Who is the lion in chapter 5 of Book II? Who is the jackal? What is the “repast” that the jackal has prepared for the lion? Why do you think Dickens would characterize these two in this way? (Book 2 Chapters 1-6)

Dickens uses these metaphors for the relationship between Carton and Stryver. Stryver is a predator at the top of the food chain so to speak. Carton is a Jackal. Jackals are scavengers looking for the scraps that the lion leaves. The metaphors don't completely fit for each man. Some critics think Dickens is using a little irony here.