A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens published in 1859 is a political critique and analysis of the French and British anarchy's in which the book is set in two settings, England and France, therefore the name A Tale of Two Cities. Charles Darnay has been accused of treason against England by sharing information with France, he is able to escape execution due to a miraculous act by his lawyer. Darnay is shown to be innocent by the narrator but raises the question of his repeated visits to France and why exactly was he going to France so often. The author does a great job at answering important questions by the finalization of the novel. Dickens left me with no questions to ask after reading the novel fully. The story progresses over many years showing the sparks and climaxes of the French Revolution criticizing the violent way the common folk of France took to achieve power over the nation as they executed any high class member of France even if they had not committed crimes against them. What sparked the revolution was the treatment received by the people of France from the high class as they thought common life was meaningless. A scene that illustrates this is when the Marquis, a high class Frenchman, and his chariot run over a poor child that ends up perishing and he believes one gold coin is enough compensation for the parents of that child. The novel left me anxious for each following chapter as each event is so unexpected but perfect for the continuation of the plot. The characters are very realistic and dynamic, with Dickens taking many of his own personal struggles and incorporating them into characters like Sydney Carton. The novel is great at raising moral dilemmas such as revenge and whether it should control our actions. Dickens does a good job at staying neutral between the conflict of the poor and rich by exploring both sides and their errors that are made before and during the French Revolution that ends up with many deaths of innocent people. In conclusion, the novel wraps all of the plotlines utilizing a golden thread that seals the novel together and leaves the reader satisfied.
Filipe D
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