A Tale of Two Cities: Book 3, Chapter 13 Summary & Analysis

In the prison, 52 people, including Charles, await execution that day. Charles writes a final letter to Lucie, in which he says that he did not know about her father's history and that he believes Dr. Manette was unaware of his damning letter. Charles writes much the same to Dr. Manette. He also writes to Mr. Lorry, but never thinks to write to Carton.

Suddenly John Barsad opens the cell door and lets in Carton. Carton tells Charles to start changing clothes with him. Then Carton dictates a letter for Charles to write, in which he asks "someone" to remember him and is grateful to have the chance to prove himself.

As Charles writes, Carton waves the packet of drugs under his nose. Charles passes out. Carton finishes swapping their clothes and Barsad carries Charles, now disguised as Sydney Carton, back to Mr. Lorry.

Soon the guards arrive and take Carton, whom they think is Charles Evrémonde, out to join the other condemned prisoners. A young woman, who was wrongly accused and convicted, asks him if she can hold his hand. Suddenly, the women realizes that he is not Evrémonde. "Are you dying for him?" she asks. "And his wife and child," Carton replies. Carton promises to hold the woman's hand until the end.

At the Paris barricade, guards check the papers of the passengers in a carriage: Mr. Lorry, Dr. Manette, Lucie, and "Sydney Carton," who is unconscious. They wave the carriage through.