A Little Trip to Tellson's and a Whole Lot of Snoozing
Okay, let's talk about A Tale of Two Cities, Book 2, Chapter 9. Specifically, that whole visit to Tellson's Bank. Honestly? A bit of a snore-fest.
Don't get me wrong! I love Dickens. But sometimes, even the best writers have chapters where you're just thinking, "Okay, let's get on with it!"
The Bank as a Time Capsule (Or Should I Say, a Dust Ball?)
So, Tellson's is described as this incredibly old, musty place. We get it, it's old! Is the metaphor too heavy handed, or is it just me?
The whole "nothing ever changes" vibe is strong. Maybe a little too strong? I feel like I aged five years just reading about it.
And the junior clerks? They basically learn to worship the ground the senior partners walk on. Talk about a soul-crushing career path!
Mr. Lorry: Banker by Day, Dad Figure by Night (Sort Of)
Mr. Lorry is there, being his usual dependable self. He's like the sensible adult in a chaotic story.
I kind of wish Dickens had given him a bit more spice. Maybe a secret love affair with a pastry chef? Just something to liven things up!
He’s getting ready to go to France. It's all very serious and foreshadowing-y. We KNOW something big is coming.
Jerry Cruncher: The Odd Job Man and His Mysterious Side Hustle
And then there's Jerry Cruncher. Now, he's an interesting character. Porter by day, mysterious activities by night.
His son, Little Jerry, is basically his mini-me. Same spiky hair, same puzzled expression. I almost feel sorry for the kid. Almost.
Honestly, his wife is probably better off without him digging up bodies.
"Recalled to Life" and a Suspiciously Short Message
Mr. Lorry gets a message: "Recalled to Life." Dramatic! Ominous!
We all know it's about Dr. Manette, right? It's not exactly subtle. But Dickens sure does build the suspense.
My unpopular opinion? This whole section could have been, like, three paragraphs shorter. But that’s just me!
The Cruncher Household: A Glimpse into Victorian Family Life (Or a Caricature of It?)
We see Jerry Cruncher beating his wife for praying. This is not my favourite part of the book, not even close. She probably knows the real truth about him, and he's hitting her for praying because he feels guilty.
Victorian domestic life was probably tough, but this feels a little… over the top? Maybe that’s the point, but I still cringe.
So, What's the Point?
This chapter is essentially setting the stage for Mr. Lorry's trip to France. We learn about the rigid world of Tellson's Bank, and get another glimpse of Jerry Cruncher's shady side.
But let's be honest, it's not the most thrilling chapter in the book. It's like the broccoli of A Tale of Two Cities. You know it's good for you, but you'd rather be eating chocolate.
Anyone else feel the same? Or am I the only one who secretly dozes off during the Tellson's Bank bits?
Ultimately, this chapter is functional, but not exactly fun. It does a lot of groundwork for the plot, and helps further develop the characters of Mr. Lorry and Jerry Cruncher.
So, next time you're reading A Tale of Two Cities, just power through Chapter 9. The good stuff is definitely coming!
