A Tale of Two Cities
A plot in a story can be developed in several ways. In many great pieces of literature, much of this plot advancement is done by the characters through their actions, by what they say, and how they are perceived by the other characters as well as the reader. In the novel A Tale of Two Cities, Dickens' minor characters contribute significantly to the narrative development. This essay will support this statement through reference to three of the minor characters including: Jerry Cruncher, Mr. Stryver, and Solomon Pross-John Barsad. Jerry Cruncher, a minor character, is a man of mystery in this novel. This is because of his profession and the places it takes him. His boots are frequently covered by mud in the morning, yet, the night before they would be clean. As we later discover, he is an odd-job man by day and a body snatcher by night. One of his nights in the cemetery finally pays off in the plot. In Book III, Sydney Carton attempts to blackmail John Barsad. Finally, after considering his predicament, Barsad gives in and agrees to aid Sydney Carton in his plan to release
299)Through Cruncher's testimony, Carton gains the advantage of a favour from Barsad. It is his driving ambition, ability to talk in front of a large crowd under pressure, and confidence (along with Carton's defense strategy) that frees Charles. However, this is not the case as we see in the outcome of the book. Without Stryver to defend Darnay, he would have been imprisoned and quartered. This allows the rest of the book to continue on without further hindrance. Even more significant is the way in which Stryver expedites Darnay's acquittal, by focusing in on the striking resemblance between Carton and Darnay. With considerable help from Carton, Stryver successfully defends Charles in the London trial. Without this minor but extremely important piece of the plot, Carton would not have gained entry to the prison to switch positions with Charles and the rest of the book would not have been possible. Darnay would have died a tragic death and Lucie would have died of a broken heart. This favour, as you can see, sets up the rest of the book and ultimately allows Carton access to Charles' cell where he is kept prisoner.
Common topics in this essay:
Charles Darnay's,
Roger Cly,
Jerry Cruncher,
Cities Dickens',
Charles London,
Editorial Board,
John Barsad,
Carton Darnay,
,
Sydney Carton,
minor characters,
tale cities,
rest book,
coles editorial board,
coles editorial,
jerry cruncher,
editorial board,
board 1999,
sydney carton,
roger cly,
john barsad,
editorial board 1999,
dickens' minor characters,
minor characters contribute,
cities dickens' minor,
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Acceptance Essays
