A Dramatisation of A Tale of Two Cities for English Learners
Peter Mountford
Abstract
Drama offers many possibilities for teaching English as a second language; however, a lack of drama-basedteaching materials suggests it is not widely used in the classroom. To investigate the practical difficulties ofusing drama in the classroom, I wrote a script for Charles Dickens’ novel, A Tale of Two Cities. The objectives
and process of writing the script and the script itself are presented in this paper.
Key words: English as a second language, drama,

Introduction

best-selling novels. The story contains many themes

In a previous paper, I reported on using drama as anand plots, but the one best remembered and easiest to

extra-curricular English activity. The merits of using

relate is the triangular relationship of Sydney Carton,

drama to teach English as a second language haveCharles Darnay, and Lucie Manette. The two men,been discussed by several authors, and their work has

Sydney Carton and Charles Darnay look remarkably

been reviewed by Belliveau and Kim. Drama offers

alike. This physical likeness leads to the Frenchman

many possibilities for teaching English as a second

Charles Darnay being rescued twice from execution,

language and as a second subject in mixed ability

once in London and once in Paris, by Sydney Carton.

classes in tertiary education, to Japanese students who

The dramatisation presented here was developed as anhave received at least 6 years of English instruction.

accompaniment for the Macmillan Graded Reader ofHowever, a major obstacle to the wider use of drama

A Tale of Two Cities,3） although it could also be usedin the classroom, is quite simply a dearth of structured

as a template for the Oxford or Penguin adaptations ofteaching materials. To investigate the difficulties

the same novel.4,5） The drama was developed for use

behind using drama in the classroom, I have scriptedwith university students, but it could also be used ina dramatisation of Charles Dickens’ novel, A Tale ofhigh school English education, as the grammar (butTwo Cities. In Outline, I write about the context for

not the vocabulary) is restricted to the tenses taught

which the drama was conceived and the necessary

in junior high school. There is no need for elaborate

limitations this entails, and in Discussion, the structure

stage furniture or props. Most of what is required canof the dramatisation is discussed in more detail. The

be improvised from classroom furniture: the titles offull script is presented as an Appendix.

the scenes can be written on a blackboard. I suggest

1）2）that the same person play the roles of Sydney Carton

Outlineand Charles Darnay, wearing a battered hat and

A Tale of Two Cities was written and published inshabby jacket for Sydney’s role, and a smart jacket

weekly installments by Charles Dickens in 1859.

for Charles, to differentiate the roles. For ease of

According some to accounts it is one of the world’s

comprehension, the dialogues are written in modern

山梨県立大学 国際政策学部 総合政策学科
Department of Policy Management, Faculty of Glocal Policy Management and Communications, Yamanashi Prefectural
University− 99 −

山梨国際研究山梨県立大学国際政策学部紀要

No. 11（2016）

English, and idiomatic usage has been avoided. The

The Escape - A Coach at the Gates of Paris: The coachuse of pronouns has also been restricted, to makecarrying Lucie, Dr Manette, Mr Lorry and Charles

understanding easier. In the following section I give

Darnay safely leaves Paris.

an overview of the drama, some comments on stage

A limitation of the present script is that it concentrates

direction, and the educational objectives.

on the narrative rather than the characters, and in theprocess Charles Darnay becomes a rather ephemeral

Discussion

figure. The triangular love story of Lucy, Charles and

The Old Bailey - London: The drama begins with theSydney, also becomes a victim of this process. For

trial of Charles Darnay at the Old Bailey in London.

convenience, Miss Pross, Jerry Cruncher, and Little

How Dr Manette arrived in London is revealed throughLucie all disappear from the narrative.

the court procedure of asking witnesses questions

Ideally, each chapter of the novel should be dramatised,and listening to their answers. Questions, questions,as a comprehension aid for the text. However, thequestions: Practice in articulating questions is thedrama as presented could also be performed in toto

underlying objective of this part of the drama. Stagein English, since most of the parts are short enoughdirections have not been given. This should be left

for memorisation. As with any drama work, it is theto the students to decide, and should form a basis forinterpretation of the actors and the decisions of the

discussion. Audience participation is also required indirector, that are important.

this scene. This is one of two scenes in which Charles

One conclusion to be drawn from this exercise is that

Darnay and his look-alike, Sidney Carton appear

scripting drama is time-consuming, and presents its

together. Point out this problem, but let the students

own difficulties with creating an easily understooddecide how to overcome it.

narrative.

Defarge’s Wine Shop - Paris (1): The story moves
to Paris. The story of Gaspard and the Marquis St

References

Evrémonde is told, and we learn more about Dr１）Peter Mountford, “Drama as an extra-curricular activity forteaching English as a foreign language” 山梨県立大学国際

Manette through the dialogue.

政策学部紀要『山梨国際研究』第 10 号、pp. 99-102、2015 年 3 月

Mr Stryver’s House - London: This part of the play is
an invention and is not present in Dickens’ novel. It is
used as a bridge in the narrative to get Charles Darnay
and Sydney Carton from London to Paris, the former
as a prisoner, the latter as an aide to Mr Lorry.
The Tribunal - Paris: Once again Charles Darnay is
being tried, this time by a revolutionary tribunal. The
two trials of the novel are condensed into one forconvenience.
Defarge’s Wine Shop - Paris (2): Now we learn of２）George Belliveau and Won Kim, “Drama in L2 learning:
A research synthesis” Scenario vol VII 		
http://research.ucc.ie/scenario/2013/02/BelliveauKim/02/en
３）Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities, retold by Stephen
Colbourne
ISBN: 9781405076067
４）Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities, retold by Ralph
Mowat
ISBN: 9780194791878
５）Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities, retold by A Johnson
and G C Thornley

the growing danger to Lucie, and Sydney Carton
blackmails the spy, John Barsad, to gain access to theprisoner, Charles Darnay.
The Escape - La Force: Sydney Carton drugs Charles
Darnay and changes places with him. Barsad helps tocarry Charles to Mr Lorry’s coach.

− 100 −

ISBN: 9781405862561

A Dramatisation of A Tale of Two Cities for English Learners

Appendix - A Tale of Two Cities Dramatisation

Mr Lorry, who do you work for?
Lorry:A Tale of Two Cities

sir.

The Old Bailey - London (1780)
Judge:

Tellson’s Bank of London and Paris,

Wig:

Silence in court!

Why were you travelling with Dr
and Lucie Manette?

Mr Wig who is the accused?

Lorry:Dr and Miss Manette are clients ofWig:

A Frenchman, Charles Darnay.

Tellson’s Bank. I was helping Miss

Judge:

What is M Darnay accused of Mr

Manette bring her father to London.

Wig?

Wig:

Did you see Darnay on the ship?

Wig:

Darnay is a French spy.

Lorry:

Yes, sir. He helped Miss Manette

Judge:

What are the accusations?

Wig:

Darnay travelled many times between

take care of her father.
Wig:

England and France. There are

Did Darnay talk to you about theAmerican Colonies.

witnesses. One witness saw Darnay

Lorry:

No sir, he did not.

give papers to a Frenchman.

Wig:

Mr John Barsad. (calling the witness)

Judge:

Who are your witnesses?

How often do you travel to France

Wig:

Lucie Manette. (calling the witness)

Mr Barsad?

Miss Manette, where did you see

Barsad:Charles Darnay?
Lucie:
Wig:

Very often, sir. I have business inFrance.

We were on a ship travelling fromWig:

Are you an Englishman Mr Barsad?

Calais to Dover?

Barsad:Yes, sir, and I’m very proud to be an

When did you travel from Calais toEnglishman.

Dover?

Wig:

Where did you see Darnay?

Lucie:

Last year.

Barsad:I saw him in Calais, sir. He was

Wig:

Why were you travelling fromgiving papers to a Frenchman. A

France?

French spy!

Lucie:I was bringing my father to England.

Stryver:

He was very ill at the time.
Wig:
Lucie:Wig:

My Lord (to the Judge)
May I ask the witness questions?

Did Darnay speak to you about theJudge:

Yes, Mr Stryver.

American Colonies?

Stryver:

Are you an honest man, Mr Barsad.

No sir, but he was very kind to us.

Barsad:An honest man? Why, of course, sir.

He helped me take care of my father.

Stryver:

What is your business in France?

Thank you Miss Manette.

Barsad:Ahem (nervously), it’s private

Dr Mannette. (calling the witness)business, sir.

Dr Manette did you speak to Darnay

Stryver:

Do you give papers to Frenchmen?

on the ship?

Barsad:Sometimes, sir, yes.

Dr Manette:

I don’t remember.

Stryver:

M Darnay also has private businessWig:

You don’t remember?

in France. Why are his papers

Dr Manette:

No, sir. I was very ill at the time, anddifferent from your papers?

I have no memory of the journey.
Wig:

Barsad:Mr Jarvis Lorry. (calling the witness)− 101 −

(angrily) Darnay gave his papers to
a French spy! I saw them meet at

山梨国際研究山梨県立大学国際政策学部紀要

No. 11（2016）

night. I heard them talk about George
Was hington and the A merican

Evrémonde.
Jacques 3:

Colonies.

killed Gaspard’s child.

Stryver:

Are you a spy, Mr Barsad.

Barsad:A spy! Me, sir? No, sir!

Stryver:

You say you saw Darnay and the

Mme Defarge:

Many have suffered at the hands ofEvrémonde.

Jacques 1:

French spy at night. Were you paid
to say you saw Charles Darnay?
(weakly) No, sir.

Stryver:

Are you sure Mr Darnay is the man

The people have suffered at thehands of the aristocrats for too long.

Jacques 2:

Barsad:Soon we will kill all the aristocrats
and make new laws.

M Defarge:

you saw?

Be careful what you say. There is a
new man in St Antoine. A spy.

Barsad:Quite sure! I never forget a face?

Stryver:(pointing at Sydney Carton) Have

Jacques 3:

you ever seen this man before?
Audience:

The Marquis deserved to die. He

I have seen him. He is English, but
he speaks French well.

Barsad:(entering, Mme Defarge gets up

Amazing! Like two peas in a pod!

and puts a rose in her hair) Good

Just like twins! I’ve never seen two

afternoon. A glass of wine, please.

people look so alike. I don’t believe

Mme Defarge:

Good afternoon.

it!

Barsad:It is bad news about Gaspard.

This is my clerk, Mr Sydney Carton.

Jacques 1:

He killed the Marquis St Evrémonde.

Does he look like Charles Darnay?

M Defarge:

And now, he too, is dead.

Barsad:(uncomfortably) Why, yes sir, but....

Barsad:Why did Gaspard kill the Marquis?

Stryver:

Did Mr Carton give papers to a

Jacques 2:

Gaspard was a bad man. He was

Stryver:

French spy in Calais?

executed.

Barsad:(confused) Yes, er, I mean no, sir!

Stryver:

It was night. You saw a man in theJudge:
Audience:

Barsad:Was the Marquis a bad man?
Was the Marquis executed, too?

dark, but the man was not Mr Carton.

Jacques 3:

We know nothing about that.

Mr Carton and Mr Darnay look very

Barsad:There is, however, a new Marquis.

alike, so it was not M Darnay either.

Mme Defarge:

Yes, the nephew of the old Marquis.

Members of the jury, what is yourBarsad:The nephew lives in England.

verdict.

Jacques 1:

Really?

Not guilty!

Barsad:(to M and Mme Defarge) I know
about you. You took care of Dr
Manette when he came out of the

Defarge’s Wine Shop (1) - Paris (1787)
M Dafarge:

Bastille prison.

No names! This is Jacques 1. You

M Defarge:

are Jacques 2, and you are Jacques 3.
Jacques 1:

servant before he went to prison.

Jacques brings news of Gaspard.

Barsad:Why did Dr Manette go to prison?

Gaspard is dead. They left his body

Mme Defarge:

We do not know the reason why.

hanging in the village for everyone

Barsad:Did the Marquis St Evrémonde send

to see.
Jacques 2:

Everyone knows that. I was his

Dr Manette to prison.

Gaspard killed the Marquis St

M Defarge:− 102 −

We k n o w n o t h i n g a b o u t t h i s ,A Dramatisation of A Tale of Two Cities for English Learners

monsieur.
Barsad:Stryver:I think we will not have to wait long.

Very well. But I have news for you.

I can see Mr Lorry outside, now.

Dr Manette’s daughter, Lucie, hasEnter Mr Lorry

married. Her husband is known as

Stryver:Why Mr Lorry, you look so upset.

Charles Darnay in England, but

Lorry:

Indeed I am. I have terrible news

in France he has another name,from Paris. Where are Dr Manette

Monsieur the Marquis St Evrémonde.

and Lucie.

Mr Stryver’s House - London (1790)

Stryver:

What do you mean?

Lorry:

We don’t have any time to waste.

Stryver:

What is the latest news from France?

I must find Dr Manette and Lucie

Tranby:You mean the Revolution.

immediately.

Stryver:Yes. I hear there is much trouble inRicher:France.

What is the news Mr Lorry? And
what is the hurry?

Richer:There are executions every day.

Carton:Many good people are losing theirLorry:

lives at the guillotine.

I have news from Paris. M Charles
Darnay is a prisoner of the Republic.

Tranby:How can that be? He’s in York, is heHarnet:And many try to escape to England!

Tranby:I’m glad I don’t live in France.

Harnet:I’m glad I’m not a French aristocrat.

r e v o l u t i o n , h e d i d n ’t w a n t D r

They are accused of being enemies

Manette or Lucie to know he wasof the Republic, and then executed!

going to France.

Richer:not.
Lorry:

M Darnay often travels to France.

Carton:What does he say about therevolution?
Stryver:

Carton:Tranby:No, no, no. Because of the

A prisoner of the Republic? He is ingreat danger.

Lorry:

Yes, yes. But Dr Manette was a

I don’t know. I haven’t seen him

prisoner in the Bastille. Maybe hesince his wedding to Dr Manette’s

can help Charles. Maybe the tribunal

daughter. How about you Carton?

will listen to him. We must hurry to

You often visit their house.

Paris as fast as we can.

I haven’t seen him since his wedding

Stryver:Yes, and Mr Carton must travel witheither. How about you Mr Tranby?

you, too. He studied in Paris andI met Dr Manette, yesterday. He

knows the city well.

said, M Darnay had gone to York on

The Tribunal - Paris (1794)

business.
Harnet:That’s odd. I know M Darnay often

Tribune 1:

travels to France on business. But
York? I didn’t know he had any

as Charles Darnay
Tribune 2:

You are an aristocrat and an enemyof the French Republic.

business there.
Carton:Charles St Evrémonde, also known

Mr Lorry of Tellson’s Bank gets

Audience:

Death to the aristocrat!

news from Paris, regularly. We will

Darnay:I do not want to be the Marquis St

have to wait for him to arrive, for

Evrémonde, and I am not an enemy

news from France.

of France.

− 103 −

山梨国際研究

Tribune 3:

山梨県立大学国際政策学部紀要

No. 11（2016）

Aristocrats steal from the people of1789, I was at the Bastille.

the Republic.

Audience:

Long live the Republic!

Audience:

Death to the thief!

M Defarge:

When the gates opened, I went toDarnay:I have taken nothing from the people

the cell where Dr Manette had beenof France.

prisoner for 18 years, and I found

Who will speak for you, St

this letter.

Tribune 1:
Darnay:Evrémonde?

Tribune 3:

M Defarge, please read the letter.

Citizen Gabelle and Citizen Manette

M Defarge:

I, Alexander Manette, am a doctor inwill speak for me.

Paris. In December 1757 the Marquis

Citizen Gabelle. (calling for Gabelle)

St Evrémonde called me to his

Who are you?

château. At the château, there was a

I was the servant of the Marquis St

young woman. She was very ill. She

Evrémonde. When the Marquis died,

was dying. She kept repeating: “MyCharles Darnay did not want to be anfather, my husband, my brother.”aristocrat. He lived in England, andHer brother was in another room.

he told me to do my best for the poor

He had been injured in a sword

people of France. He is a good man.

fight. He was dying too. He said:

Doctor Manette. (calling for Dr“St Evrémonde did this. He killed

Manette)my father. He brought my sister toDoctor, what do you have to say?

the château and killed her husband.

I was a prisoner in the Bastille for 18

Only my youngest sister, Thérèse,

years.

escaped.”Audience:

Long live Dr Manette!

After the young man and woman

Dr Manette:Charles Darnay helped me to escapedied. I returned to Paris. I wrote toto England. I was very ill, and he

the King about this terrible event.

took care of me. The English said,

The next day I was brought to the“Darnay is a French spy, and a friend

Bastille. There was no trial. I haveof the American revolutionaries.”

been 10 years in the Bastille with

Now you say, “He is an enemy ofno news of my wife or child. The

France.” You are wrong. He is ahouse of Evrémonde has no pity. I,

good man.

Alexander Manette, condemn theLong live the people of France!

evil family of St Evrémonde.

Tribune 2:
Gabelle:Tribune3:

Dr Manette:

Audience:

Let him go! He is a friend of the

Audience:

Revolution!
Tribune 1:

Death to the aristocrat! Death to St
Evrémonde

Charles Darnay, you are not guilty.

Tribune 2:

Charles St Evrémonde, your uncle

You are free to go.

was an enemy of the people. You

M Defarge:

Wait! J’accuse!

are an Evrémonde, an enemy of the

Tribune 2:

Who are you?

people. Tomorrow you will go to the

M Defarge:

I am Ernest Defarge. I was theguillotine.

servant of Dr Manette before he wassent to the Bastille. On the 14th July

− 104 −

A Dramatisation of A Tale of Two Cities for English Learners

Defarge’s Wine Shop (2) - Paris (1794)

Barsad:Carton:(enters) A glass of wine, please.

Mme Defarge:( t o M D e f a rg e ) H e l o o k s l i k e

you want?
Carton:Evrémonde.
M Defarge:
Jacques 1:

Mme Defarge:(looking at Carton) Hmm, yes, a

Barsad:Yes.

little.

Carton:

I wish to see the prisoner, Charles

Ye s , a l i t t l e , b u t i t c a n n o t b e

Darnay, tomorrow morning.

Evrémonde, because he is in

Barsad:It is too difficult. I won’t help you.

prison. He will die at the guillotine

Carton:If you help me, I will keep yourtomorrow.

secrets. If you don’t, you too will go

Evrémonde! The guillotine! I haveto the guillotine!
Barsad:Very well then, 11 o’clock, and keep

has a wife in Paris. She should go toyour promise.

the guillotine too.

Enter Lorry

Yes, Thérèse. But Lucie is Dr

Barsad:Good night.

Manette’s daughter. He has suffered

Lorry:

Who was that man? Haven’t I’ve

much because of St Evrémonde. And
you would kill his daughter, too?
Mme Defarge:

Barsad, you work at the La Force
prison.

waited a long time for this. And he

M Defarge:(scared) Who are you, and what doseen him before?
Carton:

L i s t e n . I t w a s m y f a m i l y, m y

He will help me to see Charles
Darnay tomorrow morning.

father, my brother, my sister and

Lorry

That will be very dangerous!

her husband who were killed by St

Carton:Mr Lorry, if we stay in Paris, we

Evrémonde. I will not be satisfied

are all in danger, especially Lucie.

until all the Evrémonde’s are dead.

Have a coach ready to leave at noon

Many people died because of

tomorrow. Make sure that Lucy is

Evrémonde.

on it. Here, take my papers. Keep

Jacques 3:

There was Gaspard, too.

them safe for me. I will join you at

M Defarge:

Enough! I must prepare forthe coach. Be ready to depart when

tomorrow. Good night!

I arrive. Don’t leave without me. I

All except Carton leave - enter

have no time to explain. Do it! Many

Barsadlives depend on it!

Jacques 2:

Barsad:(frightened and surprised)

The Escape - La Force Prison

Evrémonde! What are you doing

Carton:Barsad:Carton:here? How did you escape from

Barsad:A visitor for you Evrémonde. (leaves)prison?

Darnay:Carton! What are you doing here?

I am not Evrémonde, but I do know

Carton:I came to say goodbye.

you, John Barsad.

Darnay:I thank you for your visit. But, it is( a n g r i l y ) W h o a r e y o u ? Te l ldangerous for you here.

m e q u i c k l y, b e f o r e I c a l l t h e

Carton:What are you doing?

Revolutionary Police.

Darnay:I am writing a letter to my wife,
Lucie.

And let me tell them about the
English spy, John Barsad?

Carton:− 105 −

Then, finish your letter quickly, and I

山梨国際研究山梨県立大学国際政策学部紀要

No. 11（2016）

will take it to Lucie.
Darnay:Carton:Guard:

Bon voyage, citizens.

Darnay writes. Carton drugs Darnay

Lucie:How did Charles escape from prison.

and changes clothes with him.

Lorry:

A good man helped us. We will neverThat is very kind of you.

Barsad! (enters)

be able to thank him.

Hurry Barsad, and take care. Take
him to Mr Lorry.
Barsad:And you will keep your promise?
Fifty-two must die at the guillotine
today. You are No. 23.

Carton:Yes, man. Hurry, and keep yourpromise too, or we will all die.

Barsad:Jacques! Come, help me with theEnglishman. He has fainted. These
English are so weak! Ha, ha, ha!

The Escape - A Coach at theGates of Paris
Guard:

Halt! Who goes there? Citizens, yourpapers please.
Mr Lorry, Englishman.

Lorry:

That is me.

Guard:

You are leaving early. You will missthe executions. Fifty-two enemies of
the Republic will die today.
Lucie Darnay? (Lucie leans forward
and nods)
There will be a big crowd. Many will
want to see the death of Evrémonde.
Citizen Manette?

Lorry:

He is the poor old man.

Dr Manette:

Room 105, North Tower. Room 105,
North Tower…..

Guard:

Sydney Carton?

Lorry:

He is the sick man next to me.

Guard:

Ha! What is wrong with him?
Another Englishman who does notlike a revolution?
Where are you going?

Lorry:To Calais, and then to England byship.

− 106 −***********