The trial scene in A Tale of Two Cities

Answer

Critically comment on the trial scene in “A Tale of Two Cities.” [NU: 2019] 

A trial scene is a part of a story or play where a character faces judgment in a court. It usually shows law, justice, or injustice, and often becomes a turning point in the plot. In “A Tale of Two Cities” (1859), Charles Dickens (1812–1870) demonstrates three trial scenes. He shows the cruelty of the law in both London and Paris through these scenes. The scenes reveal injustice, false proof, and revenge during the age of the French Revolution.

The London Trial (1780): The first trial happens at the Old Bailey in London. Charles Darnay is accused of treason for helping France. The courtroom looks like a theatre. People come to enjoy, not to see justice. Dickens says the crowd was like 

“a cloud of great blue-flies that you would find hovering over a dead body.” 

The witnesses Barsad and Cly give false evidence. Mr. Stryver defends Darnay, but Sydney Carton saves him. Carton shows that he and Darnay look alike. This weakens the proof. The jury sets Darnay free. The scene shows the weakness of English law.

The First Paris Trial (1792): Later, Darnay goes to France to help Gabelle. He is arrested as an emigrant during the Revolution. After fifteen months in prison, he faces the tribunal. The people are wild, but Dr. Manette defends him. Manette uses his own Bastille suffering to win trust. The court frees Darnay. The crowd cheers. For a moment, justice seems alive in France.

The Second Paris Trial (1792): The same evening, Darnay is arrested again. At his retrial, the Defarges bring a letter of Dr. Manette. It tells the story of the crimes of the Evrémonde brothers. It also tells Manette’s own long imprisonment. In the letter, he curses 

“…and them and their descendants, to the last of their race.” 

The court accepts this curse as proof. They condemn Darnay to die by