The Devoted Guardian's Sacrifice
For many readers of Charles Dickens's classic novel, A Tale of Two Cities, the fate of Miss Pross, the fiercely loyal and devoted companion to Lucie Manette, leaves a lingering question: Why did Miss Pross go deaf? While the novel doesn't explicitly state a medical diagnosis, the circumstances surrounding her deafness are undeniably linked to her courageous act of protecting Lucie and her family during a pivotal and dangerous moment.
Miss Pross's deafness is not a pre-existing condition that develops over time. Instead, it is a direct and tragic consequence of her heroic confrontation with Madame Defarge in the final act of the novel. In a desperate attempt to prevent Madame Defarge, a relentless and vengeful revolutionary, from finding and harming Lucie and her daughter, Miss Pross engages in a fierce struggle. This confrontation takes place in a hidden garret in Saint Antoine, Paris, as the Manette family attempts to escape revolutionary France.
The Explosive Confrontation
The climax of Miss Pross's bravery occurs when Madame Defarge corners Lucie and her young daughter, Little Lucie. Miss Pross, armed with a loaded pistol, confronts Madame Defarge. In the ensuing struggle, the pistol is discharged at extremely close range. The narrative describes the deafening roar of the gun, a sound so powerful it overwhelms Miss Pross's senses.
"The pistol went off with a loud crack, and a flash of flame, and Miss Pross, with a cry of triumph, flung herself on her knees, and the body of Madame Defarge rolled down on the floor."
This immediate and overwhelming auditory trauma is the cause of Miss Pross's profound deafness. The explosive force and sound of the firing pistol, at point-blank range, irrevocably damaged her hearing. It's a testament to her immense courage that she would sacrifice her own well-being, including her ability to hear, to ensure the safety of those she loved.
The Aftermath and Sacrifice
Following this violent encounter, Miss Pross is found in a state of shock and has lost her hearing entirely. This is a significant sacrifice. Miss Pross is a woman of strong opinions and a passionate personality. Her ability to hear and participate in conversations, to scold and comfort, to be fully present and aware of her surroundings, is essential to her character. Her deafness renders her somewhat isolated, a poignant consequence of her selfless act.
Dickens emphasizes the completeness of her deafness, noting that she is rendered "stone deaf." This state is permanent and serves as a constant reminder of the extreme danger they faced and the lengths to which Miss Pross would go to protect Lucie and Little Lucie.
Her devotion is further highlighted in the subsequent chapters. Despite her deafness, Miss Pross continues to care for Lucie and Little Lucie, demonstrating an unwavering commitment even when her own senses are compromised. Her sacrifice, while physically debilitating, underscores the depth of her love and loyalty. She becomes a symbol of enduring protection and the profound cost of safeguarding loved ones in times of immense peril.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Miss Pross become deaf?
Miss Pross became deaf as a direct result of a pistol shot fired at extremely close range during a struggle with Madame Defarge. The sheer volume and proximity of the explosion caused irreversible damage to her hearing.
Was Miss Pross deaf before the events of the novel?
No, Miss Pross was not deaf before the events of the novel. Her deafness was acquired as a consequence of her heroic actions in defending Lucie and Little Lucie from Madame Defarge.
What was the significance of Miss Pross's deafness?
Miss Pross's deafness is significant as it represents a profound personal sacrifice. She willingly endured this permanent injury to ensure the safety of Lucie and her daughter, highlighting her immense loyalty and courage in the face of mortal danger.
Did Miss Pross ever regain her hearing?
No, the novel indicates that Miss Pross's deafness was permanent. She lived the rest of her life profoundly deaf as a consequence of the pistol shot.
