Manette Family In A Tale Of Two Cities

People without families often associate with and after time, integrate themselves into other families. In Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities, Mr. Lorry, an aging banker, and Miss Pross, a spinster governess, spend time with the Manette family and eventually become a part of the family. Mr. Lorry becomes close friends with the Manettes after reuniting Lucie, a member of the Manette family, with Dr. Manette, her father who unjustly spent 18 years locked in the Bastille. Miss Pross, who took care of Lucie while her father was locked up, continues to take care of the family even after Mr. Lorry reunites father and daughter. Mr. Lorry and Miss Pross both undervalue their effect on others and see themselves as functional tools, yet both are invaluable …show more content…
Lorry and Miss Pross become parts of the Manette family through taking care of and advising the family not like tools would, but like a mother or grandfather would. Once, after Lucie and Dr. Manette return home from a trip. Miss Pross and Lucie are like a mother and daughter. The way Miss Pross even touches Lucie’s hair shows that she loves and is proud to have raised Lucie, just like a mother. That maternal love allows Miss Pross to cater to Lucie’s smallest needs like no one else does. Mr. Lorry treats Lucie like a granddaughter, and to prevent her from being exposed to a French mob who have just murdered many, he urges her. Mr. Lorry’s paternal instinct towards Lucie kicks in when she is in danger. Mr. Lorry does not want Lucie to see the murderous peasants because he wants to protect her innocence. Mr. Lorry has seen what trauma does to Dr. Manette and does not want to see Lucie undergo the same ordeal. Lucie is not the only one Mr. Lorry and Miss Pross care about. When Dr. Manette relapses and starts making shoes again, Mr. Lorry and Miss Pross try to end his flashbacks once and for all. It pains Mr. Lorry and Miss Pross to destroy the bench because it is a crutch for Dr. Manette. While the bench helps once Dr. Manette has relapsed, it also makes it easier for Dr. Manette to relapse. Love allows them to destroy the bench, in an attempt to heal Dr. Manette, even though they know it will put him through some short-term pain. Mr. Lorry and Miss Pross act like loving …show more content…
Lorry and Miss Pross are ready to do anything, even risk their lives, for the Manettes and their loyalty proves that they deserve their places in the Manette family. Mr. Lorry helps lead the Manettes on the dangerous journey out of France and when they are approached and questioned by guards. Mr. Lorry had his own papers to return to England and did not need to travel with the Manettes. By traveling with the Manettes and answering questions posed by French guards, Mr. Lorry puts himself in grave danger. Mr. Lorry, however, is willing to put his life on the line, to save the Manettes from further scrutiny and help return them to safety. When Miss Pross meets Madame Defarge, the woman trying to condemn the Manettes, she declares. Miss Pross decides in an instant that her life is worth less than even the chance that Lucie will get hurt. The extent of Miss Pross’s love transcends even her life. Her maternal love towards Lucie allows her to sacrifice herself, just like a mother. The protection given by Mr. Lorry and Miss Pross help keep the family alive and together, making them vital aspects of the Manette