PRESENTATION OUTLINE
Bastille
Prison in Paris that was destroyed during the French Revolution. The "Storming of the Bastille" is said to be the beginning of the revolution.
Manette spent eighteen years imprisoned in the Bastille, where he adopted his curious habit of shoe making. Eighteen years in prison changed Manette into an unstable old man. However, throughout the story, Manette changed from an unstable man into a helpful and sympathetic father and friend.
Saint-Antoine
Parisian suburb that suffered from food scarcity, poverty, and political unrest. Saint-Antoine was a hot spot of revolutionaries, because many of them lived in it's slums. Most of the residents were poor peasants who couldn't afford food.
Monsieur and Madame Defarge owned a wine shop in Saint-Antoine. Here they plotted their sinister plans and revolutionary matters. When a barrel of wine is dropped and spilled, nearby peasants go over to the mess and lick the wine off of the ground, one peasant even wrote the word "blood" on a wall with the wine. This symbolizes how desperate and angry the French peasants were in the revolutionary times.
Guillotine
Execution mechanism used to kill criminals and French Nobility during the revolution. At the time, it was also known as "Madame Guillotine" or "The National Razor". Guillotine executions were done at the Place De Revolution, which was located near the Tuileries gardens and the Palais des Tuileries. It is estimated that 16,000 to 40,000 guillotine executions took place during the revolution.
After Carton and Barsad help Darnay out of prison, Carton and Darnay switch identities to help Darnay escape safely. Carton knew that he would die if he was disguised as Darnay, but he was prepared for it. He promised Lucie that he would protect her and her loved ones. As Carton was on his way to death, he knew that he fulfilled his life by saving Darnay and protecting Lucie, so he died satisfied with himself. Carton changed from an insecure alcoholic into a hero. This also demonstrates the central theme that sacrifice is needed for change and prosperity.
Tellson's Bank
Bank located near Temple Bar and St. Paul's Cathedral in eastern London. It is an old-fashioned, dark, and ugly place.
Manette's House
The Manette's house is located in the Soho area, which is in northern London. Lucie makes the house very welcoming and everyone enjoys being there.
