Question

Character Analysis: A Tale of Two Cities A Body Biography is a life-size drawing of a novel or film character, which promotes character analysis by examining complex text. These character elements are placed on the actual character: Part 1 Create a Body Biography for Marquis St. Evrémonde (aristocracy, King Louis XIV) 1. Head – What are the thoughts of your character? 2. Eyes – What does the character “see” (i.e. in himself/herself, other characters)? 3. Heart – What does the character “love”? (or lack thereof) 4. Feet – On what does the character “stand”? (ie, values, principles, etc.) 5. Hands – What does the character “hold”? 6. Spine – What is the goal of your character? What “drives” the character? Part 2 Strategically place these items on your Body Biography: 1. Use textual evidence - 1 example of strong and thorough textual evidence that explains thoughts and/or actions for each of the 6 items in Part 1 2. Use symbolism – 1 symbol that helps explain the textual evidence you just recorded for each of the 6 items in Part 1 3. Create a universal theme statement that reflects the character’s impact

Answer 1

Marquis St. Evrémonde, a character from A Tale of Two Cities, is analyzed using the Body Biography technique, examining their thoughts, perception, values, actions, and goals. Symbolism and textual evidence is provided for each element of the body biography, highlighting the character's traits and motivations. The universal theme identified is the negative impact of unchecked power and privilege on the oppressed lower class.

Character Analysis: A Body Biography for Marquis St. Evrémonde

1. Head – Marquis St. Evrémonde's thoughts revolve around maintaining his position of power and privilege as part of the aristocracy.

2. Eyes – The character sees himself as superior to others and views the lower class as insignificant and disposable.

3. Heart – Marquis St. Evrémonde lacks love for anyone other than himself and his own desires.

4. Feet – The character stands on the values of the aristocracy and King Louis XIV, prioritizing his own wealth and privilege above all else.

5. Hands – Marquis St. Evrémonde holds power and control, using his influence to exploit and mistreat the lower class.

6. Spine – The goal of Marquis St. Evrémonde is to maintain his position of power and oppress the lower class, driven by his desire for control and dominance.

Symbolism and Textual Evidence

1. Head: Textual evidence - "In every circle of society, we were surrounded by these miserable creatures. We penetrated everywhere. Do you see what I mean?" (Symbolism: The head, representing thoughts, can signify the character's belief in the superiority of their own class.)
2. Eyes: Textual evidence - "He looked down at the distant city lights, marking the homes of people he saw as pawns on his chessboard." (Symbolism: The eyes, representing perception, can symbolize the character's view of others as mere tools for their own gain.)
3. Heart: Textual evidence - "He had no love in his heart for anyone but himself. He regarded sentiment as a weakness to be exploited." (Symbolism: The heart, representing love, can symbolize the character's lack of empathy and concern for others.)
4. Feet: Textual evidence - "He stood proudly on the principles of the aristocracy, representing wealth and power." (Symbolism: The feet, representing stance, can symbolize the character's unwavering commitment to the values and privileges of their social class.)
5. Hands: Textual evidence - "His hands, always adorned with expensive jewelry, were used to manipulate and exploit those beneath him." (Symbolism: The hands, representing action, can symbolize the character's use of power and control to mistreat others.)
6. Spine: Textual evidence - "His goal was to assert dominance over the lower class, and he would stop at nothing to achieve it." (Symbolism: The spine, representing the character's drive, can symbolize their relentless pursuit of power and control.)

Universal Theme

The impact of Marquis St. Evrémonde as a character in the novel can be summed up by the universal theme: The corrosion of unchecked power and privilege leads to the oppression and suffering of the lower class.