Charles Dickens sets the first scene of A Tale of Two Cities with Madame Defarge first being seen in the street witnessing a child get killed. He was run over by no other than, Monsieur the Marquis. "Why does he make that abominable noise? Is it his child?" (Dickens 114) Says Monsieur as he looks down upon the father of the child that he has just killed. Many of the French people were there to witness this tragedy occur, but Monsieur threatened the lives of the people. The narrator states "It is extraordinary to me,' said he, that you people cannot take care of yourselves and your children. One or the other of you is for ever in the way." (Dickens, 115) Monsieur turns the table around and tries to blame it on the people when in reality it's his fault of the death that occurred. Since he is of course above the other citizens, he has the power and authority to shut them up and have them not say a word.
As it was quoted in the novel "Monseigneur had the other truly noble idea that it must all go his way - tend to his own power and pocket" (Dickens 109) He is a noble man and he uses his power and his wealth to his advantage to do as he wishes.
"When the one woman who had stood conspicuous, knitting, still knitted on with the steadfastness of Fate." (Dickens 117) This is where Madame Defarge is first seen knitting, quiet and most innocent than ever. Madame Defarge also witnessed this tragic moment but she stood, knitting, observing knowing that Monsieur would certainly pay for this later on in the future and so would the rest of the men like him. Madame Defarge took the Revolution very serious,