After reading · Part II · Chapter 22
Part II · Chapter 22Foulon’s Death
Reading boundary
Start: Haggard Saint Antoine had had only one exultant week
Stop after: in Saint Antoine’s bosom.
Summary
Defarge announces that the hated official Foulon, who had supposedly staged his death, has been captured. Remembered for saying starving people could eat grass, Foulon is dragged to the Hôtel de Ville with grass tied to his back. Madame Defarge and the Vengeance help drive the furious women forward.
The crowd hangs Foulon after failed attempts, places his head on a pike, and stuffs grass in his mouth. It then captures and kills his son-in-law. Exhausted participants return home to scarce food and sleeping children, their hunger unchanged though the day’s rage is spent.
Who’s who
- Foulon — A detested official captured after pretending to be dead.
- Madame Defarge — A forceful leader in the crowd.
- The Vengeance — Madame Defarge’s fiery lieutenant.
- Monsieur Defarge — Bearer of the news that mobilizes Saint Antoine.