A Tale of Two Cities Book 3 Chapter 12 Summary: Darkness and Sydney Carton's Plan

TLDRIn this chapter of A Tale of Two Cities, Sydney Carton prepares for his plan to save Charles Darnay. He meets with the Defarges and eavesdrops on their conversation. Madame Defarge reveals her personal vendetta against the Evermonde family. Carton obtains important papers from Dr. Manette's coat and entrusts them to Jarvis Lorry. He then prepares for his self-sacrificing act to fulfill his promise to Lucie Manette.

Key insights

📝Sydney Carton's plan to save Charles Darnay is set in motion.

📜Madame Defarge reveals her personal vendetta against the Evermonde family.

🗂️Carton obtains important papers from Dr. Manette's coat.

🚘Carton entrusts the papers to Jarvis Lorry for safekeeping.

🔥Carton prepares for his self-sacrificing act in fulfillment of his promise to Lucie.

Q&A

What is Sydney Carton's plan in this chapter?

Sydney Carton's plan is to save Charles Darnay from execution.

Who does Madame Defarge have a personal vendetta against?

Madame Defarge has a personal vendetta against the Evermonde family.

What important papers does Carton obtain?

Carton obtains papers from Dr. Manette's coat that allow him, Lucie, and their child to leave the city.

Who does Carton entrust the papers to?

Carton entrusts the papers to Jarvis Lorry for safekeeping.

What is Carton preparing for in this chapter?

Carton is preparing for his self-sacrificing act in fulfillment of his promise to Lucie.

Timestamped Summary

00:00The chapter begins with Sydney Carton deciding to be seen in the neighborhood of St. Antoine.

00:34Carton eavesdrops on a conversation between the Defarges and learns about Madame Defarge's vendetta against the Evermonde family.

01:11Carton obtains important papers from Dr. Manette's coat that allow him, Lucie, and their child to leave the city.

01:52Carton entrusts the papers to Jarvis Lorry for safekeeping and instructs him to have a carriage ready the next day.

02:57Carton prepares for his self-sacrificing act and sends a blessing to Lucie from her courtyard.