After reading · Part II · Chapter 4
Part II · Chapter 4Darnay and His Double
Reading boundary
Start: From the dimly-lighted passages of the court
Stop after: a long winding-sheet in the candle dripping down upon him.
Summary
Outside court, Darnay thanks Stryver while Doctor Manette briefly regards him with fear and distrust. After the Manettes depart, Carton takes the faint Darnay to dine. He drinks heavily, needles Darnay about Lucie, and refuses credit for helping him.
Once alone, Carton confronts his own reflection. Darnay’s similar face reminds him of the capable man he might have become, intensifying both envy and self-hatred. He drinks himself to sleep beneath the wax dripping from a dying candle.
Who’s who
- Charles Darnay — Newly acquitted and grateful to his defenders.
- Sydney Carton — The barrister whose likeness to Darnay exposes his painful self-comparison.
- Mr. Stryver — The forceful defense counsel.
- Doctor Manette — Briefly disturbed while looking at Darnay.