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A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens – review

I t is the best of times for reissues of Dickens classics as this year marks the 200th anniversary of his birth. With one of the most famous opening sentences in history, A Tale of Two Cities ranks among the novelist's finest, anatomising the conflict between democratic and aristocratic principles during the French revolution.

An "intensely cold mist" covers the land "like an evil spirit". After 18 years as a political prisoner, Doctor Manette is released and reunited with his daughter, the beguiling Lucie, who captivates the affections of two suitors, an aristocratic Frenchman named Darnay and the English lawyer Carton. This tale of two cities (London and Paris) is also a tale of three lovers, with a plot-twist of self-sacrifice inspired by Wilkie Collins's play The Frozen Deep, in which Dickens acted.

Epic in historical scale, it is also an intimate book, showing how the personal and political intermingle and what the causes and effects of violence are, including the struggle to retain one's sanity under systemic abuse. Dickens focuses throughout on two sets of relationships: between father and daughter, and between subject and state. Those facing the guillotine do not hope to gain the "pity of the people", but it is a measure of Dickens's skill that he makes us feel sympathy towards them.

This taut, atmospheric novel initially appeared as weekly instalments in 1859. Its insights remain relevant: "Crush humanity out of shape once more, under similar hammers, and it will twist itself into the same tortured forms. Sow the same seed of rapacious licence and oppression ever again, and it will surely yield the same fruit according to its kind".

Charles Dickens
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A tale of two cities, common sense media reviewers.

Immortal romance is set against violent French Revolution.

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Dickens' 1859 masterpiece sets a sweet romance

Personal love and devotion are the greatest virtue

Each of the central characters in A Tale of Two Ci

Most of the violence in A Tale of Two Cities is po

A letter written by Dr. Manette relates the story

In an early scene in the book, in the Parisian sub

Educational Value

Dickens' 1859 masterpiece sets a sweet romance against the backdrop of the French Revolution. Readers will learn about the class inequality, perpetuated by aristocrats, that kept many French people in fear and abject poverty, and incited the citizens to condemn the monarchy. The novel also depicts machinations of the English legal system in the late 18th century, and shows the ways of household life, travel, and business on each side of the English Channel.

Positive Messages

Personal love and devotion are the greatest virtues in A Tale of Two Cities , despite the tidal power of the political revolution. The love between father and daughter, between husband and wife, and the selfless devotion of friends become increasingly precious as they are threatened by blind vengeance. Also, though Christianity is misused by aristocrats to support their superior status, true faith is the greatest comfort in one character's darkest hour.

Positive Role Models

Each of the central characters in A Tale of Two Cities -- the Manette/Darnay family and their friends -- is more pure and examplary than the last. Dr. Manette is a loving father and caring physician. Lucie Manette is a devoted daughter, wife, and mother. Mr. Lorry and Miss Pross are reliable protectors. Charles Darnay gives up wealth and station out of his own sense of fairness. And Sydney Carton is the soul of loving sacrifice.

Violence & Scariness

Most of the violence in A Tale of Two Cities is portrayed quite lyrically, but there is quite a bit of it. Numerous people are beheaded on the guillotine. A woman is shot and killed. Dr. Manette is called to treat a brother who has been fatally wounded, and whose sister has been impregnated and driven mad by rape and abuse.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

Sex, Romance & Nudity

A letter written by Dr. Manette relates the story of his being called to treat a young woman who has been raped and impregnated by an abusive aristocrat. Other than that, married couples occasionally kiss and embrace.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Sex, Romance & Nudity in your kid's entertainment guide.

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

In an early scene in the book, in the Parisian suburb of Saint Antoine, a wine barrel has fallen off of a truck and broken, and villagers partake of the spillage. The Defarges own a wine shop there, where wine and brandy are consumed. In England, men drink ale and spirits, and one important character is an alcoholic who considers himself beyond help.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Charles Dickens' masterpiece, A Tale of Two Cities , sets a riveting story of romantic and familial love against the violent drama of the French Revolution. The personal and the political are deeply connected, and complicated, and additional historical background regarding the French monarchy, feudal system, and French Revolution will help young readers appreciate the novel. It's also worth noting that though this is one of Dickens' best-loved works, it is atypical of the author in some ways. A Tale of Two Cities has fewer humorous, colorful characters than others of his most-read books (other than the Crunchers), and the plot is more grand and far-reaching.

Where to Read

Community reviews.

Parents say (2)
Kids say (13)

Based on 2 parent reviews

A tale of 2 cities

What's the story.

At the beginning of A Tale of Two Cities , Dr. Alexandre Manette has been released after many years of wrongful imprisonment in France. He is reunited with his beautiful, pure-hearted daughter, Lucie, who tenderly cares for him and takes him with her to England to live. During the journey across the channel, Lucie meets Charles Darnay, a French instructor who becomes part of the Manettes' family circle. A secret about Charles' background eventually causes him, the Manettes, and some of their friends to return to France, where mob rule now drives the revolution and threatens to destroy them all.

Is It Any Good?

A TALE OF TWO CITIES masterfully interweaves political and personal events. It reveals much about the injustice that incited the French Revolution, the gray areas between the populist ideals and blind vengeance, and the toll the rebellion took on individuals. This is one of Charles Dickens' best-loved novels, with good reason. The plot is suspenseful, the scope is far-reaching, and the characters are as rich and affecting as can be. No love was ever sweeter than Lucie and Charles', no father and daughter were ever more deeply attached than the Manettes, and no character in English literature ever had a greater purpose, or better lines, than Sydney Carton.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about what Dickens intends for readers to feel and understand about the French Revolution. What is right and wrong?

Why does Sydney Carton do what he does?

What does Dickens seem to be suggesting is similar and/or different about his two cities?

Think about the Defarges' cohorts, Vengeance and the three Jacques. What do these characters represent?

A Tale of Two Cities is considered a classic and is often required reading in school. Why do you think that is?

Book Details

Author : Charles Dickens
Genre : Literary Fiction
Topics : Friendship , History
Book type : Fiction
Publisher : Barnes & Noble
Publication date : April 20, 1894
Number of pages : 448
Last updated : June 9, 2015

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An Epic Tale of Love, Sacrifice, and Revolution: A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

06 Apr An Epic Tale of Love, Sacrifice, and Revolution: A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

An epic book deserves an epic review, introduction.

As the owner of Scattered Books and an ardent lover of literature, I find myself constantly drawn to the timeless works that have withstood the test of time. Charles Dickens’ masterpiece, “A Tale of Two Cities,” is a novel that has captivated readers for generations, and it is with great enthusiasm that I delve into its depths once again.

Set against the backdrop of the French Revolution, this sweeping saga follows the intertwined lives of characters caught in the tumultuous upheaval of a nation. Dickens weaves a tapestry of love, sacrifice, and redemption, exploring the duality of human nature and the resilience of the human spirit. “A Tale of Two Cities” has been widely acclaimed as one of the greatest novels ever written, earning its place among the literary canon’s most revered works.

Plot Summary

The story unfolds in the late 18th century, alternating between the contrasting cities of London and Paris. Dr. Manette, a former Bastille prisoner, is reunited with his daughter Lucie after years of imprisonment. Their lives become entangled with those of the French emigrant Charles Darnay, the dissolute Sydney Carton, and the vengeful Madame Defarge, a key figure in the revolutionary turmoil.

As the tides of revolution sweep across France, Darnay finds himself caught in the crosshairs of the merciless revolutionaries, facing the threat of the guillotine. Sydney Carton, a man haunted by his wasted potential, emerges as an unlikely hero, willing to sacrifice everything for the woman he loves. The narrative builds towards a climactic finale, where the lines between love, honor, and redemption blur in the face of unimaginable violence and upheaval.

Character Descriptions

Dickens’ masterful characterization is a hallmark of “A Tale of Two Cities.” The novel is populated by a rich tapestry of characters, each meticulously crafted and imbued with depth and complexity.

Sydney Carton : The tragic hero of the story, Carton is a brilliant but dissolute lawyer who finds redemption through his selfless love for Lucie Manette. His journey from a wasted life to a noble sacrifice is a poignant exploration of the human capacity for transformation.
Lucie Manette : The embodiment of grace and compassion, Lucie is the moral compass of the novel. Her unwavering love and loyalty serve as a beacon of hope amidst the chaos of the revolution.
Charles Darnay : A French once-aristocrat who falls victim to the revolutionary fervor, Darnay’s plight represents the injustices of the ancien régime and the brutal excesses of the revolution.
Madame Defarge : The vengeful and ruthless leader of the revolutionary knitters, Madame Defarge personifies the unbridled rage and thirst for retribution that fueled the violence of the French Revolution.

Dickens’ ability to breathe life into these characters and capture the complexities of human nature is a testament to his literary genius.

“A Tale of Two Cities” is a masterwork that transcends its historical setting to explore universal themes of love, sacrifice, and the duality of human nature. Dickens’ vivid depictions of the contrasting cities of London and Paris, and the juxtaposition of the aristocratic opulence and the squalor of the masses, serve as a powerful commentary on the social injustices that ignited the French Revolution.

The novel’s strength lies in its ability to humanize the revolutionary fervor, portraying both the nobility of its ideals and the brutal excesses that followed. Dickens’ use of parallel narratives and symbolic motifs, such as the recurring image of the broken wine cask, add layers of depth and meaning to the story.

Perhaps most poignant is the exploration of the duality of human nature, embodied in the contrasting characters of Sydney Carton and Madame Defarge. Carton’s journey from a wasted life to a noble sacrifice serves as a powerful testament to the human capacity for redemption, while Madame Defarge’s descent into vengeful madness represents the darker aspects of the human psyche.

Themes and Motifs

At its core, “A Tale of Two Cities” is a profound meditation on the themes of revolution, justice, and the enduring power of love and sacrifice.

Revolution and Social Injustice : Dickens offers a nuanced portrayal of the French Revolution, exploring both the ideals that fueled the uprising and the brutal excesses that followed. The novel serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked violence and the importance of upholding justice and human rights.
Resurrection and Redemption : The motif of resurrection is woven throughout the narrative, from Dr. Manette’s release from the Bastille to Sydney Carton’s ultimate sacrifice. The novel explores the human capacity for transformation and the possibility of redemption, even in the darkest of circumstances.
Love and Sacrifice : At the heart of the story is the enduring power of love, embodied in the selfless acts of characters like Sydney Carton and Lucie Manette. Dickens celebrates the ability of love to transcend even the most dire circumstances and inspire acts of profound sacrifice.

Through these themes and motifs, Dickens invites readers to contemplate the complexities of human nature and the enduring values that can guide us through even the most turbulent of times.

Writing Style and Tone

Dickens’ writing style in “A Tale of Two Cities” is a masterclass in literary craftsmanship. His prose is rich and evocative, painting vivid scenes that transport readers to the heart of the French Revolution. The novel’s opening lines, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times,” have become iconic, setting the stage for the contrasts and dualities that permeate the narrative.

Dickens’ use of parallel narratives and symbolic imagery adds depth and resonance to the story. The recurring motif of the broken wine cask, for example, serves as a powerful metaphor for the spilled blood and wasted potential of the revolution.

Here is a passage that exemplifies Dickens’ masterful prose:

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.”

Through his evocative language and skillful storytelling, Dickens invites readers to fully immerse themselves in the tumultuous world of the French Revolution, experiencing the triumphs and tragedies of his unforgettable characters.

Evaluation and Conclusion

“A Tale of Two Cities” is a literary masterpiece that has rightfully earned its place among the greatest novels of all time. Dickens’ ability to weave a compelling narrative while exploring profound themes of love, sacrifice, and the duality of human nature is unparalleled.

The novel’s enduring popularity and relevance are a testament to its universal appeal and the timeless truths it conveys. Whether you are a seasoned reader or embarking on your literary journey, “A Tale of Two Cities” is a must-read that will leave an indelible mark on your soul.

For those seeking a gripping tale of love and sacrifice set against the backdrop of one of history’s most tumultuous periods, this novel is an absolute treasure. Dickens’ masterful storytelling and unforgettable characters will captivate you from the first page to the last, leaving you forever changed by the power of his words.

Favorite Quotes

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.” This iconic opening line sets the stage for the contrasts and dualities that permeate the narrative, capturing the essence of the French Revolution and the complexities of human nature.
“A wonderful fact to reflect upon, that every human creature is constituted to be that profound secret and mystery to every other.” This quote speaks to the depth and complexity of the human experience, reminding us that each individual is a profound mystery, even to those closest to them.
“I am the resurrection and the life, saith the Lord: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me, shall never die.” This biblical quote, referenced in the novel, encapsulates the theme of resurrection and redemption that runs throughout the narrative, offering hope in the face of darkness and despair.

FAQ Section

What is the central conflict in “A Tale of Two Cities”? The central conflict revolves around the French Revolution and the contrasting ideologies of the revolutionaries and the aristocracy. The novel explores the social injustices that fueled the uprising, as well as the brutal excesses that followed in the pursuit of justice.
Who are the main characters in the novel? The main characters include Sydney Carton, a dissolute lawyer who finds redemption through sacrifice; Lucie Manette, the embodiment of grace and compassion; Charles Darnay, a French once-aristocrat caught in the revolutionary turmoil; and Madame Defarge, the vengeful leader of the revolutionary knitters.
What are the central themes explored in “A Tale of Two Cities”? The novel explores themes of revolution and social injustice, resurrection and redemption, love and sacrifice, and the duality of human nature. Dickens offers a nuanced portrayal of the French Revolution, celebrating the ideals that fueled the uprising while cautioning against the dangers of unchecked violence.
How does the novel’s setting contribute to its themes and narrative? The contrasting settings of London and Paris serve as a powerful metaphor for the duality of human nature and the contrasting ideologies of the revolution. The juxtaposition of the aristocratic opulence and the squalor of the masses highlights the social injustices that ignited the revolutionary fervor.
What is the significance of Sydney Carton’s sacrifice at the end of the novel? Sydney Carton’s ultimate sacrifice, taking Charles Darnay’s place at the guillotine, represents the pinnacle of his redemption arc. His selfless act of love and courage serves as a powerful testament to the human capacity for transformation and the enduring power of love to inspire acts of profound sacrifice.

Charles Dickens’ “A Tale of Two Cities” is a literary masterpiece that has rightfully earned its place among the greatest novels of all time. Through his masterful storytelling and unforgettable characters, Dickens invites readers to embark on a journey that explores the depths of human nature, the complexities of revolution, and the enduring power of love and sacrifice.

Whether you are a seasoned reader or embarking on your literary journey, this novel is an absolute must-read that will leave an indelible mark on your soul. Prepare to be captivated by Dickens’ vivid prose, moved by the triumphs and tragedies of his characters, and forever changed by the profound truths he conveys.

For those seeking a gripping tale of love, sacrifice, and the resilience of the human spirit, “A Tale of Two Cities” is a treasure that will resonate long after the final page is turned.

Spoilers/How Does It End

In the climactic finale of “A Tale of Two Cities,” Sydney Carton, the once-dissolute lawyer, embraces his redemption and selflessly takes Charles Darnay’s place at the guillotine. Carton’s ultimate sacrifice is driven by his unwavering love for Lucie Manette, Darnay’s wife, and his desire to save an innocent life.

As Carton ascends the steps to the guillotine, he experiences a profound transformation, finding peace and purpose in his final moments. His last words, “It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done…”, resonate with the novel’s themes of resurrection and redemption, as he embraces a noble end to a life once wasted.

Carton’s sacrifice not only saves Darnay’s life but also ensures the future happiness of Lucie and her family. His act of selflessness serves as a powerful testament to the enduring power of love and the human capacity for transformation, even in the darkest of circumstances.

While the novel ends on a somber note, with Carton’s execution, it also offers a glimmer of hope and renewal. The characters who survive are forever changed by Carton’s sacrifice, carrying the lessons of love, courage, and the enduring human spirit into an uncertain future.

About the Author

Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was a prolific English novelist and social critic whose works have left an indelible mark on literature and popular culture. Born in Portsmouth, England, Dickens experienced poverty and hardship in his youth, which profoundly influenced his writing and his advocacy for social reform.

Throughout his illustrious career, Dickens penned numerous beloved novels, including “Oliver Twist,” “David Copperfield,” “Great Expectations,” and “A Christmas Carol.” His works were known for their vivid characters, intricate plots, and incisive commentary on the social injustices of Victorian England.

“A Tale of Two Cities,” published in 1859, is widely regarded as one of Dickens’ greatest achievements. The novel’s exploration of the French Revolution and its themes of love, sacrifice, and redemption have resonated with readers across generations and cemented Dickens’ legacy as one of the most influential authors of all time.

Publication History and Reception

“A Tale of Two Cities” was first published in weekly installments in Dickens’ literary periodical “All the Year Round” from April to November 1859. It was later published as a complete novel in three volumes in 1859 by Chapman & Hall in London.

Upon its initial release, the novel received widespread critical acclaim and commercial success. Readers were captivated by Dickens’ vivid depiction of the French Revolution and his exploration of timeless themes of love, sacrifice, and the duality of human nature.

Over the years, “A Tale of Two Cities” has been adapted numerous times for film, television, and stage productions, further solidifying its status as a literary classic. The novel has been translated into numerous languages and continues to be widely read and studied in schools and universities around the world.

In recognition of its enduring impact and literary merit, “A Tale of Two Cities” has been included in various lists of the greatest novels of all.

Bibliographic Details

Author(s): Charles Dickens
Title: A Tale of Two Cities
Applicable Genres: Historical Fiction, Classic Literature
Bisac Categories: FICTION / Classics, FICTION / Historical / General
Publisher: Chapman & Hall (original publisher)
Place of publication: London, England
Year of publication: 1859
ISBN: 978-0141439600
Page count: 489 pages
Format: Hardcover, Paperback, E-book
Language: English
Subject/Genre: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Classic Literature
Library of Congress Classification (LCC): PR4571 .A6 1994
Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC): 823/.8

Where to Buy

You can purchase “A Tale of Two Cities” by Charles Dickens on Bookshop.org

Other Reviews

Goodreads – Average rating: 3.8/5 stars from over 1 million ratings
Amazon – Average rating: 4.5/5 stars from over 5,000 reviews
Penguin Random House – “A novel of supreme artistry, unforgettable characters, and a timeless exploration of the duality of human nature.”

We hope this EPIC review is as epic as your experience when reading “A Tale of Two Cities!”

Economics Books » Fiction Recommended by Economists

A tale of two cities, by charles dickens.

Charles Dickens’s A Tale of Two Cities is about poverty in London and Paris and the book with perhaps the most famous opening and closing lines in English literature: ‘It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness…’ and, at closing, ‘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.’

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A Tale of Two Cities

Hellooo everyone! I just publish a review about Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations and now I will tell you about one of his other books – A Tale of Two Cities. An abridged form of the novel was a part of our English literature syllabus back in grade 8 and I had remember liking the book a lot then. Sometime later I decided to get the original version and go through it. Well, my appreciation for Dickens’ talent only increased. But anyway, here we go:

About the Author:

Charles Dickens was born on 7th February, 1812 at Portsea, near Portsmouth, where his father was a clerk in the Navy Pay office. On promotion, his father moved to Chatham, when Dickens was three years old. As a boy he was able to visit the theatre, to buy books and began to have dreams of acquiring education.

But things changed as his father got hopelessly into debt. The police arrested him in February 1824. Charles had to work in Warren’s Blacking factory owned by a relative. He had to work in the dirty, rat-infested old house, sticking labels on blacking bottles. This was the first raw impact of life on a sensitive boy who had lived in a world of dreams. Such experiences became the subject of his novels and have been immortalized in his fiction.

Charles became a reporter in the Press Gallery of the House of Commons due to his great speed and accuracy in shorthand. This set the stage for fiction writing. His first book Sketches by Boz appeared in 1936 followed by The Pickwick Papers. The Pickwick Papers made Dickens instantaneously famous due to its character Sam Weller. Dickens soon became the conscience of the country. Dickens’ death was sudden and dramatic due to a stroke. He was buried with pomp at Westminster’s Abbey, an honor which he fully deserved.

A Tale of Two Cities:

Dickens’ work is really very hard to review. There is so much to tell, and yet one must be careful what one reveals. A Tale of Two Cities so beautifully complex I personally find it a task to figure out where to start and where to finish. In this case, I will start from the middle, go to the start, and then end at the finish.

The French revolution has begun. The Bastille has fallen. One of the leaders of the revolution, Ernest Defarge, asks a scared prison guard to take him to cell no. 105 in the North Tower. Once there, he starts searching for, and finds a packet of letters. One of those letters – written and hidden there by a previous occupant of the cell – is the cause for condemnation of a man to death. That man was the son-in-law of a person whom Defarge held in high regard.

We come to London. This is years before the French revolution began. A certain Charles Darnay is presented before the Old Bailey. He is facing trial for espionage. He would have been convicted, but for a very lucky coincidence, and the presence of mind of one of his lawyers. Sydney Carton noticed that he looked very much like his client and used the fact to cast a doubt on the chief witness’ credibility. The jury pronounced Charles Darnay as ‘not guilty’.

One of the witnesses who spoke at the trial was Lucie Manette – the daughter of Dr Alexander Manette. She was young and beautiful, and had attracted both the accused and his saviour’s attentions. Charles Darnay wanted to marry her. Sydney Carton hoped for a different life where he would be deserving of her attentions. He was an alcoholic and despite being intelligent, did nothing to save his life. Sydney loved Lucie with all his heart, but knew that she did not love him back their union, if it ever happened, would only bring unhappiness to her. Soon afterwards, Charles and Lucie got married, and presently, Lucie gave birth to a daughter.

The French revolution broke out and Charles got a letter which made it imperative that he should travel to Paris. It would be dangerous – for he was the only living male of the Evremonde family – noblemen who had done nothing but tortured innocent peasants and lived lavish lives themselves. Charles was different and had done a lot to help the people, but now it did not matter. Going to Paris would mean taking an enormous amount of risk. So, he left a letter for Mr Manette and Lucie, and set off for Paris.

When the Manettes received the letters, there was panic all round. They decided to leave for France at once. Their family friend – Mr Jarvis Lorry – and Sydney Carton accompanied them. When they reached Paris, they found that Charles had been arrested, and was going to face trial. Later, the jury at his trial condemned him to death. Sydney, while trying to find out what could be done, heard news that even Lucie and her daughter’s life might be in danger. He thought of a plan. It was an extremely dangerous one, but if it worked out, it would ensure the safety of not only Lucie and her daughter, but would also save Charles from death. And for Lucie, the girl he had always loved, Sydney was ready to make the supreme sacrifice.

I have written the above review in a very matter-of-fact style and tried not to put much emotion in it. I am afraid it might create an impression in the reader’s mind different than what Dickens had wanted to. A Tale of Two Cities is tragic, heart-breaking, original, and reassuring. It is more important to feel it, than understand it.

I hope the review was to your liking – although it is not food. A Tale of Two Cities is simply iconic and a must-read for any fan of Victorian literature. Or any fan of literature, for that matter. If you enjoyed reading the review, please consider subscribing to my blog here . Until next time, arrivederci.

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Book Review

A tale of two cities.

Charles Dickens

Readability Age Range

London: Chapman & Hall; the version reviewed was published by Puffin Books, an imprint of Penguin Young Reader's Group

Year Published

A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens has been reviewed by Focus on the Family’s marriage and parenting magazine .

Plot Summary

During the French Revolution, Dr. Alexandre Manette is released after two decades of imprisonment in the Bastille. Shocked to learn he’s alive, his daughter, Lucie, retrieves him. Years later, Lucie and Dr. Manette take part in the trial of Charles Darnay, who is found innocent (in part because he so closely resembles his counsel, Sydney Carton), and Darnay seeks Lucie’s hand in marriage. When revolutionaries learn that Darnay is related to an evil aristocrat, they imprison him the next time he is in France. Sydney Carton determines he can bring value to his life by rescuing Darnay.

Christian Beliefs

A key theme is resurrection; several characters who have been imprisoned (literally, or in figurative prisons by virtue of their choices and behaviors) are “recalled to life.” Dickens further emphasizes this theme in the book’s final climactic moments, when Sydney Carton repeats to himself the John 11:25 passage, “I am the resurrection and the life” for comfort and talks about going to “a better land.” Dickens alludes to the de-Christianization of the period by demonstrating the growing love of violence. He shows the excess, greed and godlessness of the aristocracy and talks of the guillotine having replaced the Cross in the French culture. Dickens also pairs several sets of characters as opposites (Lucie with Madame Defarge, Darnay with Carton) to contrast good and evil, peace and violence, love and hate.

Other Belief Systems

In a time of revolution, vengeance and violence become a religion for many of the French.

Authority Roles

Several noteworthy aristocrats belong to the family Evremonde (ironic, because it means “every man” — they certainly don’t see themselves that way). Their disregard for human life, demonstrated in their brutal raping and thoughtless killing, exemplifies the ruling class of the time. Madame Defarge, a leader in the revolution, also acts with excessive violence, driven by her desire for revenge against the Evremondes and their kind.

Profanity & Violence

The word d–ned appears a few times. Violence and blood fill the pages, but the depictions are fairly tame compared to what 21st-century audiences are accustomed to.

Sexual Content

Several innocent, nonromantic kisses pass between friends and family. Carton kisses a seamstress solemnly before he is killed.

Discussion Topics

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A Tale of Two Cities

Background of the Novel

Historical context.

The last two decades of the 18 th century is marked as a turning point in the history of Europe. The French Revolution that began in 1789 changed the political landscape of Europe. With the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte, the citizens of France destroyed the centuries-old institutions of feudalism and absolute monarchy. The poor economic policies of the king and the discontent of the citizens with the French monarchy gave rise to the upheaval. King Louis XVI and his wife, Marie Antoinette, were executed.

Though the French Revolution could not achieve its ultimate goal and turn into a chaotic bloodbath, it played an important role in influencing the modern nation by portraying the inherent power of will of the common people.

The French Revolution, just like the American Revolution, was started to inculcate political liberty and rational thought among the masses. The ideals that the Enlightenment period of the 18 th century inculcated in the people were soon compromised when the Revolution of French citizens turned into “terror.” Moreover, the French Revolution was not restricted to France.

It also cast a sharp and long shadow on nineteenth-century industrialized Britain. With the advent of industrialization, Britain was divided into two classes: the rich and the poor. The Elite classes started fearing the oppressed class to start the Revolution and rebel against the monarchy; however, political compromises and wake-up calls by literary figures like Dickens attempt to stop the crisis in England.

Literary Context

The genre of historical fiction is founded by Sir Walter Scott. In order to display the historical war-time, Scott created the fictionalized characters in his novels. One of his famous novels on war-time history is Waverly.

Just like the distinct narrative voice of Dickens, Scott narrator also off and on explains, preaches, expounds, and makes jokes. The Middlemarch by George Eliot contains multiple plots and has realistic psychological details, therefore evolving the genre of historical fiction.

The novelists like Dickens, Scott, and Eliot used the genre of historical fiction to talk about the problems that were prevailing in their societies. They would use the events of the past to reveal the present to revolve around the crisis. The novels of these novelists discuss how individuals are created and shaped by political history and vice versa.

A Tale of Two Cities Summary

The novel opens in the year 1775 with Mr. Jarvis Lorry traveling on a mission to Dover to meet Lucie Manette. Mr. Jarvis Lorry is the employer of Tellson’s Bank in England. On his way to Dover, Mr. Lorry happens to meet a man who gives him a mysterious message, and Mr. Lorry replies with the message, “Recalled to life.” At Dover, in a restaurant, Mr. Lorry meets Lucie Manette and reveals that her father, Dr. Alexandre Manette, is alive, whom she thought had been long dead.

For 18 years, Dr. Manette had been clandestinely imprisoned in France. However, Monsieur Defarge, the old and former servant of Dr. Manette, has smuggled him out of prison and hid him in the upper story of the store. In Paris, Defarge now owns a wine shop, which is the center of the rebellious activities that result in the French Revolution. In the meantime, Madame Defarge, wife of Monsieur Defarge, enlists the name of the enemies of the Revolution by knitting. When Lucie and Mr. Lorry arrive to receive Dr. Manette, they find him in a dark corner, spontaneously making shoes. He has been left insane by prison. They receive him lovingly and return to London.

During their return to London, Lucie and Dr. Manette met Charles Darnay, the French aristocrat. He does not withstand the policies of his family against the working class and leaves France to go to England.

The story jumps to the year 1780. Charles Darnay is standing trial in London for spying. Lucie and Dr. Manette also attend the trial. Mr. Stryver is a defense lawyer of Charles Darnay. However, his associate Sidney Carton, a drunk and bored-looking man, win the case. Carton ruins the credibility of the witness by pointing out his resemblance to Darnay.

The wealthy aristocrats of France ignore the misery of poor people who are dying due to hunger and are staggering in luxury. The carriage of Marquis St. Evremonde, a wealthy aristocrat, irresponsibly runs over a child and kills him.

When he reaches his castle, he meets Charles Evremonde, his nephew, who has returned from England. Charles Evremonde is actually Charles Darner. In the meeting with his uncle, he abandons his association with his family. When Marquis is sleeping in his luxurious room that night, he is murdered.

Charles Darnay, Sydney Carton, and Stryver being impressed with Lucie, frequently pay their visit to Dr. Manette and Lucie. When Mr. Stryver decides to ask Lucie for marriage, he is warned by Mr. Lorry that his proposal will not be likely to be accepted by Dr. Manette and Lucie. Similarly, Carton admires Lucie for how she proved to be a person who changed his life by making him believe that he still has scraps of goodness hidden inside him, despite the ruined past he has.

Charles Darnay asks Dr. Manette’s permission to marry his daughter Lucie. Moreover, he wants to tell him his real name; however, Dr. Manette refuses to know until the day of the wedding. After the wedding, he is upset and feeling alone when his daughter and son in law go for honeymoon, Dr. Manette setbacks into his madness and starts making shoes. Mr. Lorry comforts him to recover, and the other day he was all fine and wants Mr. Lorry not to tell Lucie about the episode when she returns. Lucie and Charles Darnay give birth to a daughter.

The story again jumps to the year 1789. To destroy the monarchy, Defarge leads the rebellious peasants in Bastille. He investigates the old cell of Dr. Manette and discovers a letter written by Dr. Manette in a chimney. They later use this letter against him. The French Revolution was at its peak, and the new state has been declared. However, the citizens are growing extremely fierce and capture the aristocrats and kill them by execution. Charles Darnay goes to Paris when he receives a letter from his servant, Gabelle, asking for his help. However, Darnay is taken into prison.

To rescue Darnay, Lucie and Dr. Manette go to Paris and join Mr. Lorry, who has been there on a Bank Business. The 18 years of imprisonment make Dr. Manette a local hero. With his influence, he gets a trial for Charles Darnay; however, it takes a year. Lucie walks near the prison every day in the hope that Charles Darnay may see her. With evidence of Dr. Manette, Charles Darnay is freed. However, on that very night, he is again imprisoned by the charges carried by Madame Defarge and Monsieur Defarge.

Jerry Cruncher and Miss Pross have also come to help Dr. Manette and Lucie Manette. On the streets of Paris, they encounter Solomon Pros, the brother of Miss Pross. Jerry recognizes him as John Barsad, who was a witness of the allegation against Charles Darnay in the trial in England. Carton also appears and forces Barsad to cooperate with him in helping Charles Darnay or else he will reveal him as a spy.

At the second trial of Charles Darnay, Madame Defarge shows the court a letter written by Dr. Manette that she previously found in a chimney. In the letter, Dr. Manette wrote how the father and uncle of Charles Darnay – Evremonde’s brothers – abused a peasant girl and to protect themselves imprisoned Dr. Manette. Darnay is sent back to prison with the sentence to death. Dr. Manette loses his consciousness, thinking that his letter has caused the death of Charles. Moreover, Sidney Carton overhears the conversation of Madame Defarge, who has resolved to eliminate the line of Evremonde by killing Lucie and her daughter. At that spot, she also revealed to be the sister of a peasant girl and boy whom Evremonde abused and killed.

Carton makes a plan with Mr. Lorry to immediately arrange a carriage for everyone to escape for England and handover his identity paper to him. With the help of Barsad, Carton goes into the prison where Charles is imprisoned. He drugs him and switches his clothes with him. Thinking that Sidney has lost his consciousness due to overdrinking, Barsad takes Charles, disguised as Sidney Carton, to the carriage arranged by Mr. Lorry. Mr. Lorry, Dr. Manette, Lucie, her daughter, and Charles Darnay leave for England. They do not know that Sidney has replaced himself with Charles Darnay.

Soon after their departure, Madame Defarge shows up at the apartment of Dr. Manette to kill Lucie. However, before she could get in and know that Lucie has fled to England, Miss Pross stops her at the gate. The two start arguments and Madame Defarge takes out her pistol to threaten Miss Pross but shoots herself. The sound of a gun deafens Miss Pross.

While moving to the place of execution, in place of Darnay, Carton holds the hand of a young lady who has been accused of wrongly. He dies, realizing that the sacrifice he has made for Lucie is the greatest thing he has done in his life ever.

A Tale of Two Cities Characters Analysis

Sydney carton.

Sidney Carton is the most vigorous character in the novel A Tale of Two Cities. At the beginning of the novel, he appears to be a drunk and lazy lawyer who aggregates a little concentration in his life. For him, his existence is nothing but supreme waste and claim that he does not care for anything or anyone. However, the readers realize that there is a deep feeling inside Sidney Carton that he wants to articulate it but is unable to do.

Though, in his conversation with Charles Darnay, who has been recently proved guiltless, comments about Lucie. However, his tone was sardonic and bitter and let down his growing interest and developing feelings for Lucie. Ultimately, he gathers courage and confesses his feelings for Lucie to her. Unknowing that Lucie and Darnay are soon going to marry, he proposes his love for Lucie and also claims that he is not worthy of her. This event changes the life of Sidney Carton and makes the basis for the sacrifice that Sidney makes for Lucie at the end of the novel.

Madame Defarge

Holding an act of ruthless revenge, Madame Defarge symbolizes the turmoil of the French Revolution. In the initial chapter of the novel, the readers find her sitting in the chair of the wine shop, knitting quietly. Nevertheless, her outward inactiveness contradicts her persistent desire for revenge. Along with her knitting the clothes, she also knits the names of her revolutionary enemies in her “mental register.”

The real wildness of Madame Defarge is shown when Revolution breaks with the full force. The way terror and chaos destroy Paris, Madame Defarge turns on Lucy and invades both the physical and psychological space of Lucie. At first, she enlists the name of Lucie and her memory into the register of people who are meant to die in the Revolution. She then breaks into Lucie’s apartment to see Lucie mourning the death of her husband, Charles Darnay and then kills her.

Dickens points out that the ruthlessness and hatefulness of Madame Defarge are not inherent but is the result of suffering, oppression, and tragedy she faced at the hand of Evremondes. Though Lucie and Charles Darnay have not done any harm to her, they both are related to Evremondes: Darnay by blood and Lucie by marriage. But still, Dickens does not approve the retributive policies of justice of Madame Defarge, and therefore the readers do not feel any sympathy for her.

The oppression of aristocrats has mage Madame Defarge, an oppressor; likewise, the victims of the oppression of Madame Defarge will turn out oppressors as well. Madame Defarge dies with the shot of her own gun. Through this, Dickens symbolizes that the revengeful attitude that Madame Defarge embodies turns out to be self-damning.

Charles Darnay (a.k.a. Charles Evrémonde)

After renouncing his connection with the Evremondes, Charles Darnay abandons his family and position as the French aristocrat and goes to England. Though Darnay supports the revolutionary ideal of human liberty, he is not a radical revolutionary like French masses. He symbolizes the middle position between the mistreatment practiced by the aristocracy and the lethal anger displayed by the revolutionaries.

Charles Darnay displays a heroic character of obligation and justice when trying to help the oppressed peasants and endangers his own life by helping Gabelle. But Charles also deceives himself by thinking that he can change the power and make the Revolution a positive change in France. Moreover, Charles is not able to see the potential of Sidney Carton and is guided by his wife, Lucie, to believe in the potential of Sidney Carton. Darnay is the representative of virtuous but imperfect humanity.

Lucie Manette

She is the daughter of Dr. Alexandre Manette and wife of Charles’ Darnay. She resurrects or restores her father back to life after eighteen years of imprisonment. She has the qualities of devotion, innocence, and enduring love. In the novel, she is the main figure which symbolizes goodness and laces a “golden thread” that binds together an essential group of people against the cruel forces of politics and history. She also displays religious faith. She believes in Sydney Carton when no one else believes in him. It is her kindness that inspires Sidney for his utmost deed of sacrifice.

Dr. Alexandre Manette

He is an accomplished physician who lived in France and has been imprisoned for 18 years in Bastille. The unjustified imprisonment makes him lose his mind. He embodies a horrible psychological shock of oppression from subjugation. Lucie’s love “resurrects” or restores him to his life. Manette also represents the idea that suffering can also turn into a strength. When he goes back to Paris to rescue his son in law, he gains the authoritative position in the French Revolution. To return Charles Darnay’s favor of resurrection, Manette saved him in the trial. But his old letters again lead to Charles’ execution. He ultimately becomes a tragic figure and falls into madness. The life of Manette shows that individuals are always entrapped in the strong forces of history.

Monsieur Defarge

He is the former servant of Dr. Mannete and smuggles him from the prison. He owns a wine shop that he uses to organize the revolutionaries of the French Revolution. Monsieur Defarge, like his wife Madame Defarge, is aggressively dedicated to dethroning dictatorship and retaliating discrimination. However, he does not support his wife’s planning to kill Lucie Manette. Due to this characteristic of mercy, Defarge becomes a symbol of the French Revolution that failed. The revolution lost its vision and turned into terror and chaos.

Jarvis Lorry

With the development of the plot of the novel, the character of Jarvis Lorry changes from a purely pragmatic and minding-one’s-own-business to an intense and loyal person who devotes his life to protect the family of Dr. Manette and thus become a member of Manette’s family. When Mr. Lorry first meets with Lucie, he asserts that “I had no feelings and that all relationships I hold with my fellow-creatures are mere business relations.”

Indeed, Mr. Lorry is a dedicated and hardworking employee who, on behalf of the bank, risks his life by making a dangerous journey to France. He explains his decision by saying that “if I were not prepared to submit to a few inconveniences for the sake of Tellson’s, after all these years, who ought to be?” however, his actions strongly contradict his words. He time and again claims that he is only concerned with his business; he shows great love and affection to the Manette’s family. It is Lorry who helps Dr. Manette when he lapses into madness after Lucie’s marriage.

He explains the episode to Dr. Manette by saying that he is narrating the case of a hypothetical patient. The end of the life or Mr. Lorry is described in the vision of Sidney Carton as “the good old man, so long their friend, in ten years’ time, enriching them with all he has, and passing tranquility to his reward.” The character of Mr. Lorry symbolizes the life of someone who lives conferring on the integrity and principles of both personal and professional life.

Jerry Cruncher

He is a worker of Tellson’s Bank. He is a short-tempered, gruff, illiterate, and uneducated person. He has the second source of his earnings by doing a job of a “Resurrection-Man.” He digs up the graves and sells the dead bodies to a scientist for experiments.

She is Lucie’s maid who raised her. She is a tough, gruff, and loyal servant. As she is a symbol of loyalty and order, she is a foil to Madame Defarge – the one who is an epitome of chaos and disorder.

Marquis Evrémonde

He is the French aristocrat and the uncle of Charles Darnay. He is the embodiment of inhumanity and supports the brutal caste system. He displays no sign of humanity in the novel and wants all peasants of the world to terminate.

Mr. Stryver

He is a determined lawyer. He wants to climb the social ladder by marrying Lucie Manette. He is a proud, bombastic, and foolish person.

John Barsad or Roger Cly

John Barsad and Roger Cly are the same person but switch their roles according to the need of the situation. In England and France both, he swears to be loyal to the state, and all his actions are inspired by patriotism. He spies for the British under the name Roger Cly, while in Paris is named as John Barsad. He claims to a person of a high reputation. However, he is involved in crafty planning.

He is the servant of Evremondes and is charged with the allegation of keeping the estate of Evremondes after the death of Marquis Evremonde. The revolutionaries imprisoned him, and he wrote a letter to Charles Darnay for him. This letter makes Darnay visit France and save him.

Themes in A Tale of Two Cities

Resurrection and transformation.

The novel A Tale of Two Cities By Charles Dickens illustrates the possibility of transformation and resurrection. Charles Dickens, in the novel, declares that resurrection and transformation are possible on a personal level, as well as social level. The death/sacrifice of Sidney Carton not only restores the peaceful life of Charles Darnay but also of Lucie Manette and Dr. Manette and Sidney Carton himself. Carton rises to the status of heroism by providing himself with execution. He becomes a Christ-like figure who restores and rescues the lives of others by his death. Even he gives meaning and value to his life. Moreover, at the end of the novel, the narrative suggests that the life of Sidney Carton – like Christ’s life – will be resurrected as Sidney Carton gains immortality in the hearts of people whom he died for.

Moreover, the novel also asserts that the destruction of the old Monarchy of France is a way to the new and beautiful Paris that Carton envisions during execution. Though Carton spends most of his life in idleness and sloth, his final deed shows the human potential for better change. Though most of the novel describes the cruelness of aristocrats and outrageous peasants both, it also delivers the belief that this violence will pave the way for a better society.

The theme of resurrection Dr. Manette is also called forth by Mr. Lorry, who sends a secret message saying that “recalled to Life.” According to this, the 18 years long imprisonment of Dr. Manette is considered as death. The love of Lucie restores Dr. Manette’s life and supports the notion of rebirth.

The Inevitability of Sacrifice

The themes of resurrection are associated with the theme of the necessity of sacrifice. The resurrection reinforces the idea that for the attainment of happiness, sacrifice is necessary. This theme, like the theme of resurrection, is also applicable to both personal and national life. For instance, the French Revolution in France portrays the idea that a democratic and liberal can be established only with a high coast. In order to bring the change, personal loyalties and affection must be sacrificed.

Similarly, when Charles Darnay is arrested for the second time by the revolutionaries, the guard reminds Dr. Manette of the predominance of the interest of the state against the personal interest. A similar lesson is given to Monsieur Defarge by Madame Defarge when he shows his devotion to Dr. Manette. Lastly, the transformation of Carton into a man of moral worth is only possible when he sacrifices his old self. He not only rescues his friend but also guarantees his rebirth by choosing to die.

The Propensity to Fierceness and Tyranny in Revolutionaries

The novel, A Tale of Two Cities, illustrates the Dickens’ uncertain approach to the French Revolution. Though he supports the causes that give rise to the French Revolution, he highlights the wickedness of the revolutionaries as well. Dickens profoundly understands the dilemma of the French peasantry and stresses on their necessity for freedom.

The chapters in the novel that deals with the oppression of Marquis Evremonde effectively show an image of malicious upper classes that blatantly abuses and subjugates the poor class. Though Dickens denounces this subjugation, he also denounces the strategies of the poor classes to gain liberation against it. The peasants do not affect the Revolution truly by fighting against the barbarism with barbarism. Instead, they only give rise to the chaos they suffered themselves.

While depicting the mobs, in the novel, Dickens makes a standpoint and proves it. The scene in which the revolutionaries sharpen their weapons and dance at the execution of the aristocrat is marked as morbid. The apt view of Dickens is illustrated in the last chapter in which he says that “Sow the same seed of rapacious license and oppression over again, and it will surely yield the same fruit according to its kind.” The revolutionaries are turning from oppressed to oppressors. Indeed, the French Revolution is a symbol of resurrection and transformation, and he also highlights the violent act stating it to be opposing it causes.

The French Revolution is caused by class conflict and social unrest in France. The ruling class and the monarchs have done nothing but spent their lives in luxury and wealth. A Tale of Two Cities sarcastically spoofs the affectations of the aristocrats by showing how four servants are busy serving a cup of chocolate to their master.

The narrator says, “Deep would have been the blot upon his escutcheon if his chocolate had been ignobly waited on by only three men.” The French aristocrats are not only lazy and spoiled, but they are also brutal and do not regard the lives of poor peasants. After killing a child under his carriage, Monseigneur heatless tells the poor peasant that he “would ride over any of you very willingly, and exterminates you from the earth.” Moral complexity is added to the novel as Dickens does show not only the brutality and oppression of the upper class but also shows the violence of the lower class.

The theme of justice presents in the novel through the institutions that are responsible for serving justice and as well as through the individuals who want to attain justice outside the courtroom. In the novel, the imprisonments and the trials represent justice. Though the legal systems are designed to provide justice to the masses, the prisons and courts, most of the time, punish the innocent people. As the legal system failed to provide justice, the individual seeks it outside it. When Gaspard’s son is killed, he realizes that the legal system will never give him justice against the strong and powerful aristocrat, thus killing Marquis in his bed. Similarly, Madame Defarge has been scheming against the Evremonde’s family for years because she knows that the legal system cannot stand against the wealth and power of Evremondes.

Oppression and Revolution

The novel A Tale of Two Cities is based on the French Revolution that started in France in 1789. In the novel, Charles Dickens shows how the oppression of the rulers of France nourished wrath in the masses that ultimately resulted in the rebellion. This process is depicted through the character of Marquis, Evremonde, his treatment with the common people. He killed a child and was not ashamed of it.

Though the reasons for common people to revolt against the brutal aristocrats are justifiable, and the ideals of equality, liberty, and fraternity of the French Revolution were highly praised, Dickens seems to be more pessimistic about it. He shows that the revolutionaries fight against oppression and violence with further oppression and violence. This symbolizes that no matter who is in power, whether common people or the aristocrats will fall prey to the pull to use complete power and suppress others. In short, Dickens illustrates that the way oppression causes Revolution, Revolution, also cases oppression. The cycle can only be broken when mercy and justice are practiced.

Secrecy and Surveillance

In the novel, A Tale of Two Cities, every character seems to have a secret. The forgotten history of Dr. Manette is detailed in his hidden letter; the secret profession of Jerry Cruncher; the attitude of Mr. Lorry regarding his profession; the past of Charles Darnay; the underground activities of Madame Defarge and Monsieur Defarge.

The prevailing political instability at the counter results in this secrecy. In Book One, Chapter Three, the narrator points out that “A wonderful fact to reflect upon, that every human creature is constituted to be that profound secret and mystery to every other. A solemn consideration, when I enter a great city by night, that every one of those darkly clustered houses encloses its own secret; that every room in every one of them encloses its own secret; that every beating heart in the hundreds of thousands of breasts there, is, in some of its imaginings, a secret to the heart nearest it.”

The French aristocrats and the commoner both have spies to find out what their enemies are up to. Both sides inflict harsh punishments once they suspect anyone is spying on them. In such circumstances, no one trusts anyone and suspects everyone. To survive, they all feel the necessity to keep secrets.

Fate and History

Lucie Manette and Madame Defarge identify with the Fates – the mythological goddesses who actually control the “threads.” Lucie is titled as the “golden thread,” whereas Madame Defarge is seen as constantly knitting in the novel. The novel A Tale of Two Cities is concerned with the theme of human destiny due to the presence of these two “Fate” characters. The novel deals with how history shapes the fate of the individual. In the novel, Dr. Manette and Charles Darnay try to change their destinies. Charles makes his way to England and tries to escape the cruel history of his family; however, circumstances made him go to France and face the consequences of his family’s past. Similarly, Dr. Manette uses his connection and influence to rescue Charles Darnay; however, he forgets his own letter that causes his execution. Dickens suggests that forces of history cannot be defeated by political influences but by self-sacrifice.

A Tale of Two Cities Analysis

The novel A Tale of Two Cities is an account of the main conflict between Charles Darnay and Madame Defarge. Charles Darnay wants to break his connection with his family, whereas Madame Defarge wants to hold him responsible for the sins of his family and punish him. The conflict between Madame Defarge and Charles Dafarge embodies the characteristics of the French Revolution. On the one hand, the French Revolution was a response to the injustices done to the peasants’ class over the years; on the other hand, this Revolution causes the death of many innocent people who have not done anything wrong.

Being in association with the institution of exploitation was enough to execute a person. In the novel, Charles Darnay is sentenced to death because he is the son and nephew of the Evremonde’s brothers. The plot of the story is structured in the past before the action of the story begins. The two Evremonde’s brothers abused a peasant girl and brother and then killed him. To eliminate any witness, they also imprisoned Dr. Manette. At the end of the novel, Madame Defarge turns out to be the sister of the abused girl.

The readers learn about the causes of Madame Defarge’s action at the end of the novel. However, they have been driving the plot and reflect that how history discloses. The chaotic Revolution does not start all of a sudden; it is the result of the decades’ old exploitation and injustices by power. Likewise, the crimes that were committed years before by the old generation haunted the new generation and held them accountable for it.

Abstract ideas and concepts in a literary text are represented by objects, characters, and figures. Following are the symbols in the novel A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

The wine shop of Madame Defarge and Monsieur Defarge is the center where revolutionary planning is going on secretly. The wine in the novel symbolizes the strong power of the French Revolution. The revolutionaries, drunk on power, turned from the freedom fighters into the wild beasts on the streets murdering everyone. The deep red color of the wine shows the red color of the blood. When the wine drops from the container, the people rush towards it. It shows how these people are bloodthirsty. Just like the wine everywhere on the streets when the sailor could not transport it to the shop properly, after the Revolution, blood is everywhere.

Golden Thread and knitting

Lucie Manette and Madame Defarge identify with the Fates – the mythological goddesses who actually control the “threads.” Lucie is titled as the “golden thread,” whereas Madame Defarge is seen as constantly “knitting” in the novel. Lucie tries to connect the people around him and is the source of their bondage, whereas, Madame Defarge plans to separate them by knitting their names in the mental register. The novel A Tale of Two Cities is concerned with the theme of human destiny due to the presence of these two “Fate” characters. The novel deals with how history shapes the fate of the individual.

It is the machine designed to execute the people who are sentenced to death. It is one of the everlasting symbols of the French Revolution. The guillotine in the novel shows how the chaos created by the Revolution is institutionalized. It shows how the life of humans is cheap, and murdering has become so easy and emotionless. The guillotine is the death of the ideals of the French Revolution: equality, fraternity, liberty, or death.

Footsteps and Shoes

Lucie hears the footsteps of all the people coming into the lives of Manette’s family. These footsteps symbolize fate. It shows how the fate of Lucie is connected with people coming into her life. Similarly, in his madness, Dr. Manette is always seen as making shoes. Shoes are the symbol of the inevitable past.

The Marquis

The character of the Marquis Evrémonde is an archetype of wicked and corrupt social institutions. He exploits the lives of peasants and is completely indifferent to their sufferings. Marquis is a symbol of the brutal aristocrat and cruelty that drives the peasants to revolt against them.

The recurrent images, structures, and literary devices in a literary text are called Motifs. The emphasis on the idea helps develop the major themes of a work. The following are the motifs in the novel A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens.

The very opening words of the novel suggest that the narrative of the novel is centered on the double. The novel opens with the words: “It was the best of times; it was the worst of times.” Likewise, the plot of the story is based on the “two cities”: London and Paris. Moreover, Dickens also doubled the characters to highlight the main theme of the novel. The two important female characters in the novel act totally opposite to each other. Madame Defarge is an evil character, while Lucie is loving and affectionate.

Dickens does not compare the two cities or characters by placing them opposite to each other, and he also creates the twins that make the plot of the novel melodramatic. The character of Darnay resembles Sidney Carton in looks. Carton saves the life of Sidney twice by taking advantage of his resemblance to Charles Darney.

Imprisonment

The characters in the novel are struggling against some sort of imprisonment. In the case of Dr. Manette and Charles Darnay, the struggle is evident as they are kept in prison in the jails of Paris. However, the novel also suggests that past memories also serve as the function of prison. Dr. Manette cannot get over his memories of the torturing past he spent in prison. Similarly, Sidney Carton spends much of his life thinking of harsh memories of the past.

Setting of the Novel

The very title of the novel indicates the two settings of the novel. The novel is set in London and Paris. The main action of the novel starts in the year 1775 with Lucie Manette discovering that her father, Dr. Manette is not dead but had been in prison for the last 18 years and ends with the Carton’s sacrifice to the Manette’s family in 1793. The key events of the plot occur in the year 1757 (before the novel begins). This year, Dr. Manette was arrested by the Evremondes. Due to the two settings, Dickens incorporates many storylines occurring at both places simultaneously. All these storylines are brought together in the last part of the novel, where every character of the novel is seen in Paris.

The two settings give a chance to Charles Dickens to compare and contrast the two cities. The novel criticizes both cities differently. London, in particular, and England in general, are portrayed as conservative, old fashioned, and at odds with the times. The narrator voices Dickens by comparing England to a father who “did very often disinherit his sons for suggesting improvements in laws and customs.”

On the other hand, Paris is portrayed as a place of high tension and is on the peak of chaos, for example, and the narrator describes Saint Antoine in the first chapter as “a narrow winding street, full of offense and stench.” It is the place where the violence of the Revolution is at peak. This setting is dominated by the muskets, cannons, and smoke and fire along with the masses that are bloodthirsty.

The style of the novel A Tale of Two Cities is grandiose. The narrator is omniscient who can see both the past and future. The narrator uses his perspective to comment on human nature and foreshadows the upcoming events. The style of the novel also contributes to the outcome of unfolding history. The style also dominates when the narrator describes the prophetic vision of Sidney Carton about the future of Paris.

The novel has a threatening and philosophical tone. All over the novel, the narrator foreshadows the uncountable sufferings this to come. The narrator also employed images that help to create a dark and threatening tone.

Point of View

The point of view of the novel A Tale of Two Cities has a third-person omniscient. The events of the plot are recounted by the all-knowing and all-seeing narrator. The narrator also provides an understanding of the feelings and thoughts of the characters. The point of view helps to provide a thorough perspective on the historical events that occur in different places. It also allows the panoramic view of all the events taking place in the two cities: London and Paris.

The novel A Tale of Two Cities belongs to the genre of historical fiction. Though the novel was published in 1859, the main plot of the novel is set in 1775, the years before the French Revolution. The opening line of the novel gives a sense of the time to the reader:

It was the best of times; it was the worst of times,

it was the age of wisdom; it was the age of foolishness,

it was the epoch of belief; it was the epoch of incredulity…

The plot of historical fiction is set before the time it is actually written. It provides a critical view of the events of the past and helps the readers to think more critically than the facts given by historians.

Book Review: A Tale of Two Cities

A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens is one of the most popular books of all time, with over 200 million copies sold to date. The novel is set in London and Paris before and during the French Revolution and depicts the plight of the French peasantry demoralized by the French aristocracy, and many unflattering social parallels with life in London during the same period. The main characters are Charles Darnay, a French aristocrat who falls victim to the indiscriminate wrath of the revolution despite his virtuous nature, and Sydney Carton, a British barrister who endeavors to redeem his ill-spent life out of his unrequited love for Darnay's wife, Lucie Manette.

A Tale of Two Cities

One of Charles Dickens's most famous novels, A Tale of Two Cities is also one of his shorter (and better) ones. It begins with an unflattering portrait of an England overrun by highwaymen and courts which are almost as rapacious, and soon shows us a France where things are even worse. Nowhere does Dickens demonstrate his marvelous ability to capture moods and sentiments better than in his depiction of a seething, oppressed populace on the verge of boiling into violence.

And now that the cloud settled on Saint Antoine, which a momentary gleam had driven from his sacred countenance, the darkness of it was heavy—cold, dirt, sickness, ignorance, and want, were the lords in waiting on the saintly presence—nobles of great power all of them; but, most especially the last. Samples of a people that had undergone a terrible grinding and regrinding in the mill, and certainly not in the fabulous mill which ground old people young, shivered at every corner, passed in and out at every doorway, looked from every window, fluttered in every vestige of a garment that the wind shook. The mill which had worked them down, was the mill that grinds young people old; the children had ancient faces and grave voices; and upon them, and upon the grown faces, and ploughed into every furrow of age and coming up afresh, was the sigh, Hunger. It was prevalent everywhere. Hunger was pushed out of the tall houses, in the wretched clothing that hung upon poles and lines; Hunger was patched into them with straw and rag and wood and paper; Hunger was repeated in every fragment of the small modicum of firewood that the man sawed off; Hunger stared down from the smokeless chimneys, and started up from the filthy street that had no offal, among its refuse, of anything to eat. Hunger was the inscription on the baker's shelves, written in every small loaf of his scanty stock of bad bread; at the sausage-shop, in every dead-dog preparation that was offered for sale. Hunger rattled its dry bones among the roasting chestnuts in the turned cylinder; Hunger was shred into atomics in every farthing porringer of husky chips of potato, fried with some reluctant drops of oil.

After spending eighteen years in the Bastille, a French country physician is released and allowed to emigrate to England, where he is reunited with the daughter he has never met. Lucie Manette, typical of Dickens women, is a pure-hearted angel who is instantly devoted to him despite never having known him. Through various plot twists, Lucie marries Charles Darnay, who turns out to be the expatriate nephew of the Marquis who had Doctor Manette imprisoned, in a backstory eventually revealed to us with an even more improbable plot twist.

Once the Revolution begins, Charles Darnay is lured back to Paris to save the life of one of his former servants. Naturally, he is promptly imprisoned and put on trial. His family, including Lucie and their daughter, as well as pretty much the entire cast of the novel thus far, follows him, and are all put in peril of meeting Lady Guillotine. It was the popular theme for jests; it was the best cure for headache, it infallibly prevented the hair from turning grey, it imparted a peculiar delicacy to the complexion, it was the National Razor which shaved close: who kissed La Guillotine, looked through the little window and sneezed into the sack. It was the sign of the regeneration of the human race. It superseded the Cross. Models of it were worn on breasts from which the Cross was discarded, and it was bowed down to and believed in where the Cross was denied.

Dickens's stories are full of improbable plot twists. Characters who met once will always meet again. The coincidences in A Tale of Two Cities almost defy the reader's suspension of disbelief -- but it's Dickens, and Dickens can be forgiven a lot. He shows the pitiless brutality of the French aristocracy and the suffering of the people until your sympathies are entirely with them, and when the tumbrils begin rolling through the streets you can't but think that the aristos had it coming and then some. But then the Terror is unleashed -- and personified in the form of Madame Defarge -- and the oppressed turn just as brutal and pitiless. This is the only way Dickens could have brought our sympathies back to the main characters, who after all, have lived pretty safe and privileged existences even if they weren't the evil "Monseigneur" who ran children beneath the wheels of his carriage. And let's face it, Charles Darnay really picks up the Idiot Ball when he goes back to Paris.

I doubt there are many people who don't know how the novel ends, but while it's a story of redemption and self-sacrifice, I was not nearly as touched by Sydney Carton's heroism as I was by the Madame Defarge vs. Miss Pross smackdown, which I think is one of Dickens's best climaxes ever, and which none of the film adaptations (below) did justice:

"You might, from your appearance, be the wife of Lucifer," said Miss Pross, in her breathing. "Nevertheless, you shall not get the better of me. I am an Englishwoman."

Madame Defarge looked at her scornfully, but still with something of Miss Pross's own perception that they two were at bay. She saw a tight, hard, wiry woman before her, as Mr. Lorry had seen in the same figure a woman with a strong hand, in the years gone by. She knew full well that Miss Pross was the family's devoted friend; Miss Pross knew full well that Madame Defarge was the family's malevolent enemy.

"On my way yonder," said Madame Defarge, with a slight movement of her hand towards the fatal spot, "where they reserve my chair and my knitting for me, I am come to make my compliments to her in passing. I wish to see her."

"I know that your intentions are evil," said Miss Pross, "and you may depend upon it, I'll hold my own against them."

Each spoke in her own language; neither understood the other's words; both were very watchful, and intent to deduce from look and manner, what the unintelligible words meant.

A Tale of Two Cities

Charles dickens, ask litcharts ai: the answer to your questions.

The year is 1775. On a mission for his employer, Tellson's Bank, Mr. Jarvis Lorry travels to Dover to meet Lucie Manette . On his way, Mr. Lorry receives a mysterious message and replies with the words "Recalled to life." When they meet, Mr. Lorry reveals to Lucie that her father, Dr. Alexandre Manette , who she thought was dead, is still alive. Dr. Manette had been secretly imprisoned for 18 years in the Bastille, but his former servant Monsieur Defarge , who now owns a wine shop in Paris that is a center of revolutionary activities, has smuggled Dr. Manette out of prison and hidden him in the store's attic. Meanwhile, Defarge's wife, Madame Defarge , secretly encodes the names of the Revolution's enemies into her knitting . Mr. Lorry and Lucie arrive in Paris to find Manette compulsively making shoes in a dark corner—prison has left him insane. Lucie lovingly restores him to himself and they return to London.

The year is 1780. In London, Charles Darnay stands trial for treason as a spy. Lucie and Dr. Manette attend, having met Darnay during their return from France. The defense lawyer is Mr. Stryver , but it is his bored-looking associate, Sydney Carton , who wins the case. Carton points out how much he himself resembles Darnay in order to ruin the main witness's credibility.

In France, the wealthy aristocracy wallows in luxury and ignores the suffering poor. Marquis St. Evrémonde recklessly runs over and kills a child with his carriage. At his castle, he meets his nephew Charles Evrémonde (a.k.a. Darnay) who has returned to France to renounce his family. That night, the Marquis is murdered in his sleep.

Back in England, Charles, Stryver, and Sydney Carton all frequently visit Dr. Manette and Lucie. Mr. Stryver plans to propose to Lucie, but Mr. Lorry warns him that his proposal is unlikely to be accepted. Carton also admires Lucie; he tells her how she makes him believe that, despite his ruined past, he still has a shred of goodness deep within him. Charles obtains Dr. Manette's permission to marry Lucie, but Manette refuses to learn Charles's real name until the wedding day. On the wedding day, Dr. Manette relapses into his shoe-making madness after discovering that Charles is an Evrémonde. Mr. Lorry helps him recover. Charles and Lucie soon have a daughter of their own.

The year is 1789. Defarge leads the peasants in destroying the Bastille. He searches Dr. Manette's old cell and finds a letter hidden in the chimney. The new Republic is declared, but its citizens grow extremely violent, imprisoning and killing aristocrats. Charles's former servant, Gabelle , writes a letter from prison asking for help. Charles secretly leaves for Paris and is immediately taken prisoner. Mr. Lorry travels to Paris on bank business and is soon joined by Lucie and Dr. Manette. Because of his imprisonment, Dr. Manette is a local hero. He uses his influence to get Charles a trial, but it takes over a year. Every day Lucie walks near the prison hoping Charles will see her. Charles is finally freed after Dr. Manette testifies. But that very night, he is arrested again on charges brought by Monsieur and Madame Defarge.

Miss Pross and Jerry Cruncher have come to Paris to help. On the street, they run into Miss Pross's brother, Solomon Pross , whom Jerry recognizes from Charles's English trial as John Barsad . Sydney Carton also shows up and, threatening to reveal Barsad as a spy, forces his cooperation to help Charles.

At Charles's second trial, Defarge produces Dr. Manette's letter from the Bastille, which explains how the twin Evrémonde brothers—Charles's father and uncle—brutalized a peasant girl and her brother, then imprisoned Manette to protect themselves. Charles is sentenced to death and sent back to prison. Realizing his letter has doomed Charles, Dr. Manette loses his mind. That night, Carton overhears Madame Defarge at her wine shop plotting against Lucie and her daughter in order to exterminate the Evrémonde line. It is revealed that Madame Defarge was the sister of the peasants the Evrémondes killed.

Carton conspires with Mr. Lorry to get everyone in a carriage ready to flee for England. With Barsad's help, Carton gets into Charles's prison cell, drugs him, and swaps clothes with him. Barsad drags the disguised Charles back to Mr. Lorry's carriage, which bolts for England. Madame Defarge shows up at Lucie's apartment, but Miss Pross blocks her way. The two scuffle. When Madame Defarge tries to draw her pistol, she accidentally shoots herself. The blast deafens Miss Pross for life.

On his way to the guillotine in place of Charles, Carton promises to hold hands with a young seamstress, who has been wrongly accused. He dies knowing that his sacrifice was the greatest thing he's ever done.

Enjoy your read!

A Tale Of Two Cities by Charles Dickens - A book review

Keshav R Bhat ,
April 07,2017

A Tale of Two Cities was the 12th Novel written by Charles Dickens was and published in the year 1859. It is one of his two historical novels, the other being Barnaby Rudge. The story is set in the London and in Paris and the French Countryside before and during the French Revolution. While the book is sympathetic towards the overthrow of the aristocracy, it condemns the Reign of Terror that followed.

It follows the lives of Alexandre Manette, a Doctor who spent 18 years "in secret" as a prisoner in the Bastille prior the French Revolution, his daughter Lucie Manette, Charles Darnay, a wealthy gentleman and nephew to the Marquis St. Evremonde, Sydney Carton, a shrewd barrister who spends most of his time wallowing in self pity, and Ernest and Therese Defarge, the servants of Dr. Manette and later, revolutionaries, before and during the French Revolution.

The story opens with a description of the paradoxical living conditions of the poor and rich in France and England late in the year 1775, and goes on to describe the growing unrest among the lower classes and references the American Revolution stirring in colonialized land. It provides the political setting and introduces the forces that will determine the fates of the characters of this story.

Lucie Manette finds that her father is alive after 18 years of having been imprisoned "in secret" in the Bastille. She travels to France with Mr. Lorry, an employee of Tellson's Bank, to find that her father has become rather mentally incapable and can hardly stand light or freedom. Seeing her, though, reminds Dr. Manette of his wife, and he breaks down. Lucie, with the help of Mr. Lorry returns with her father back to England.

5 years on, Dr. Manette is fully recovered and has formed a strong bond with his daughter. Mr. Lorry has been called as a witness for the trial of Charles Darnay, a Frenchman accused of being a spy for France and America. Darnay appears to be innocent, the real turning point occurs when Sydney Carton, a barrister, comments on how similar he and Darnay appear, thus ruling out the positive identifications of Darnay by the other witnesses.

Infatuated by Lucie, Carton and Darnay begin to spend more time at the Manette house. Carton declares his love for her and his willingness to do anything for her and for the people that she loves, but does not propose. It is Darnay's love that Lucie eventually reciprocates and marries him.

Darnay's uncle, the Marquis St. Evremonde is murdered in bed after running down a child in the streets of Paris, and the title passes down to Darnay, who rejects it, and continues to live in England. In the July of 1789, the Bastille is stormed, marking the beginning of the French Revolution, and by 1792, the Reign of Terror has descended in full force. Darnay receives a letter, sent by a servant of the Evremonde family who has been detained by the revolutionaries requesting that Darnay come save him. Darnay leaves for France, unaware of the state of affairs.

Darnay is intercepted at the outskirts of the city, and is sentenced to death by the Guillotine. Dr. Manette, a man respected by the revolutionaries for his 18 year ordeal, helps release Darnay, only for Theresa Defarge to find a letter, written by Dr. Manette, condemning the Evremonde family for his suffering. Darnay is jailed, and sentence to death by the Guillotine once more, but Sydney Carton, takes Darnay's place, and the story ends with the famous lines

"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."

The story appears straightforward, but progressively becomes increasingly complex. A major theme in this work is that of duality, though often oppositional - the title is one example, showing the duality between London and Paris, another, in the similar appearances of Charles Darnay and Sydney Carton in spite of their contrasting personalities. The theme of resurrection is recurring, starting with the "recall[ing] to life" of Dr. Manette, and ending with that of Sydney Carton dying in place of Charles Darnay. Fate, forgiveness and revenge drive the plot forward and eventually produces the irony of Manette sending his own son-in-law to the Guillotine.

Overall, A Tale Of Two Cities can be hands-down declared as one of the greatest pieces of literature and one of Dicken's greatest novels. The language, though seemingly archaic, truly drives home the ideas of Dickens' time that he was challenging, and though the plot may seem to abruptly change direction, the climax shows a masterful integration of the lives of the main characters.

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A Tale of Two Cities Paperback – December 4, 2020

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Print length 288 pages
Language English
Publication date December 4, 2020
Dimensions 6 x 0.65 x 9 inches
ISBN-10 1503219704
ISBN-13 978-1503219700
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Publisher ‏ : ‎ CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (December 4, 2020)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 288 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1503219704
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1503219700
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 14.4 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.65 x 9 inches
#51,677 in Historical Fiction (Books)

About the author

Charles dickens.

Charles Dickens was born in 1812 near Portsmouth where his father was a clerk in the navy pay office. The family moved to London in 1823, but their fortunes were severely impaired. Dickens was sent to work in a blacking-warehouse when his father was imprisoned for debt. Both experiences deeply affected the future novelist. In 1833 he began contributing stories to newspapers and magazines, and in 1836 started the serial publication of Pickwick Papers. Thereafter, Dickens published his major novels over the course of the next twenty years, from Nicholas Nickleby to Little Dorrit. He also edited the journals Household Words and All the Year Round. Dickens died in June 1870.

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A Tale of Two Cities

A Review by Barbara Mehlman and Geri Manus .

It is the not the best of shows; it is not the worst of shows.

It is, rather, a "Les Mis" remake, a reunion of Mis-ites (which is not surprising given that the original ran for 6680 performances and probably employed every musical actor in New York at one time or another). It's anthem song is not "One Day More," but "Until Tomorrow." And, "At The End of the Day," as the peasants sing in "Les Mis," the French and English in the new musical "A Tale of Two Cities," all opine about "The Way It Ought To Be."

Staged on metal pillars that move frequently and look more like "Rent" than 18th century Paris or London, "Tale" does capture the essence of Charles Dickens' novel and no one will have trouble following the classic tale. But Jill Santoriello -- who wrote the book, music and lyrics -- wisely refocused the story of the bourgeoisie vs. the aristocracy on the complex character of Sidney Carton.

Carton was a reprobate, a drunk who whiled away his time in taverns, and kept company with grave robbers and other assorted lowlifes. But Dickens believed that even the basest of characters had the potential for nobility, and Carton, played by the exhilarating James Barbour, rises to that height as he takes leave of his head.

Barbour is one of the few members of the cast that is not a "Les Mis" alumnus, and his portrayal of the solitary Carton provides the originality of character that this "Les Mis" wannabe is often lacking. In this same vein, Brandi Burkhardt, making her Broadway debut, lends credence and vocal skills to a downplayed Lucie Manette, heroine of the tale. When the show focuses on their story, we are theirs, but when it lapses into "Les Mis," we forget it's "A Tale of Two Cities."

Madame DeFarge, that indefatigable knitter, however, brings us back. Played by understudy Anne Tolpegin (for Natalie Toro), DeFarge brings the French Revolution to a personal level. Her performance of "Out of Sight, Out of Mind" is a fire-breathing show-stopper, and adds to the story's passion.

Gregg Edelman renders Dr. Manette with stoic tenderness, and his voice has gotten richer since he first appeared in "Cats". His duets with Burkhardt, and Aaron Lazar who plays Charles Darnay, are formidable, but we half-expect him to sing "Bring Him Home" in the second act.

What the show is missing more than anything is the comic relief between the members of the lower classes. These scoundrels, led by Craig Bennett and Nick Wyman, playing Jerry Cruncher and Barsad, tell us there's "No Honest Way" and no honor among thieves, but neither the lyrics nor their lines give us anything akin to Thenardier and "Master of the House."

"A Tale of Two Cities" is, to use one of its signature songs, a "Dream Come True" for Santoriello, who has been envisioning a Broadway run of her musical for 20 years. Together with executive producers Barbra Russell and Ron Sharpe, who met while performing in "Les Mis", they culled what worked and used performers whom they knew would produce the sound and ambiance they wanted. But in so doing, they created something too much like what went before.

Despite this weakness, "Tale" will touch you deeply especially when Carton goes to keep his appointment with the guillotine, for when the story focuses on him, "A Tale of Two Cities" soars. Barbour brings a dignity to this ne'er-do-well that is undeniable and we forgive him all his sins even before he is beheaded. But when the musical turns its attention to the French Revolution, we have, instead, "A Tale of Les Mis."

So if imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then "A Tale of Two Cities" does itself proud in honoring one of the best Broadway musicals ever. It is a far, far better musical than many of the unmemorable ones that are still running, and with James Barbour leading the charge, it is thrilling.

Barbara Mehlman & Geri Manus

What the press had to say.....

"This stolid poperetta... is one of those unfortunate shows that are neither witty in themselves nor able to inspire wit in others. To say it could have been worse ï¿½ i.e., gloriously, hilariously bad ï¿½ is not a cause for rejoicing." Ben Brantley New York Times "Classics will always have a place on Broadway. The lesson of "A Tale of Two Cities" is that they need imagination and innovation. The season's new arrival isn't the best of times or the worst of times, just an uneventful 2 3/4 hours of your time." Joe Dziemianowicz New York Daily News "IT was the worst of times . . . and the worst of times..." & "I suppose that, as a musical, "A Tale of Two Cities" has none of the free-flowing thrust of Victor Hugo's "Les Miz." Here is an attempt at an epic musical with no superstructure to support it." & "Helping this low-rent musical rise even to one and a half stars are Tony Walton's ingenious skeletal settings." Clive Barnes New York Post "Neither the best nor the worst of Broadway times, "A Tale of Two Cities" is a workmanlike but uninspired musical version of Charles Dickens' novel spun from the French Revolution." & "Trite titles like "You'll Never Be Alone" and "If Dreams Come True" provide some indication of the conventional nature of a bland score decked out with 18th-century trimmings, like a sailors' chanty and a tavern number. Bombastic orchestrations ramp up the unmemorable songs, but the result is like piling whipped cream atop saltines." Michael Sommers Star-Ledger "Santoriello's tunes could give ``familiar'' a very bad name, although some of them avoid embarrassing indebtedness by virtue of being tuneless. Worse yet are her lyrics, whose inspiration must have been the rhyming dictionary, and a skimpy, pocket-size one at that. " John Simon Bloomberg "There's the air of stuffy, often grim reverence, alternately suggesting a stern English teacher and a Monty Python parody of Masterpiece Theatre. There's the derivative score, offering vehicles for histrionic showboating in lieu of memorable original tunes." Elysa Gardner USA Today "If you loved "Les Miz" and "The Scarlet Pimpernel" on Broadway, you might like "A Tale of Two Cities." A little." & "Neither Santoriello's musical talent nor her lyric-writing skills are really up to the job, though, as she plucks well-worn phrases from Dickens, and adds her own lame tweaks: "Now is the best of times/The worst of times/And all things in between." Hmmm." Jacques Le Sourd Journal News "The adaptation of Dickens' French Revolution novel, which opened Thursday night at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre, is earnest and faithful, and not terribly exciting. It lacks theatricality, that thing that makes a show jump off the stage." & "All in all, though, "A Tale of Two Cities" is Broadway at its most ordinary, a show that invites not cheers or boos, but a shrug." Robert Feldberg The Record "Haven't we been here before? And in much better crafted company? The ghosts of musicals past are floating through Broadway's Al Hirschfeld Theatre these days, crowding the stage where a plodding, perfunctory adaptation of Charles Dickens' "A Tale of Two Cities" has taken up residence." & "Warren Carlyle, responsible for the show's direction as well as its minimal choreography, moves things along at a relentless pace. But the effect is wearying rather than exhilarating." Michael Kuchwara Associated Press "Unfortunately, this debut effort from writer-composer Jill Santoriello, who apparently has been working on the show for decades, demonstrates that Broadway is not the place for on-the-job training." & "Fortunately, Barbour delivers a bravura star-making turn, infusing his Carton with a sleepy, sardonic charm that clearly will win over audiences." Frank Scheck The Hollywood Reporter "A lumbering artifact -- overwrought, under-nuanced and hopelessly old-fashioned." & "Santoriello relates the bloodstained story accessibly enough. But, with an assist from Warren Carlyle's clunky direction, she reduces it to a stodgy romantic-triangle melodrama in which love, proletarian uprising, vendetta, sacrifice and death serve as song cues, but rarely provide stirring emotional or dramatic peaks." David Rooney Variety

Originally published on Jan 25, 2022 19:45

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A Tale of two cities, and Great expectations

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A Tale of Two Cities (The Penguin English Library)

By: charles dickens.

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A Tale of Two Cities

2 HOURS 8 MINS

Historical drama.

A dissolute lawyer finds redemption through self-sacrifice when he takes the place of a condemned French nobleman who loves the same woman he does.

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Ronald Colman Sydney Carton

Elizabeth Allan Lucie Manette

Edna May Oliver Miss Pross

Reginald Owen Stryver

Basil Rathbone Marquis St. Evremonde

H.B. Warner Gabelle

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A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
This tale of two cities (London and Paris) is also a tale of three lovers, with a plot-twist of self-sacrifice inspired by Wilkie Collins's play The Frozen Deep, in which Dickens acted.
A Tale of Two Cities Book Review
Parents say ( 2 ): Kids say ( 13 ): A TALE OF TWO CITIES masterfully interweaves political and personal events. It reveals much about the injustice that incited the French Revolution, the gray areas between the populist ideals and blind vengeance, and the toll the rebellion took on individuals. This is one of Charles Dickens' best-loved novels ...
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
August 17, 2021. (Book 883 from 1001 books) - A Tale of Two Cities, Charles DickensA Tale of Two Cities (1859) is a historical novel by Charles Dickens, set in London and Paris before and during the French Revolution. The novel tells the story of the French Doctor Manette, his 18-year-long imprisonment in the Bastille in Paris and his release ...
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens [A Review]
He wanted A Tale of Two Cities to be picaresque. Hence, the jumpy timeline; the effort put in to make key scenes powerful; the vignettes outside the main story and even a certain vagueness in the text to avoid being caught by historical specifics. A Tale of Two Cities also feels like a story that stakes a lot on the ending. One senses Dickens ...
A Tale of Two Cities Book Review: Dickens' Masterpiece of Love and
Themes and Motifs. At its core, "A Tale of Two Cities" is a profound meditation on the themes of revolution, justice, and the enduring power of love and sacrifice. Revolution and Social Injustice: Dickens offers a nuanced portrayal of the French Revolution, exploring both the ideals that fueled the uprising and the brutal excesses that ...
A Tale of Two Cities: Full Book Summary
A Tale of Two Cities Full Book Summary. The year is 1775, and social ills plague both France and England. Jerry Cruncher, an odd-job man who works for Tellson's Bank, stops the Dover mail-coach with an urgent message for Jarvis Lorry. The message instructs Lorry to wait at Dover for a young woman, and Lorry responds with the cryptic words ...
A Tale of Two Cities
A Tale of Two Cities, novel by Charles Dickens, published both serially and in book form in 1859. The story is set in the late 18th century against the background of the French Revolution. Although drawn from history, the novel offers more drama than accuracy. Learn more about A Tale of Two Cities in this article.
A Tale of Two Cities
by Charles Dickens. Charles Dickens's A Tale of Two Cities is about poverty in London and Paris and the book with perhaps the most famous opening and closing lines in English literature: 'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness…' and, at closing, 'It is a far, far ...
Book Review: A Tale of Two Cities
Review. Profound human love and the most repugnant savagery, horror and redemption, a heroine and a grotesque revenger, two families with dark secrets, two cities, all in the backdrop of the bloodbath that was the French Revelation. In reading it, be prepared for the "Best of Times and the Worst of Times."
A Tale of Two Cities
A Tale of Two Cities is a historical novel published in 1859 by Charles Dickens, set in London and Paris before and during the French Revolution.The novel tells the story of the French Doctor Manette, his 18-year-long imprisonment in the Bastille in Paris, and his release to live in London with his daughter Lucie whom he had never met. The story is set against the conditions that led up to the ...
A Tale of Two Cities: Study Guide
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens, published in 1859, immerses readers in the contrasting worlds of London and Paris before and during the French Revolution.The novel weaves a complex narrative involving characters like Charles Darnay, Sydney Carton, and Lucie Manette, each grappling with love, sacrifice, and the profound societal transformations brought about by historical upheaval.
A Tale of Two Cities Charles Dickens
A Tale of Two Cities is tragic, heart-breaking, original, and reassuring. It is more important to feel it, than understand it. Outro: I hope the review was to your liking - although it is not food. A Tale of Two Cities is simply iconic and a must-read for any fan of Victorian literature. Or any fan of literature, for that matter.
A Tale of Two Cities (Book Review)
Dr. Manette is a victim of this evil - though we do not learn that until the novel is near its end. Dickens also makes it plain that the Revolutionaries are a different type of evil, characterized by over-indulging in violence, cruelty, malice, chaos, and a lack of love and mercy.
A Tale of Two Cities
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens has been reviewed by Focus on the Family's marriage and parenting magazine. ... Book reviews cover the content, themes and worldviews of fiction books, not their literary merit, and equip parents to decide whether a book is appropriate for their children. The inclusion of a book's review does not ...
A Tale of Two Cities: Full Book Analysis
Full Book Analysis. A Tale of Two Cities is structured around a central conflict between Charles Darnay's desire to break free of his family legacy, and Madame Defarge's desire to hold him accountable for the violent actions of his father and uncle. This conflict embodies conflicting aspects of the French Revolution in general: on one hand ...
A Tale of Two Cities Summary and Complete Analysis
A Tale of Two Cities Summary. The novel opens in the year 1775 with Mr. Jarvis Lorry traveling on a mission to Dover to meet Lucie Manette. Mr. Jarvis Lorry is the employer of Tellson's Bank in England. On his way to Dover, Mr. Lorry happens to meet a man who gives him a mysterious message, and Mr. Lorry replies with the message, "Recalled ...
Book Review: A Tale of Two Cities
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens is one of the most popular books of all time, with over 200 million copies sold to date. The novel is set in London and Paris before and during the French Revolution and depicts the plight of the French peasantry demoralized by the French aristocracy, and many unflattering social parallels with life in London during the same period.
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens Plot Summary
Charles and Lucie soon have a daughter of their own. The year is 1789. Defarge leads the peasants in destroying the Bastille. He searches Dr. Manette's old cell and finds a letter hidden in the chimney. The new Republic is declared, but its citizens grow extremely violent, imprisoning and killing aristocrats.
A Tale Of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
4 min read. reviews. •. Keshav R Bhat , •. April 07,2017. A Tale of Two Cities was the 12th Novel written by Charles Dickens was and published in the year 1859. It is one of his two historical novels, the other being Barnaby Rudge. The story is set in the London and in Paris and the French Countryside before and during the French Revolution.
A TALE OF TWO NOVELS: 'A Tale of Two Cities' and 'Great Expectations
Great Expectations in Dickens' Career 1. "I HOPE it is the best story I have written," wrote Dickens to a French. friend, on completing A Tale of Two Cities , adding, "The story is an. ordinary success here, and I think the end of it is certain to make a. greater sensation."2 Was Dickens, one wonders, mentally stressing the.
A Tale of Two Cities: Dickens, Charles: 9781503219700: Amazon.com: Books
A Tale of Two Cities. Paperback - December 4, 2020. "Have a heart that never hardens, and a temper that never tires, and a touch that never hurts.". ― Charles Dickens. A Tale of Two Cities is Charles Dickens's great historical novel, set against the violent upheaval of the French Revolution.
A Tale of Two Cities
A Tale of Two Cities. A Review by Barbara Mehlman and Geri Manus. It is the not the best of shows; it is not the worst of shows. It is, rather, a "Les Mis" remake, a reunion of Mis-ites (which is not surprising given that the original ran for 6680 performances and probably employed every musical actor in New York at one time or another).
A Tale of two cities, and Great expectations
A Tale of two cities, and Great expectations Creator Dickens, Charles, 1812-1870 Eytinge, Solomon, 1833-1905 Published / Created 1867 ... Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library Call Number Gimbel/Dickens D41 Set 1 Collection Title Works. 1867 Collection Created ...
A Tale of Two Cities Book the Second: The Golden Thread ...
A summary of Book the Second: The Golden Thread Chapters 22-24 in Charles Dickens's A Tale of Two Cities. Learn exactly what happened in this chapter, scene, or section of A Tale of Two Cities and what it means. Perfect for acing essays, tests, and quizzes, as well as for writing lesson plans.
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A Tale of Two Cities
A Tale of Two Cities (The Penguin English Library) View larger image. By: Charles Dickens. Sign Up Now! ... Book Details Book Quality: Publisher Quality ISBN-13: 9780141974651 ... Usage Restrictions: This is a copyrighted book. Reviews. No Rating Yet Other Books. by Charles Dickens; in Literature and Fiction; Book Quality. See open book quality ...
A Tale of Two Cities
Reviews; Swooon; Search; A Tale of Two Cities. Movie 1935. 2 HOURS 8 MINS Historical drama. A dissolute lawyer finds redemption through self-sacrifice when he takes the place of a condemned French ...

A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens – review

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