“So wicked do destruction and secrecy appear to honest minds, that Mr Lorry and Miss Pross, while engaged in the commission of their deed and in the removal of its traces, almost felt, and almost looked, like accomplices in a horrible crime.”
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Analysis
In this quote from Charles Dickens' novel, the characters of Mr. Lorry and Miss Pross are depicted as feeling like accomplices in a horrible crime while engaged in a deceitful act. The author conveys the weight and moral consequences of their actions, as destruction and secrecy are perceived as wicked by honest individuals. This highlights the internal struggle the characters face as they grapple with the ethical implications of their behavior. The quote serves to underscore the theme of deception and moral ambiguity in the novel, adding depth to the characters and their motivations.
Modern Relevance
In this quote from Charles Dickens' novel, A Tale of Two Cities, Mr. Lorry and Miss Pross are depicted as feeling like accomplices in a horrible crime as they attempt to cover up their actions. This feeling of guilt and secrecy can still resonate in today's society, where individuals may feel compelled to hide their mistakes or wrongdoings in order to protect themselves or others. The fear of being perceived as deceitful or untrustworthy can lead people to compromise their values and principles in the pursuit of self-preservation. This quote serves as a reminder of the consequences of deceit and the impact it can have on those involved.
Example of Usage
In this quote from Charles Dickens' novel, "A Tale of Two Cities," the characters Mr. Lorry and Miss Pross are depicted as being consumed by guilt and fear as they try to conceal evidence of their actions. The language used by Dickens emphasizes the sinister nature of their deeds, creating a sense of unease for the reader.
Reflection Questions
When reading this quote from Charles Dickens' novel, "A Tale of Two Cities," consider the following questions:
- How does the idea of destruction and secrecy impacting honest individuals resonate with you personally?
- Do you believe that certain actions or decisions can make someone feel like they are participating in a "horrible crime," even if their intentions are not malicious?
- How do Mr. Lorry and Miss Pross' emotions and actions in this scene shed light on their characters and values?
- In what ways does this quote reflect on the broader themes of morality, deception, and responsibility in the novel?
Similar quotes
“You might, from your appearance, be the wife of Lucifer,” said Miss Pross, in her breathing. “Nevertheless, you shall not get the better of me. I am an Englishwoman.”
“The great grindstone, Earth, had turned when Mr. Lorry looked out again, and the sun was red on the courtyard. But, the lesser grindstone stood alone there in the calm morning air, with red upon it that the sun had never give, and would never take away.”
“They'll not blame me. They'll not object to me. They'll not mind what I do, if it's wrong. I'm only Mr. Dick.”
“Mr Lorry asks the witness questions:Ever been kicked? Might have been.Frequently? No. Ever kicked down stairs? Decidedly not; once received a kick at the top of a staircase, and fell down stairs of his own accord.”
“It was all Mrs. Bumble. She would do it," urged Mr. Bumble; first looking round, to ascertain that his partner had left the room.That is no excuse," returned Mr. Brownlow. "You were present on the occasion of the destruction of these trinkets, and, indeed, are the more guilty of the two, in the eye of the law; for the law supposes that your wife acts under your direction."If the law supposes that," said Mr. Bumble, squeezing his hat emphatically in both hands, "the law is a ass — a idiot. If that's the eye of the law, the law is a bachelor; and the worst I wish the law is, that his eye may be opened by experience — by experience.”
“Thus violent deeds live after men upon the earth, and traces of war and bloodshed will survive in mournful shapes long after those who worked the desolation are but atoms of earth themselves.”