Charles Dickens uses his deep characterization, intricate plot schemes, and his vast knowledge to create a wonderful story set during the French Revolution. He was committed in his writings to make everyone aware of the events during the revolution and also able to show the other themes inside the story. Most readers understand the theme of resurrection as the most targeted idea Dickens had sought to bring out in this novel.
Tapping into Dickens ' brain, readers get to see his personal views of the revolution with this quote: "enormous black cloud of poverty in every town spreading and deepening every hour" (371). Understanding Dickens previous words makes it easy to comprehend that good living became difficult to come across during the French Revolution. The novel 's themes help bring understanding of the characters thoughts and mannerisms to the reader. The theme of Christianity and after life appears as Carton speaks his last words, "It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to than I have ever known" (375). Dickens made an effort to incorporate the beliefs of Christianity into this classic novel.
Without Dickens character development techniques the story loses the excitement of watching the characters inter connect. Sydney Carton made a complete turn-around towards the end of the novel as he realizes that life 's not about him. Dickens reinforces this way of thinking throughout the novel by showing the other characters in the novel wanting to help their friends and protect them. Carton illustrates this exact theme when he tells Lucie, "O Miss Manette, when the little picture of a happy father 's face looks up in yours, when you see your own bright beauty springing up anew at your feet, think now and then that there is a man who would give his life, to keep a life you love beside you!" (156). Dickens explains this when Carton understands Lucie could never marry him, yet he still wants to give up his life for her so she could have happiness. Sacrifice made Carton 's character unique as he ends up saving Charles Darnay in order for Charles and Lucie to live together the rest of their lives. Miss Pross, the unlikely hero, kills Madame Defarge shortly after these words were spoken: "You might, from your appearance be the wife of Lucifer. Nevertheless, you shall not get the better of me. I am an English woman" (358). Dickens shows the audience that Miss Pross would protect the people she loved and would kill for them. Standing up for friendships turned into a necessary part in completing this novel. When speaking of great classic novels, A Tale of Two Cities makes it to the top of many lists. Suspense and cliffhangers do not describe this book adequately. Instead, it offered terrific insight to the French Revolution while creating a wonderful story for all to read and hopefully learn. A Tale of Two Cities will continue to have an impact on readers around the world.
Works Cited Page
Cowles, David. "A Tale of Two Cities." Beacham 's Guide to Literature for Young
Adults. Vol 3. Eds. Kirk Beetz, and Suzanne Neimeyer. Washington, D.C. : Beacham, 1990. 1328-1331.
Dickens, Charles. A Tale of Two Cities. New York: Penguin, 1980. (Dickens 260).
Johnson, Edgar. Afterword. A Tale of Two Cities. New York: Penguin, 1980. 369-376.
Cited: Page Cowles, David. "A Tale of Two Cities." Beacham 's Guide to Literature for Young Adults. Vol 3. Eds. Kirk Beetz, and Suzanne Neimeyer. Washington, D.C. : Beacham, 1990. 1328-1331. Dickens, Charles. A Tale of Two Cities. New York: Penguin, 1980. (Dickens 260). Johnson, Edgar. Afterword. A Tale of Two Cities. New York: Penguin, 1980. 369-376.
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