A Tale Of Two Cities

Bibliography: Dickens, Charles. A Tale of Two Cities. New York: Signet Classic/Penguin Books USA, 1980.

A Tale of Two Cities is an intriguing story that depicts humans in their social and political battles. The story takes place in eighteenth century England and France, and describes the effects of the French and American Revolutions. In the beginning, Lucie Manette marries Charles Darnay, a criminal and traitor to England. Later, Darnay travels to Paris and is arrested, and is released by the Lucie’s father’s efforts. On the other hand, Sydney Carton another admirer of Lucie follows her to Paris; eventually, Carton discovers that Lucie will soon be a victim of murder, and manages to send her away. Lucie is accidentally shot dead by her own maid, Carton is guillotined, and Darnay returns to England. In the A Tale of Two Cities, the themes expressed by Dickens show his belief in the possibility of resurrection and transformation in the European society. In the story, Carton sacrificed himself to the guillotine; his death is portrayed as heroic act, becoming a Christ-like figure whose death serves to save the lives of others. Moreover, like Christ, Carton is resurrected in the hearts of those he has died to save. Similarly, the text implies that the death of the old regime in France prepares the way for the beautiful and renewed Paris. Cartons selflessness in his final act speaks to a human capacity for change. The historical novel describes that the violence of the revolutions and the violence of some of the characters in the story will create a new and better society. A Tale of Two Cities turned out to be an eye opening read that revealed much about European history.