A Tale of Two Cities Book 1 Chapters 1–3 Quiz : Book the First opens in the year 1775 and presents a picture of England and France during a time of deep confusion and unrest. Life appears full of sharp contrasts. The rich and powerful believe everything is stable, but the common people suffer silently. This contradiction sets the tone of the novel.
In France, poverty, injustice, and fear dominate daily life. The ruling class enjoys luxury, while ordinary citizens face hunger and cruel punishment. Anger is growing quietly, and revolution is close, though not yet open. In England, society is also disturbed. Crime is common, and the justice system is weak and unfair. People are more interested in ghosts and prophecies than real political danger. Both nations move unknowingly towards a dangerous future.
Chapter 2 shifts to a dark winter night on the Dover mail coach. The atmosphere is tense because highway robberies are frequent. Passengers do not trust one another. A messenger named Jerry Cruncher stops the coach to deliver a message from Tellson’s Bank to Mr. Jarvis Lorry. The message says, “Wait at Dover for Mam’selle.” Mr. Lorry replies with the strange words, “Recalled to Life.” This reply creates mystery and curiosity and becomes the central idea of Book One.
In Chapter 3, Mr. Lorry reflects on his mission. He believes he is going to bring back a man who has been “buried alive” for eighteen years. This does not mean physical death but long suffering and isolation. Mr. Lorry imagines the man as broken and unsure whether he wants to live again. The chapter highlights how every human being hides deep secrets.
The chapter ends with sunrise, symbolising hope and rebirth. This suggests that the past will return, hidden truths will come out, and lives long damaged may be restored. Thus, the theme of resurrection begins strongly in the novel.
Key Themes in A Tale of Two Cities Book 1
| Theme | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Duality | Best vs worst, hope vs despair |
| Mystery | Secrets shape human actions |
| Resurrection | Life restored after long suffering |
| Social Injustice | Root cause of revolution |
A Tale of Two Cities Book 1 Chapters 1–3 Quiz
| Pos. | Name | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jammu | 70 % |
| 2 | Teji | 10 % |
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