Insights into Book III, Chapter 8 “A Hand at Cards”

Keep in mind that the only character with whom we can connect “cards” (think “speculating”—or gambling) is Solomon Pross (Miss Pross’s long-absent brother, cf. p. 97). Title Connection (“A Hand at Cards”)

In the first paragraph of chapter 8, notice how Dickens’ setting illustrates the danger in which Miss Pross and Jerry may be in as they are out shopping for their daily needs.

Dickens uses metonymy at the bottom of the first paragraph of Chapter 8. Can you find it?

Be sure that you notice the allusion that is the name of the wine shop which Jerry and Miss Pross visit on page 299. As students who have studied Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of Julius Caesar—and as students who understand WHY Brutus did what he did historically—you should have no trouble understanding why this is an appropriate name for a shop during the French Revolution.

In the second full paragraph of page 299, Dickens is using irony when he calls Miss Pross and Jerry the “two outlandish customers.” (Why is this irony? Note the detailed description of the customers who were already in the wine shop. Do Miss Pross and Jerry seem outlandish compared to these?)

Also on page 299, we see Miss Pross utter a scream and clap her hands to her face. Be sure you pay attention to what makes her scream, paying particular attention to “the man with all the outward aspects of a Frenchman and a thorough Republican.” (“Outward aspects” should make us infer that he is inwardly not really a Frenchman.)

At the top of page 300, be sure that you note that Jerry Cruncher has his OWN recognition of this man with a “state of the greatest wonder.”

At the top of page 300, be sure that you note that Jerry Cruncher has his OWN recognition of this man with a “state of the greatest wonder.” Keep in mind as you read that Jerry has a connection (which we’ve seen in our previous reading) to this particular person.

We can learn further about Jerry’s connection to this man from the fact that “apparently, Mr. Cruncher did [think this man a ghost]” (300). Make an inference about what a ghost is—and what being a ghost requires for the person to whom the spirit belonged.

Notice on page 300 that Solomon speaks both English and French.

At the bottom of page 300 and the top of 301, Solomon says that he knows of “most people who are here” (in Paris). Ask yourself what kind of person would have that knowledge.

Also by the end of page 303, we find out an important piece of information that answers the question at the bottom of page 285, “Who could that be with Mr. Lorry?” This character has really been the only who’s been absent from Paris. Now we have all of the major characters in Paris.

A “Sheep of the Prisons” is a “cant word”—which is a secret language.