¶ … Tale of Two Cities
The opening sentences of Charles Dickens's novel A Tale of Two Cities is famous because its writing draws the reader into the world depicted in the novel with gripping imagery and remarkable writing. The novel was written during a time of great change, and rather than just telling us "this story takes time during a period of great change," Dickens shows us all the conflicts going on. While the first image, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...," is the most well-known the first paragraph contains seven such opposites. While the writing is beautiful and well-crafted, the words say less than they seem: what does it mean to be the "best" or "worst" of times? Without the beautiful writing, the paragraph would open with a string of cliches.
Dickens then goes on to note other parallels, such...
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
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