¶ … Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens [...] how "Vengeance is self-perpetuating" applies to the novel. Vengeance is important in this novel because it illustrates how seeking vengeance can only lead to hurt and pain, and can only continue the cycle of vengeance and hatred, it never ends, and there is never enough payback to end the vengeance.
Vengeance is a central theme in "A Tale of Two Cities," and Dickens illustrates it throughout the book. As Madame Defarge quietly knits, she is vengefully listing all the people who should die when the new republic is created. Her vengeance and hatred of the oppressors of the working class knows no bounds, and it ultimately consumes her and leads to her death. She acknowledges she wants vengeance for all the wrongs done to her and her family, and shows that it has been eating at her for a long time "Vengeance and retribution require a long time; it is the rule'" (Dickens 174). This vengeance against others who harmed her family turns her into the same kind of person, who hurts others in the name of "good."
The character "The Vengeance" represents this too. She represents all of the peasants in France who rose up against the aristocracy, but then turned into oppressors themselves. They took great pride in killing their victims and watching the executions, and this simply continued the vengeance, it was never ending. Vengeance is like a cancer, it grows and grows, and the more vengeance you get, the more you want. The executions show this, the peasants cannot get enough of them.
Vengeance is the backbone of the revolution, and it is apparent in the crowds with their "faces hardened in the furnaces of suffering until the touch of pity could make no mark on them" (Dickens 216). They are so bent on vengeance that they become consumed with hatred, and the violence and killing go on and on, long after they make sense. Vengeance can never get enough, and so it continues, self-perpetuating itself in hatred, grief, and the continued need for retribution.
References
Dickens, Charles. A Tale of Two Cities: In Three Books. New York: Books, Inc., 1868.
Sydney Carton, the infamous esquire with a personal life of ill repute, pulled the strings that led to acquittal, despite famous attorney Stryver's best attempts. Pointing out that he looked similar to the defendant, Carton was able to refute the prosecution's argument that the criminal was unmistakably Darnay. Much to the joy of himself and his associates, Darnay is now free. Jacques Strikes Again The latest in a string of murders
Tale of Two Cities Wealthy Aristocrat Stands Trial for Treason. Charles Darnay stands trial for the high crime of treason today at the Old Bailey Courthouse. Darnay is suspected of being a spy for the French monarchy, under direct orders from King Louis XVI. The Crown has accused Darnay of divulging top secret information regarding the war in the colonies. John Barsad, an agent of the Crown, is set to testify
He arguably represented some of the worst vices of humanity, and in saving innocent lives he demonstrates some of the best characteristics of humanity. His choosing to squander his ability and intellect by drinking to excess shows great foolishness, yet his decision to save his friends shows a degree of wisdom. It is also important to notice the religious implications of this quotation. The reference to the time of
He then goes to the guillotine in Darnay's placed, disguised as his friend, and acting with the assurance that it is a "far better" thing that he is doing than anything he has ever done before. 2. Political Themes: The Loss of Personal inside the Political Dickens uses characters, language, metaphor, and other literary elements in order to link his characters to the political themes in his book. It was been
Tale of Two Cities An Analysis of Duty and Sacrifice in Dickens' a Tale of Two Cities Charles Dickens' 1859 A Tale of Two Cities deals with the dichotomous nature of man: the good and the bad, the selfish and the selfless. These two natures are observed in the two (ironically look-alike) characters, the dutiful Charles Darnay and the derelict Sydney Carton. Yet, just as the novel embodies a dichotomy, shown
Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens and Reflections on the Revolution in France, by Edmund Burke. Specifically it will compare the two novels, answering the question: "Given that our two authors are English, what do Reflections on the Revolution in France and A Tale of Two Cities tell you about English attitudes towards revolution in general and the French Revolution in particular?" Both of these countries were in
Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.
Get Started Now