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Volume III, Chapter Fifteen – The Footsteps Die Out for Ever, Summary - A Tale of Two Cities | A Tale of Two Cities - Summary, Themes & Characters - Novels PDF Download

  • Six carts carry fifty-two people to the guillotine.
  • Crowds of people gather to see the faces of the soon-to-be-dead.
  • Out narrator pauses to explore the different looks on the various faces.
  • Some seem bewildered, some angry, some absolutely hopeless.
  • One in particular stares out into the crowd without any apparent interest in his surroundings. He shakes his hair to cover his face a bit more.
  • Anxiously, the crowd cries out to discern which of the prisoners is Evrémonde.
  • Meanwhile, The Vengeance pushes through the crowd, crying out for Madame Defarge.
  • She’s saved her a seat right by La Guillotine, but she can’t find her friend anywhere.
  • As the guillotine begins to crash, the audience counts the number of heads that roll to the ground.
  • Scared, the little seamstress clings to Carton.
  • She thinks that he’s an angel sent to be with her in her time of trouble.
  • He comforts her, telling her that she’s going to a place with no suffering. She’ll be able to be with her family there.
  • They kiss, and she steps up onto the guillotine before Carton.
  • The audience counts to twenty-two.
  • Carton murmurs the words of Christ, "I am the Resurrection and the Life…" as he steps onto the platform.
  • The audience counts to twenty-three.
  • It's revealed that, afterwards, witnesses said his face was the most peaceful face they saw on the guillotine.
  • The narrator reflects that, if Carton had a chance to write down his thoughts before his death, they would have been something like this:
  • He foresees a time when vengeance in France will end.
  • He sees a nation rising out of the blood and ashes of this time, a nation stronger and better for the struggles it has had to endure.
  • He sees the Manettes in the future, with a child that bears his name.
  • He imagines the stories that they’ll tell of the man who gave his life for their happiness.
  • He sees his own name cleared of all the stains he’s placed on it, living again through Lucie’s son.
  • He reflects that this action is perhaps the best one that he’s ever taken.
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FAQs on Volume III, Chapter Fifteen – The Footsteps Die Out for Ever, Summary - A Tale of Two Cities - A Tale of Two Cities - Summary, Themes & Characters - Novels

1. What is the summary of Volume III, Chapter Fifteen in "A Tale of Two Cities"?
Ans. In Volume III, Chapter Fifteen of "A Tale of Two Cities," titled "The Footsteps Die Out for Ever," the story reaches its climax. Sydney Carton, a selfless and courageous character, sacrifices himself by switching places with Charles Darnay, who is imprisoned and sentenced to death. Carton's act of heroism allows Darnay to escape and reunite with his wife, Lucie. The chapter ends with Carton peacefully embracing his fate and accepting his own death.
2. What is the significance of the chapter title "The Footsteps Die Out for Ever"?
Ans. The chapter title "The Footsteps Die Out for Ever" symbolizes the end of a tumultuous era and the conclusion of the novel's major conflicts. It signifies the ultimate sacrifice made by Sydney Carton, whose footsteps metaphorically fade away as he willingly goes to his death. This title also represents the end of the French Revolution and the hope for a new beginning.
3. How does Sydney Carton's sacrifice impact the other characters in "A Tale of Two Cities"?
Ans. Sydney Carton's sacrifice has a profound impact on the other characters in "A Tale of Two Cities." His act of selflessness not only saves Charles Darnay's life but also brings solace and happiness to Lucie, Darnay's wife. Carton's sacrifice also serves as a redemption for his own troubled past, allowing him to find purpose and meaning in his life. Additionally, his sacrifice highlights the themes of love, redemption, and the power of selflessness throughout the novel.
4. What is the significance of Sydney Carton's final thoughts before his execution?
Ans. Sydney Carton's final thoughts before his execution reveal his newfound peace and tranquility. He reflects on the possibility of a better future for Lucie and her family, expressing his hope that they will remember him with love and gratitude. Carton's thoughts also convey a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction, as he believes that his sacrifice was worth it to ensure the happiness and safety of those he cared about.
5. How does the ending of "A Tale of Two Cities" reflect the themes and messages of the novel?
Ans. The ending of "A Tale of Two Cities" effectively encapsulates the novel's central themes and messages. It portrays the triumph of love and sacrifice over hatred and oppression, as Sydney Carton willingly gives up his life for the sake of others. The ending also highlights the possibility of redemption and transformation, as Carton finds purpose and peace in his selfless act. Additionally, the ending emphasizes the cyclical nature of history and the potential for change, suggesting that even in the darkest times, there is hope for a brighter future.
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