A Tale of Two Cities Read-Along Update #4: Friend Zoned
Having the worst of times figuring our what this is all about? See the master post!
Another late post. Shall I grovel and apologize for my wasted life and lack of morals, a la Sydney? Nah, let’s just get to it! We read to the end this week. Are YOU finished?
Miss Pross, Like a Boss
My favourite character has been Madame Defarge almost the whole way through, UNTIL NOW. I always liked Miss Pross. Her wild exaggerations, her creepy devotion to “ladybird,” her even creepier idolization of her brother, and her complete disdain for the French make her a “character” in the same way that Jerry is. I loved that she and Jerry end up together, abandoned by the main players, and that Miss Pross saves everyone in the end and busts a cap in Therese’s ass – who saw that coming?
Friendzoned
First of all: the whole concept of “the friendzone” is gross and sexist. However. Sometimes the term just fits. And Sydney is in the Friend Zone like whoa.
Up until now, the only “friend zoned 19th century French literary character” I knew was Eponine from Les Mis. We all cringed for her as Marius used her to get to Cossette. But Sydney Carton takes it to a whole new level – he never even really confesses his love, and doesn’t even get to die in Lucie’s arms.
The End
We all knew how this was going to end. We all knew the last line. But it still had an impact. I rushed to the end, but slowed down on the last pages, and that last line hit me, big time. I may have cried (I totally cried.) I have to say, though, I don’t know if Clueless was correct in its analysis that Sydney meant “Tis a far, far better thing doing stuff for other people.” Sydney sacrificed himself for Charles, but, it was really all for Lucie, who he was obsessed with. I didn’t think this was really a “friendship” novel, at least, not the way I thought it would be.
The Best of Blogs
I’m catching up on blogs, so if you aren’t here, link in the comments!
- Consumed by Ink is a Miss Pross fan too.
- Exploring Classics has posted her review already!
Tune in next Monday for: final thoughts and contest winner!
Did you cry at the end?
Reading in Bed 
I totally cried at the end! I loved the end. And I loved Miss Pross and that whole scene with Jerry and then Mme. Defarge. I really didn’t see that coming, which made it even better. I read it over a few times. I’m glad I read the book!
The scene with Miss Pross and Madam Defarge was ah-mazing! I will never forget that part. I didn’t cry at the end, but I did get a few shivers and then sat quietly for a few moments to reflect on Sydney’s sacrifice because it is all a messed up.