A Tale of Two Cities

A Tale of Two Cities

by

Charles Dickens

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A Tale of Two Cities: Book 2, Chapter 14 Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
Outside of Tellson's Bank, Jerry Cruncher sees an approaching funeral procession. An angry crowd harasses the drivers of the hearse with shouts of "Spies!" Cruncher learns the hearse carries the body of Roger Cly, a convicted spy against the English.
The English crowd threatening the spies foreshadows the French mob that, in later chapters, will actually lynch its enemies in public.
Themes
Tyranny and Revolution Theme Icon
Secrecy and Surveillance Theme Icon
Jerry follows the mob, which roughs up the drivers and takes over the procession. They drive into the country and bury Roger Cly with mock ceremony. Then they start carousing, busting up local pubs until the police intervene.
The mobs' anger at the spy Roger Cly escalates into a general zest for mayhem, foreshadowing the French revolutionaries who lose sight of their ideals in their thirst for blood.
Themes
Tyranny and Revolution Theme Icon
Back at home, Jerry once again complain's about his wife's praying. His son, Young Jerry, asks his father about where he goes at night. Jerry tells his son that he goes fishing, as Mrs. Cruncher knows.
Mrs. Cruncher knows Jerry's secret, which is why she prays: she feels guilty about Jerry's secret occupation.
Themes
Secrecy and Surveillance Theme Icon
That night, Young Jerry sneaks out after his father, whose "fishing gear" includes a crowbar and ropes. He follows his father to the grave of Roger Cly, and watches his father start digging, then runs in terror, with visions of Cly's coffin chasing after him.
Jerry is a grave robber! Jerry, who "fishes" for dead bodies, represents a perversion of Jesus, who was described as a fisher of men. .
Themes
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Resurrection Theme Icon
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The next morning, frustrated that Cly's body had been missing, Jerry Cruncher furiously rebukes his wife for her praying and intervening in the work of an "honest tradesman." Later, Young Jerry asks his father what a "resurrection man" is and says he would like to be one when he grows up. Jerry is worried, but also a little proud.
Cly's missing body will play an important part in the plot in later chapters. A "resurrection man" (grave robber) perverts the idea of resurrection. Rather than bringing the dead back to life, resurrection men sell stolen body parts to doctors.
Themes
Secrecy and Surveillance Theme Icon
Resurrection Theme Icon