A Sight Book 2 Chapter 2

1. A Sight Book 2 Chapter 2 A Sight Book 2 Chapter 2 Justin Munnelly Justin Munnelly

2. Plot Summary The chapter starts off with Jerry talking to the (elderly) bank clerk about Old Bailey. “I know Mr. Lorry, sir, much better than I know the Bailey. Much better,” said Jerry They move on to the topic of what to do in the courtroom with the note and Mr. Lorry. Bank clerk says the Prisoner in the courtroom is being tried for treason. Jerry and the bank clerk argue about the justification of punishment for treason. Jerry took the letter, and, remarking to himself with less internal deference than he made an outward show of, “You are a lean old one, too,” made his bow, informed his son, in passing, of his destination, and went his way. After this argument ends, Jerry apologizes for his misunderstanding (falsely), and bows while mocking the bank clerk under his breath. The chapter continues explaining Old Bailey a bit further, then goes on to explain the mindset of the time towards these trials once Jerry enters the courtroom. The case begins and the way it is described has a sports game-esk feel to it. The prisoner sits in front of a mirror, reflecting light onto him. The mirror has seen a lot.

3. Literary Devices Personification: “Over the years this mirror had reflected the images of many poor and wicked prisoners who had eventually been put to death. If that mirror were ever able to send those reflections back out, the courtroom would have been filled with ghosts.” Simile: “Jerry Cruncher walked through the crowd like a man who was used to moving quietly.” Imagery: “Everyone stared at him except for the wigged gentleman who was still staring at the ceiling. People peeked around pillars and corners to get a glimpse of him. Those in the back rows stood up for a better look. People standing on the ground floor stood on their tiptoes or tried to push themselves up on other people’s shoulders. Jerry, noticeable by his spiked hair, stood among them. His breath smelled of the beer he had drunk on his way there. It mixed with the smells of gin, tea, and coffee that came from the breaths of the other people in the crowd. The breath of the crowd steamed up the windows of the courthouse.”

4. Essential Quote “What’s coming on?” “The Treason case.” “The quartering one, eh?” “Ah!” returned the man, with a relish; “he’ll be drawn on a hurdle to be half hanged, and then he’ll be taken down and sliced before his own face, and then his inside will be taken out and burnt while he looks on, and then his head will be chopped off, and he’ll be cut into quarters. That’s the sentence.” “If he’s found Guilty, you mean to say?” Jerry added, by way of proviso. “Oh! they’ll find him guilty,” said the other. “Don’t you be afraid of that.”