Coincidences in A Tale of Two Cities
Leanne Rayo Samuel Lindquist
Samantha Puma
Elizabeth Ajemyan
Per. 2
Coincidences in
A Tale of Two Cities A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens deals with many coincidences that impact the plot and shape the main themes. A coincidence is a concurrence of events of circumstances without an apparent connection, often dealing with time and relations between people and things occurring by chance. Coincidences are a main factor in the book and play a great role in the fallout of the story. A few examples are the resemblance of Charles Darnay and Sydney Carton, the imprisonment of Dr. Manette, Madame defarge’s relationship to Charles Darnay, Soloman’s identity, and Jerry Cruncher’s discovery of Roger Cly. In the beginning of the first book we learn that Charles Darnay and Sydney Carton share a strong resemblance with each other. This affects the plot in many ways. For, example in the first trial of Charles Darnay, Mr. Stryver points out the resemblance between the two, which ultimately saves Darnay from being convicted. Then, in the final book Carton saves Darnay’s life by taking his place and sacrificing himself before the Guillotine. These events could be categorized into themes such as “resurrection”, “sacrifice” and the famous motif “Recalled to
Life”. Where Darnay is miraculously saved by sheer happenstance, due to cosmic fate, which is dictated by no one. Dr. Manette was imprisoned for many years by the Evrémondes, who justsohappened to be the blood family of Charles Darnay. This coincidence serves as the basis of the entire book.
Charles Darnay is put on trial three times and convicted the last time due to this coincidence. Dr.
Manette goes through a very unsteady recovery and has many relapses. The reader is aware that these relapses occur in the presence of Darnay. It is inferred that he has something to do with
Manette’s imprisonment from the beginning, however is not proven until the plot twist is revealed. This
Samantha Puma
Elizabeth Ajemyan
Per. 2
Coincidences in
A Tale of Two Cities A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens deals with many coincidences that impact the plot and shape the main themes. A coincidence is a concurrence of events of circumstances without an apparent connection, often dealing with time and relations between people and things occurring by chance. Coincidences are a main factor in the book and play a great role in the fallout of the story. A few examples are the resemblance of Charles Darnay and Sydney Carton, the imprisonment of Dr. Manette, Madame defarge’s relationship to Charles Darnay, Soloman’s identity, and Jerry Cruncher’s discovery of Roger Cly. In the beginning of the first book we learn that Charles Darnay and Sydney Carton share a strong resemblance with each other. This affects the plot in many ways. For, example in the first trial of Charles Darnay, Mr. Stryver points out the resemblance between the two, which ultimately saves Darnay from being convicted. Then, in the final book Carton saves Darnay’s life by taking his place and sacrificing himself before the Guillotine. These events could be categorized into themes such as “resurrection”, “sacrifice” and the famous motif “Recalled to
Life”. Where Darnay is miraculously saved by sheer happenstance, due to cosmic fate, which is dictated by no one. Dr. Manette was imprisoned for many years by the Evrémondes, who justsohappened to be the blood family of Charles Darnay. This coincidence serves as the basis of the entire book.
Charles Darnay is put on trial three times and convicted the last time due to this coincidence. Dr.
Manette goes through a very unsteady recovery and has many relapses. The reader is aware that these relapses occur in the presence of Darnay. It is inferred that he has something to do with
Manette’s imprisonment from the beginning, however is not proven until the plot twist is revealed. This