Jerry Cruncher Character Analysis in A Tale of Two Cities

By day, an odd-job man for Mr. Lorry. By night, a "resurrection man"—robbing graves to sell body parts to sketchy doctors. He complains about his wife's praying because it makes him feel guilty about his secret activities, but by the end of the novel he decides to give up his secret job and endorses praying, a sign that he hopes to be resurrected himself through the power of Christ.

Jerry Cruncher Character Timeline in A Tale of Two Cities

The timeline below shows where the character Jerry Cruncher appears in A Tale of Two Cities. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

...of the passengers, Mr. Jarvis Lorry of Tellson's Bank. Mr. Lorry recognizes the man as Jerry Cruncher, who works odd-jobs for Tellson's. (full context)

Jerry gives Mr. Lorry a note that reads "Wait at Dover for Mam'selle." In reply, Mr.... (full context)

In his cramped apartment in a poor London neighborhood, Jerry Cruncher yells at his wife for "praying against" him, which he insists is interfering with... (full context)

Jerry and his son then go to work—they sit outside Tellson's waiting for odd jobs from... (full context)

One day, Jerry Cruncher is sent to await Mr. Lorry's orders at the Old Bailey Courthouse, where a... (full context)

Outside of Tellson's Bank, Jerry Cruncher sees an approaching funeral procession. An angry crowd harasses the drivers of the hearse... (full context)

Jerry follows the mob, which roughs up the drivers and takes over the procession. They drive... (full context)

Back at home, Jerry once again complain's about his wife's praying. His son, Young Jerry, asks his father about... (full context)

That night, Young Jerry sneaks out after his father, whose "fishing gear" includes a crowbar and ropes. He follows... (full context)

The next morning, frustrated that Cly's body had been missing, Jerry Cruncher furiously rebukes his wife for her praying and intervening in the work of an... (full context)

...Mr. Lorry is apparently the youngest clerk at the bank, and he plans to take Jerry Cruncher for protection. He will leave that night. (full context)

...own personal business, Mr. Lorry finds an apartment for Lucie and her family, and leaves Jerry Cruncher with them to act as guard. On the way back to Tellson's Mr. Lorry... (full context)

...have been imprisoned and killed. For safety's sake, they keep no outside servants, using only Jerry and Miss Pross. Miss Pross vehemently and regularly voices her distaste for the French. (full context)

...a French republican. Solomon tells her to be quiet, or else she'll get him killed. Jerry, meanwhile, also thinks he recognizes this man, but can't quite remember his name. (full context)

Sydney Carton, appearing out of nowhere, tells Jerry the name he is trying to remember: John Barsad. Having arrived in Paris a day... (full context)

Carton and Jerry escort John Barsad to Tellson's Bank, where Mr. Lorry also recognizes him. Carton says he... (full context)

...takes out a certificate of burial and says he buried Cly himself. To everyone's surprise, Jerry angrily objects that Barsad had placed "shameful impositions upon tradesmen," and then reveals that Cly's... (full context)

At the apartment, Jerry Cruncher and Miss Pross get ready to leave in their own carriage. Jerry swears that... (full context)

Jerry leaves to make arrangements. Soon after, Madame Defarge arrives at the apartment and demands that... (full context)