A Tale of Two Cities

Darnay is to be executed at 3 o’clock the following day. As he waits in his cell, he tries to compose himself; he isn’t afraid of dying, but he is troubled by the thought of leaving his family. He writes a letter to his wife explaining that he didn’t know his family was behind her father’s imprisonment and urging her to remind Manette that he isn’t responsible for Darnay’s fate. After writing to Manette and Lorry as well, Darnay goes to bed, dreaming that he has reunited with his wife and child. The next day, he remains calm by counting off the hours until it’s time.

Shortly after 1 o’clock, Darnay hears footsteps, and Carton appears inside his cell. Carton claims that Lucie has sent him, and that Darnay must do exactly as she asks. He persuades Darnay to exchange boots with him, and to untie his hair; Darnay protests all of this, saying any escape is impossible, but Carton overrides him with “a strength, both of will and action, that appear[s] quite supernatural” (364). Finally, Carton asks Darnay to compose a letter he (Carton) will dictate: the letter reminds its recipient (Lucie) of a promise the writer (Carton) once made to her, and urges her not to feel “regret or grief” (365)that he has been able to keep that promise.