A Tale of Two Cities

Definition

A Tale of Two Cities is a historical novel by Charles Dickens, set before and during the French Revolution. It explores themes of resurrection, sacrifice, and the struggle between social classes in both Paris and London, reflecting Dickens' deep social criticism and insights into the human condition during a tumultuous period in history.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The novel is famous for its opening line: 'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times,' which sets the stage for its exploration of contrasting social conditions.
2. The character of Sydney Carton embodies themes of redemption and self-sacrifice, playing a crucial role in the novel's resolution.
3. Dickens wrote A Tale of Two Cities during a time when he was particularly concerned with social justice and the plight of the lower classes.
4. The narrative structure intertwines the stories of both cities—Paris and London—showing how their fates are interconnected through the characters’ experiences.
5. The book critiques not only the brutality of the revolution but also addresses issues like class disparity and the capacity for personal change in dire circumstances.

Review Questions

• How does A Tale of Two Cities illustrate the theme of resurrection, and what are some key examples from the text?
  • A Tale of Two Cities illustrates resurrection through several characters who experience profound transformations. Sydney Carton's journey from a dissolute lawyer to a self-sacrificing hero embodies this theme. His ultimate act of sacrifice at the end symbolizes rebirth—not just for himself but also for others, highlighting the potential for personal redemption amid societal turmoil.
• Discuss how Dickens portrays social class disparities in A Tale of Two Cities and how this reflects his broader social criticism.
  • In A Tale of Two Cities, Dickens vividly portrays social class disparities through characters like Charles Darnay, who comes from an aristocratic family yet seeks justice and equality, contrasting with characters like Madame Defarge who represents vengeful revolutionary spirit. This contrast emphasizes Dickens' critique of a society divided by class struggles and injustices. The narrative illustrates how these disparities lead to conflict while also highlighting the complexities within each class.
• Evaluate the impact of historical context on A Tale of Two Cities, particularly how Dickens uses historical events to comment on contemporary social issues.
  • A Tale of Two Cities is deeply influenced by the historical context of the French Revolution, which Dickens uses to comment on contemporary social issues in Victorian England. By juxtaposing the chaos in revolutionary France with the social stagnation in England, Dickens critiques both systems, suggesting that societal oppression can lead to violent upheaval. This analysis encourages readers to reflect on their own society's inequalities, urging awareness and change, thus linking historical events to ongoing social critiques relevant to Dickens' audience.

Related terms

Dickensian: Referring to the style or themes characteristic of Charles Dickens' works, often highlighting social issues and the struggles of the poor.

French Revolution: A period of radical social and political upheaval in France from 1789 to 1799, which profoundly affected the course of modern history and is a central backdrop in A Tale of Two Cities.

Social Criticism: The practice of critiquing society and its institutions, often highlighting issues such as inequality, injustice, and moral failures, which is a key element in Dickens' writing.