Previous
Book 3, Chapter 5
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
A rowdy, bloodthirsty crowd gathers for the trial of "Charles Evrémonde, called Darnay." Defarge and Madame Defarge sit in the front row. Madame Defarge is knitting away. Charles is sentenced to death as an emigrant, despite the fact that the law was passed after his imprisonment. The crowd screams to cut off his head.
This is a court not of justice but of unchecked political passions. Charles's sentence is, in fact, a travesty of justice—the law shouldn't even apply to him. The crowd does not care about justice, though. It just wants the spectacle of his execution.
Themes
Quiz
Test Yourself
In his testimony, Charles explains that he actually isn't an emigrant: he gave up his aristocratic title and property, then worked as a French tutor and married a French woman: Lucie Manette. He says that he returned to France to save the life of a citizen of the Republic: Gabelle.
Charles finally explains who he is to the French people. By swearing that he is still a Frenchman, Charles offers himself as a positive, non-violent role model for change.
Themes
Quiz
Test Yourself
Gabelle, who had been forgotten in prison before the trial, takes the witness stand and confirms Charles's story. Then Dr. Manette testifies, praising Charles's character and republican ideals.
Gabelle was left for dead. Imprisonment is like the grave. Dr. Manette once again tries to use political tactics to free Charles.
Themes
Quiz
Test Yourself
The jury votes to acquit Charles. The boisterous crowd now celebrates Charles as a patriot and carries him through the streets in celebration.
Charles goes from death row to a public parade, floating on the fickle allegiance of the mob.
Themes
Quiz
Test Yourself
Get the entire A Tale of Two Cities LitChart as a printable PDF.
When she sees Charles, Lucie faints with joy. In their apartment, she thanks God, then her father, who declares, "I have saved him."
Dr. Manette's political influence seems to be enough to save Charles after all.
Themes
Quiz
Test Yourself
