1. Book the First, Chapter 1 “The Period” Note the parallelism of the syntax of the 1 st paragraph (p. 3). Notice also the anaphora Dickens utilizes. See also Book 1, Chapter 1 PowerPoint for additional important points. Make sure you understand Dickens’ characterization of eighteenth-century England in the paragraph that spans the bottom of page 4 and the top of page 5.

2. Book the First, Chapter 2 “The Mail” Be sure that you are annotating both time and place elements of setting in green. Pay particular attention to the atmosphere which the narrator establishes in the paragraph at the bottom of page 6 and the top of page 7. As part of diction analysis, highlight all of the negative tone words in yellow.

3. Book the First, Chapter 2 “The Mail” The sea is an important image and symbol in this book. We see it mentioned first at the top of page 7. Mark that mention—and all others—in yellow because it is a symbol. Be sure to mark all characterization of Jerry in black—especially the clue as to Jerry’s second profession at the end of chapter 2.

4. The Dover Mail Be sure that you understand that the Dover mail to which the title of Chapter 2 refers is a mail coach in which passengers may also ride.

5. Pictured below is a British blunderbuss (mentioned on p. 5 and others) from the eighteenth century.

6. Think about the atmosphere created in Chapter 2. Why might Dickens have entitled Chapter 3 “The Night Shadows?” At the very beginning of Chapter 3, the narrator makes the following observation: “A WONDERFUL fact to reflect upon, that every human creature is constituted to be that profound secret and mystery to every other” (11). Be sure that you can paraphrase this aphorism and explain what it means. (Note: Profound means “deep.”) Book the First, Chapter 3 “The Night Shadows”

7. The phrase “profound secret” is a seed that Dickens plants on page 11. Circle that phrase. It will grow to its most significant form on page 335. Find this phrase on that page, circle it, and write “cf. p. 11.” (Note: “cf.” means “confer”—or “see for reference.”) Up until this point in our book the narrator has been a third- person narrator; however, if you will note the first paragraph of Chapter 3, you will see a switch—a switch that occurs just for this paragraph. Note the switch in narrative voice—and then go to page 362 and find the place where this switch takes place again. Try to imagine why Dickens would create this switch. Book the First, Chapter 3 “The Night Shadows”

8. Considering the Victorians’ fear of being buried alive (as evident by death bells), consider why Dickens may have ended the chapter with the following statement spoken by Mr. Lorry: “Eighteen years!…Gracious Creator of day! To be buried alive for eighteen years!”

9. Characterization of Jerry: Jerry’s voice (see p. 9) Jerry’s job (see p. 9) Jerry’s secret (see p. 11) Jerry’s drinking (see p. 12) Jerry’s physical appearance (see pp. 12-13)

10. Litote Remember that a litote is a figure of speech in which a positive is stated by negating its opposite. Be sure that you mark the parenthetical expression that is a litote on page 14.

11. Mr. Lorry Pages 14 through 16 give us dream-induced visions that Mr. Lorry has. Be sure to note the following on those pages: Mr. Lorry is on a mission (see p. 14). Underline it in brown. The dream conversation he has with the person who has been “buried alive” is full of important information. Notice, particularly, how long the person has been “buried alive” (p. 14).