Question

close reading organizer - book 2, chapter 23
directions: read each summary entry and think about which themes listed in the themes key apply to it, then color in those themes in the theme tracker. next, write a few sentences of analysis to explain how the themes you chose apply to each summary section.
themes key
1 tyranny and revolution
2 secrecy and surveillance
3 fate and history
4 sacrifice
5 resurrection
6 imprisonment
summary theme tracker your analysis
while at work in the ruined countryside of france, the mender of roads encounters a shaggy but powerful man. addressing each other as \jacques,\ they confirm that something will happen \tonight.\
in the dark courtyard of the castle of marquis evrémonde, four torch - bearing figures appear. soon, fire rages through the castle—its stone faces look tormented and are lost in flame. the inferno becomes a pillar of fire surging high into the sky.
a man from the castle rushes into the village screaming for help to put out the fire and salvage the valuables in the castle. the crowd of villagers refuses to budge.
later, the villagers surround the house of monsieur gabelle, the government \functionary\ in charge of the area. he is forced to hide on

Explanation:

1. Summary 1: The use of the name "Jacques" (a common name among revolution - aries in French Revolution literature) and the mention of something happening "tonight" suggest a sense of secrecy and a revolutionary plot in the making. Themes applicable: Secrecy and Surveillance, Tyranny and Revolution. Analysis: The coded language and the planned event imply a secretive revolutionary activity against an existing order.
2. Summary 2: The burning of the Marquis's castle is a clear act of revolution against the aristocratic tyranny. Themes applicable: Tyranny and Revolution. Analysis: The destruction of the castle represents the overthrow of the oppressive aristocratic regime.
3. Summary 3: The villagers' refusal to help the man from the castle shows their resentment towards the aristocracy, which is related to the theme of tyranny and revolution. Themes applicable: Tyranny and Revolution. Analysis: The villagers' inaction is a form of protest against the aristocratic - dominated system.
4. Summary 4: The villagers surrounding the government functionary's house and forcing him to hide is an act of revolution against the established authority. Themes applicable: Tyranny and Revolution. Analysis: This shows the power - shift as the villagers take action against the representative of the oppressive regime.

Answer:

1. Theme Tracker: 1 - Yes, 2 - Yes, 3 - No, 4 - No, 5 - No, 6 - No; Your Analysis: The coded conversation and planned event suggest secretive revolutionary activity.
2. Theme Tracker: 1 - Yes, 2 - No, 3 - No, 4 - No, 5 - No, 6 - No; Your Analysis: The burning of the castle symbolizes the overthrow of the aristocratic regime.
3. Theme Tracker: 1 - Yes, 2 - No, 3 - No, 4 - No, 5 - No, 6 - No; Your Analysis: The villagers' refusal shows their resentment towards the aristocracy.
4. Theme Tracker: 1 - Yes, 2 - No, 3 - No, 4 - No, 5 - No, 6 - No; Your Analysis: The villagers' action against the functionary represents a power - shift in the revolution.