters no sound. An inner voice tells her she must uphold him and not add to his misery, and she quickly raises herself.
Who allows Lucie to embrace Darnay after the sentence?
Barsad, the spy-turned-guard, proposes to the other guards: "Let her embrace him then; it is but a moment." They silently agree.
What does Darnay say to Lucie in their farewell embrace?
"Farewell, dear darling of my soul. My parting blessing on my love. We shall meet again, where the weary are at rest!"
Why does Darnay stop Dr. Manette from kneeling before him?
Darnay says they now understand what Manette suffered — the struggle against his natural antipathy when he discovered Darnay's ancestry — and they thank him for conquering it for Lucie's sake.
What is Dr. Manette's only response when Darnay thanks him?
He draws his hands through his white hair and wrings them with a shriek of anguish — a gesture recalling his years of imprisonment.
What does Dickens say about Carton's manner as he carries the unconscious Lucie?
There is "an air about him that was not all of pity — that had a flush of pride in it," signaling his inner transformation and growing sense of purpose.
What words does Carton whisper when he kisses the unconscious Lucie?
"A life you love" — recalling his earlier promise to give his life to keep a life she loves beside her.
Who tells Carton what he whispered to Lucie, and how is it remembered?
Little Lucie, who was nearest to him, overheard the words. She told her grandchildren about it "when she was a handsome old lady."
What does Carton say about the value of life in his conversation with Dr. Manette?
"Of little worth as life is when we misuse it, it is worth that effort. It would cost nothing to lay down if it were not." This is a veiled reference to his plan to sacrifice his own life.
Why does Carton encourage Dr. Manette to appeal to the judges?
Not because he has any hope of success, but so that Lucie will later know they tried everything. He says it might "one day be consolatory to her."
What do Carton and Mr. Lorry both agree about Darnay's fate?
"He will perish: there is no real hope." Mr. Lorry says he "heard the fall of the axe" in the courtroom demonstration.
What does Mr. Lorry say he heard in the crowd's reaction at court?
"I heard the fall of the axe in that sound" — meaning the crowd's bloodthirsty response makes any reprieve politically impossible.
What symbolic meaning does the chapter title "Dusk" carry?
It represents the fading of hope for Darnay's survival and the twilight before Carton's sacrifice. The next chapter is titled "Darkness," continuing the light-to-dark progression.
How does the chapter end?
After echoing Mr. Lorry's words — "He will perish: there is no real hope" — Carton walks "with a settled step, down-stairs," conveying quiet resolve through understatement.
What attitude does Lucie display as Darnay is led away to prison?
She stands with hands touching in an attitude of prayer and "a radiant look upon her face, in which there was even a comforting smile" before collapsing unconscious.
How does little Lucie react when Carton arrives?
She springs up, throws her arms around him, and begs him to "do something to help mamma, something to save papa!"
What does Carton tell Miss Pross about the unconscious Lucie?
"Don't recall her to herself. She is better so. Don't revive her to consciousness, while she only faints" — showing protective compassion.
Why can Dr. Manette not visit the judges immediately?
There is a revolutionary Celebration in the streets, and no officials will be accessible until dark.
What time does Carton say he will visit Mr. Lorry's to hear news?
Nine o'clock that evening, giving Dr. Manette an hour or two after dark to see the judges.
What theme of the novel is most strongly developed in this chapter?
Self-sacrifice — Lucie suppresses her anguish for Darnay, Darnay absolves Manette, and Carton begins enacting the ultimate sacrifice of his own life.