The Fellow of Delicacy By: Nicole Barnada

Characters Stryver Jarvis Lorry

Plot Summary Stryver is on his way over to Lucie Manette’s house to propose to her, but he passes by Tellson’s bank and decides to go and visit Mr. Lorry in the bank. Stryver greets Mr. Lorry and explains to him his plan about proposing to Lucie. Mr. Lorry doesn’t think it’s a good idea and tries to convince him not to proceed because he already believes what Lucie is going to say (no). Stryver is very surprised and insulted after he tells him this because he doesn’t believe that any girl could refuse him. Mr. Lorry then convinces Stryver to wait a few hours while he visits the Manette’s to try and get a more confirmed answer. Later, Mr. Lorry arrives at Styver’s place and Stryver tells him to drop the whole situation already knowing that Mr.Lorry was going to bring bad news. Stryver’s excuse was that Lucie shares the “ vanities and giddiness of empty-headed girls” and that he is better off without her. Stryver then kicks Mr. lorry out and the chapter ends with Stryver lying back on his sofa, winking at his ceiling.

Literary Devices Personification- “Then Mr. Stryver turned and burst out of the Bank, causing such a concussion of air on his passage through, that to stand up against it bowing behind the two counters, required the utmost remaining strength of the two ancient clerks.” (152) -Dickens puts this in the story because he wanted to show that Mr. Stryver was so confident and determined that Lucie will say yes that he moved very hurriedly “causing such a concussion of air”. Cacophony- “Straight! Said Stryver, with a plump of his fist on the desk.” (150) - Dickens puts this in the story because its showing that Stryver is very confident in himself going over to propose to Lucie, which is also showing a sense of his character.

Literary Devices Amplification- “You deliberately advise me not to go up to Soho and offer myself – myself, Stryver of the King’s Bench Bar?” -Dickens puts this in the story because its gives more meaning to Stryver ‘s cockiness and that he thinks he is above everyone else such as that he’s a “king”.

Connections In Chapter 5 (“The Jackal”), Stryver and Carton are talking and Stryver mentions Lucie and calls her “a golden-haired doll” and insults her. It was sort of strange that he calls her that and then in this chapter (chapter 12) he just comes out and wants to propose to her and then at the end of this chapter he changes his mind and insults her in a similar way as he did in chapter 5.

Essential Quote “There is no harm at all done. I have not proposed to the young lady, and, between ourselves, I am by no means certain, on reflection, that I ever should have committed myself to that extent. Mr. Lorry, you cannot control the mincing vanities and giddiness of empty-headed girls; you must not expect to do it, or you will always be disappointed. Now, pray say no more about it. I tell you, I regret it on account of others, but I am satisfied on my own account. And I am really very much obliged to you for allowing me to sound you, and for giving me your advice; you know the young lady better than I do; you were right, it never would have done.” (154)