Final Answer:
The person who killed the Marquis St. Evermonde in Charles Dickens' "A Tale of Two Cities" is Madame Defarge. Thus, the correct answer is option D. Madame Defarge.
Step-by-step explanation:
Madame Defarge's motive for murdering the Marquis St. Evermonde is deeply rooted in the historical injustices committed by the Evermonde family against her own. The Evermondes, including the Marquis, were responsible for the oppression and suffering of Madame Defarge's family. Dickens portrays the vengeful Madame Defarge as a symbol of the revolutionary fervor during the French Revolution, seeking retribution for the crimes committed by the aristocracy. Her act of killing the Marquis is a pivotal moment in the novel, reflecting the theme of social justice prevailing over the tyranny of the ruling class.
Madame Defarge's character embodies the collective anger and desire for revenge felt by the oppressed masses. The relentless pursuit of justice and accountability for the crimes of the aristocracy leads her to commit this act of violence. Dickens uses Madame Defarge to illustrate the destructive power of revenge and the consequences of systemic injustice. This event serves as a catalyst for the intensification of the revolutionary atmosphere in the novel, ultimately contributing to the broader themes of sacrifice and redemption explored throughout "A Tale of Two Cities."
In summary, Madame Defarge's role in killing the Marquis St. Evermonde is a crucial element in Dickens' narrative, highlighting the complex interplay of personal vendettas and broader social issues during a tumultuous period in history. Therefore, the correct answer is option D. Madame Defarge.