Classics for Beginners discussion

This section was published in August 1859.

I just started chapter 7 and I am laughing at Monsieur drinking hot chocolate. He can't drink it "without the aid of four strong men besides the Cook." This is juxtaposed with Dickens' comment that "a few sullen minds supposed [him] to be rather rapidly swallowing France."

Although the description of Monsieur seems ridiculous, it was not much of an exaggeration. The plight of the very poor was a sharp contrast to the excessive wealth of the aristocrats and the Catholic church in that period before the French Revolution. The unconcern and greed of those in power led to their downfall. It should be a sobering lesson to those 1% in our country who want both power and wealth without concern for their fellow-citizens.

I thought chapter 7 was a wonderfully written and very powerful chapter. I liked the chocolate routine also and decided that if I were one of the men I would want to "present the favored napkin". Too funny.

I loved the description of all the people surrounding the Monseigneur. "Military officers destitute of military knowledge; navel officers with no idea of a ship; civil officers without a notion of affairs; brazen ecclesiastics, of the worst world wordly, ....all totally unfit for the several callings. Perfect! (I think I've worked with some of these people.)

I also loved the quote "the leprosy of unreality disfigured every human creature in attendance upon Monseigneur." And I laughed out loud with, "But, the comfort was, that all the company at the grand hotel of Monseigneur wer perfectly dressed". Boy times have not changed much at all, huh?

I felt the description of the carriage accident and Monseigneur saying that they are always in the way and the might have hurt his horses shows how he viewed the common folk as nuisances not people. When the gold coin get thrown back at him, you know trouble is definitely coming.

I just completed this section. I loved the beginning of Chapter 12 where Mr. Stryver has decided to marry Lucie. This passage shows clearly his arrogance. "Mr. Stryver having made up his mind to that magnanimous bestowal of good fortune on the doctor's daughter, resolved to make her happiness known to her before he left town for the Long Vacation." I was amused at his reaction when Mr. Lorry indicated that the proposal might not be appropriate.

I don't understand why Mr. Carton feels so hopeless and is unable to change his life. There are indications by Mr. Stryver that Mr. Carton has the ability to be successful. I wonder why Mr. Carton feels he can't.

I liked that part about Mr. Stryver also. Boy is he full of it! Dickens does such a beautiful job of blending comedy and drama so seamlessly doesn't he?

soooooo ummmm Monseignuer, did i get confused by Dickens writing style or did he kill a little boy by running him over in the streets and then throw cash at the family and ride off?

No, Chakara, you weren't confused!

Wow thats strangely both hilarious and sad. Hilarious because i cant beleive that such a thing would be tolerated even back then and sad for obvious reasons.