pense with one of these attendants on the chocolate . . ." (Dickens 109). Not only does the Monseigneur need an outrageous amount of attendants to serve him chocolate, but he was "so polite and impressible, that the Comedy and Grand Opera had far more influence with him than the tiresome articles of state affairs and secrets, than all the needs of France" (Dickens 110). Dickens' biting descriptions of the Monseigneur outline the extremely corrupt nature of the aristocratic government. The reality in France is that of starving peasants dying to preserve the totally unrealistic lifestyle of the aristocracy. As the oppression continues to worsen, Madame Defarge represents stability among the peasants. When an aristocrat runs over an innocent child and is only concerned with "any injury done to his horses" (Dickens 116), he notices the figure of "a dark, stout woman, knitting" (Dickens 116). As he drives on, the other peasants return to their homes since nothing can be done to stop the aristocrat. Only Madame Defarge "looks steadily into the eyes" (Dickens 117) of the aristocrat and knits with "the steadfastness of Fate" (Dickens 117). Her expressionless figure and the mention of "Fate" in her actions is a clear indication that the French people will not put up with the terrible treatment they are receiving from the aristocrats. She believes with all her soul that she "will see the triumph [of the French People]" (Dickens 180).
             Their triumph lies in the French Revolution, but it is merely a continuation of the cycle of inhumanity. Ordinary people "hurl themselves into the revolution and lose all concern for life and value" (Dyson 215). In Paris, "every living creature held life as of no account, and was demented with a passionate readiness to sacrifice it" (Dyson 215). Madame Defarge is also a symbol of her people's fierce h...