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Book 2, Chapter 10
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in A Tale of Two Cities, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Tyranny and Revolution
Secrecy and Surveillance
Fate and History
Sacrifice
Resurrection
Imprisonment
Summary
Analysis
That same night, as Sydney Carton plows through heaps of legal papers, Mr. Stryver announces that he intends to get married. He chastises Carton for acting strangely around people, especially the Manettes. Stryver explains how he works to get along with people, which gets him ahead in the world.
Stryver is not an evil character, but he is selfish. All his actions are focused on getting ahead. He would never consider sacrificing any of his hard-earned success for any reason.
Themes
Quiz
Test Yourself
Because Carton had previously (though insincerely) insulted Lucie, Stryver breaks the news to him carefully: he plans to marry her. Stryver thinks she's a "charming creature" and will improve his home and professional standing; besides, she would be lucky to marry a man of such rising distinction. Carton drinks harder and says almost nothing. Stryver worries about Carton and tells him to get married, to settle down with some wealthy woman.
Stryver wants Lucie for all the wrong reasons: she'll be a trophy wife who will help him professionally. This contrasts with the feelings of profound love that both Charles and Carton feel for Lucie. Stryver thinks that Carton can find redemption on an earthly path, like getting married for money.
Themes
Quiz
Test Yourself
