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Dramatic Interpretation or Dramatic Reading
from "A Tale of Two Cities"
by Charles Dickens

Sydney Carton had always loved Lucie, but she had fallen in love with Charles Darnay, a French aristocrat. Though he had not won her love, he had pledged to assist her if ever she needed help. With Charles in prison, waiting for execution at the guillotine, and her own life, as well as that of her child's at risk, Lucie needed him! Sydney devises a plan to help Lucie and the child escape to England, with the help of his friend, Mr. Lorry. They are to wait in the carriage until Sydey arrives, and as soon as "his place in the carriage is filled," to ride as quickly as possible to the coast and escape by boat. The only part he does not tell anyone is that Sydney visit Charles in prison, knock him unconscious, and exchange places with him. Sydney's plan works exactly as he plans, for he saves the entire family of the woman he loves, while giving his own life in place of her husband. It ends with the famous line as Sydney is led to the guillotine, "It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to, than I have ever known." Five male characters thoughout. French and British accents should be used. A very challenging piece, and definitely a winner!!

approx. 8-10 min.