The trial scene in A Tale of Two Cities
A Tale of Two Cities is a notable literary work by Charles Dickens. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of A Tale of Two Cities.
Answer
Critically comment on the trial scene in A Tale of Two Cities.
In A Tale of Two Cities (1859) by Charles Dickens (1812–1870), the trial scenes are turning points. They show justice, injustice, and cruelty during the troubled times of England and France.
Trial in London: The first trial happened at the Old Bailey, 1780 in London. Here, Charles Darnay is accused of treason. He is accused of helping France during the American War of Independence. The courtroom is full of people who come to enjoy, not to see justice. Dickens writes:
“a cloud of great blue‑flies that you would find hovering over a dead body” (Book Two, chapter III)
The witnesses, John Barsad and Roger Cly, give false and unreliable evidence. Mr. Stryver is Darnay’s lawyer. But Sydney Carton’s quick thinking saves him. Carton proves that he and Darnay look alike. It confuses the witnesses. The jury finds Darnay not guilty. This scene shows how weak and unfair the English court can be.
The Paris Trial (Revolutionary Tribunal): Later, the second trial scene occurred in 1792 during the Reign of Terror. Darnay goes to France to help Gabelle. He is arrested as an emigrant and an aristocrat. After fifteen months, he is freed, but the same evening, he is arrested again. At his retrial, the Defarges present a hidden letter written by Dr. Manette in the Bastille. The letter describes that the Evrémonde brothers (Darnay’s father and uncle) kidnapped and abused a peasant girl and killed her family. Besides, it describes Dr. Manette imprisoned for 18 long years for reporting their crimes. In his letter, Doctor Manette curses the Evrémonde for their crime with the following quotes:
“And them and their descendants, to the last of their race,” (Book three, chapter X)
Thus, Dr. Manette cursed the Evrémonde family and all their future generations. This curse was used in court. The revolutionaries use this as proof to punish Darnay. They claimed Darnay is guilty by blood. Though Dr. Manette pleads for his son-in-law’s life, the court refuses it. They sentenced Darnay