"'It is of the utmost importance to me (you know, Citzen, even better than I, of how much importance), that I should be able to communicate to Mr. Lorry of Tellson's Bank, an English gentleman who is now in Paris, the simple fact, without comment, that I have been thrown in the prison of La Force. Will you cause that do be done for me?' 'I will do,' Defarge doggedly rejoined, 'nothing for you. My duty is to my country and the People. I am the sworn servant of both, against you. I will do nothing for you'" (263).
In the chapter "In Secret" the reader begins to see that Monsieur Defarge has two different sides to him. Earlier in the story, we saw that he valued connections with others, as he expressed dicontent that Darnay's name was knitted into the list of people Madame Defarge was making. However, since the revolution has started, the reader realizes that his other side is one that is very dedicated to the cause, even if it means hurting people (namely, Darnay) in a way that can affect people he cares about (Lucie and Dr. Manette). He seems to have adapted his wife's mentality of being more concerned with the revolution than those hurt by it. His harshness shows the reader his double sided-ness, but that his loyalties lie with the peasants behind the revolution.
3 comments:
I think you pointed out a very relevant instance of doubling Jill! It reveals a lot about Monsieur Defarge as a character and also helps us understand what will happen next in the plot by analyzing where his loyalties lie. At one point Darnay tells Defarge; " 'All here is so unprecedented, so changed, so sudden and unfair, that I am absolutely lost. Will you render me a little help?' 'None.' Citizen Defarge spoke, always looking straight before him" (262). This quote reveals that although Citizen Defarge is trying hard to stay loyal to his wife and Revolutionaries, he does still feel somewhat of a personal connection to Darnay, and is taking a substantial proportion of his effort to not give in to aiding him in the name of the Manettes. The fact that he is 'always looking straight before him' shows his vulnerability in the situation. I think his wavering faith and slight guilt is an important part of his double, because if a time comes when Charles is in grave danger, the reader is alert and watching for Monsieur Defarge to give in to his guilt and serve as Charles last hope to be saved.
I absolutely did not like Monsieur Defarge in this chapter. How can he be so kind to Dr. Manette and his daughter in the beginning, and not be kind to his daughters wife. I feel like he has betrayed thier friendship!!! I thought we could count on Defarge
I think you meant his daughter's husband? I don't think Lucie Manette is married to a girl...
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