After reading · Part III · Chapter 9

Part III · Chapter 9The Plan and the Accusation

Reading boundary Start: While Sydney Carton and the Sheep of the prisons were in the adjoining dark room Stop after: the paper was read, as follows.

Summary

Jerry admits to Lorry that his “fishing” meant robbing graves. He promises to abandon it and treat his wife’s prayers with greater respect if the family escapes France. Carton emerges with Barsad’s cooperation secured, though he describes it only as a possible last resort. After reflecting with Lorry on wasted life and old age, Carton visits Lucie, silently recalls his promise to her, and blesses her child.

At Darnay’s trial, the court names the Defarges and Doctor Manette as accusers. Manette indignantly denies accusing his son-in-law. Defarge explains that after the Bastille fell, he searched Manette’s old cell and found a paper hidden in the chimney, written in the Doctor’s hand. The court orders it read while Manette realizes with horror that his own forgotten words have become evidence.

Who’s who

Sydney Carton — Prepares a fallback involving Barsad and renews his private commitment to Lucie.
Jerry Cruncher — Confesses his grave-robbing and promises reform.
Doctor Manette — Unwittingly named as an accuser through his prison manuscript.
Defarge — Found and preserved the manuscript from Manette’s Bastille cell.