Let us remember the rather momentous decision that Charles
Darnay has made. In a time of revolution, when he has definite aristocratic links, even
though he has tried to dispense with them, he chooses to return to France and go to
Paris to try and save the life of one of his former servants. The dangerous and risky
enterprise this is is highlighted in a number of ways, but in this first chapter of the
final book, we see how the grim ending is foreshadowed through the immediate hostility
Charles Darnay, formerly known as Everemonde, faces. Note how the functionary greets him
when he is woken at night by a force of soldiers and
officials:
"Emigrant," said the funcitonary, "I am goign to
send you to Paris, under an
escort."
The title of being
an "Emigrant," combined with the way that he is insulted just a couple of lines later as
being an "Aristocrat," clearly hints that Darnay is going to face difficulties. Indeed,
you could argue that this foreshadows the way in which he will be tried and accused, and
the death that he is fortunate enough to escape. It is an incredibly dangerous place for
aristocrats, and Darnay has just placed himself in immense danger. Note the way that
this also increases the tension at this crucial stage in the novel as we wonder what
will happen to Darnay.
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