In A Tale of Two Cities, Charles Dickens uses the character of Defarge to symbolize the plight of the French lower classes during the reign of terror in the late 18th century. Defarge is a wine shop owner who is respected by the people of his community, and he is a prominent member of the revolutionary group that seeks to overthrow the aristocracy. However, in chapter 7, Defarge disappears from the scene after the Marquis St. Evrémonde kills a child and throws a coin at the grieving father and at Defarge.
The reason for Defarge’s disappearance is not immediately clear, but it can be inferred that he is deeply affected by the incident. The killing of the child by the Marquis is an example of the callousness and cruelty of the French aristocracy toward the lower classes. The Marquis shows no remorse for his actions and treats the child’s father with contempt. In contrast, Defarge emerges from the crowd to comfort the father and is thrown a coin by the Marquis, which is an insult to his dignity.
Defarge’s reaction to this insult is not described in the text, but it is likely that he is deeply offended by the Marquis’s behavior. As a wine shop owner who is respected by the people of his community, Defarge is a representative of the lower classes who are struggling to survive under the oppression of the aristocracy. He is a member of the revolutionary group that seeks to overthrow the aristocracy and create a more just society.
The incident with the Marquis and the child highlights the deep divide between the French aristocracy and the lower classes. The aristocracy is depicted as heartless and cruel, while the lower classes are portrayed as victims of their oppression. Defarge’s disappearance from the scene is a reminder of the deep anger and resentment that the lower classes feel toward the aristocracy.
In the wider context of the novel, Defarge’s disappearance from the scene is also significant in terms of the development of the plot. The killing of the child and the Marquis’s behavior toward the lower classes foreshadows the coming revolution, which will result in the downfall of the aristocracy. Defarge’s reaction to the incident also foreshadows the violence and bloodshed that will accompany the revolution.
In conclusion, Defarge’s disappearance from the scene in chapter 7 of A Tale of Two Cities is significant in terms of the novel’s themes and plot development. It highlights the deep divide between the French aristocracy and the lower classes and foreshadows the coming revolution. Defarge’s reaction to the incident with the Marquis also emphasizes the anger and resentment felt by the lower classes towards the aristocracy.