Book 2, Chapter 9 “The Gorgon’s Head”

1. Book 2, Chapter 9“The Gorgon’s Head” By Samantha Braverman

2. Title Significance • The Gorgons head is referring to Medusa, one of the Gorgon sisters in Greek mythology. At the beginning of the chapter it talks of the castle being made entirely of stone with stone figures and animals as if medusa had looked upon it when it was made. It is also referenced at the end of the chapter when the Marquis dead, saying it was as if she surveyed the castle again, looking for the person she was looking for which she had been wanting for the past two-hundred years. The gorgon’s head is also symbolizing the stone knife that had killed the marquis.

3. Plot Summary • The Chapter begins with Marquis arriving at the castle which is described as being massive solid building with a large stone court-yard and two staircases leading to the main entrance • Upon arriving at the castle, the Marquis’s nephew, Charles Darnay, has not arrived for supper yet. • About 15 minutes later, Darnay arrives and they make small talk while the servents are still around • Once alone they begin to discuss the future of the family • Darnay’s opinion on the ruling methods of the family in the past is cruel, slave-like, and wrong, he also says how the he feels both trapped and frightened of the system • The Marquis tells Darnay that it is his destiny to preserve the honor of the family when he passes away. • Darnay states that if it ever becomes his, his is putting it into the hands of someone more fit for the job because it is too much of a burden and a curse. • Darnay also talks of how he has a life in England now • They go back and forth until his uncle finally says how he must be tired and they bid goodnight • In the morning, we find out that Monsieur the Marquis was murdered with a knife to the chest and a note reading “Drive him fast to his tomb. This, from Jacques”

4. Lit Devices • Personification “For it was one of those dark nights that hold their breath by the hour together, and then heave a long low sigh and hold their breath again” • Metaphor “‘Thank you,’ said the Marquis – very sweetly indeed. His tone lingered in the air, almost like the tone of a musical inturment” • Foreshadowing “In the glow, the water if the château fountain seemed to turn to blood, and the stone faces crimsoned”

5. Essential quote “’Repression is only lasting philosophy. The dark deference of fear and slavery, my friend,’ observed the Marquis, ‘will keep the dogs obedient to the whip, as long as this roof,’ looking up to it, ‘shuts out the sky.’“