Book 3 Chapter 8: A Hand At Cards Mr. Carton knows Barsad’s secret of being a spy and is catching his lies. He is telling the spy that he is catching onto his deceptions and cannot get out of it this time. Mr. Carton has “the hand” this time.

Summary Miss Pross and Jerry Cruncher go to the Defarges wine shop unaware that Darnay is in jail once again. Miss Pross recognizes her brother Solomon there, but Cruncher and Sydney Carton recognize him as an English spy named Barsad. Carton asks Barsad to meet him at Tellson’s Bank later where Mr. Lorry identifies him as an English spy and Carton threatens to tell on him to help free Darnay. Carton distinguishes the man Barsad was talking with as Roger Cly, but Barsad argues he is dead and was buried in England.

Summary Cruncher states that the coffin was only filled with dirt and rocks and argues he is lying. Barsad is shocked that he says this and just agrees to help Carton.

Literary Devices Simile- a comparison between Carton’s skills in business and now his fight with Barsad. “Carton’s negligent recklessness of manner came powerfully in aid of his quickness and skill, in such a business as he had in his secret mind, and with such a man as he had to do with.” (303) Anaphora- repetition of the word “No” at the beginning of sentences. “No, it is not important. No, yet I know the face.” (308) Personification- Calling Mr. Cruncher’s hair violent giving it a human characteristic. “His hair could not have been more violently…” (309)

Essential Quote “That’s a card not to be beaten. Have you followed my hand, Mr. Barsad?” (305) This quote signifies the importance of when Carton starts to threaten Barsad that he will tell his secret. He is letting him know he has caught on and can be better than Barsad at his own game.