“A Tale of Two Cities” is a novel by Charles Dickens that explores the social and political upheaval of the French Revolution. The novel is set in both London and Paris, and it follows the lives of several characters as they navigate the tumultuous events of the time. One of the most striking features of the novel is its use of allegory to convey its themes and ideas.
Throughout the novel, Dickens employs a variety of allegorical devices to represent the themes of revolution, sacrifice, and resurrection. For example, the novel’s title itself is an allegory, representing the stark contrast between the two cities of London and Paris. Additionally, the character of Sydney Carton serves as an allegory for redemption and resurrection, as he ultimately sacrifices himself for the greater good.
Historical Context of “A Tale of Two Cities”
The novel “A Tale of Two Cities” by Charles Dickens is set in the late 18th century during the French Revolution. The French Revolution was a period of political and social upheaval in France that lasted from 1789 to 1799. During this time, the people of France overthrew the monarchy and established a republic.
The novel reflects the political and social climate of the time. Dickens portrays the violence and chaos of the French Revolution through vivid descriptions of the mob scenes and the guillotine. The novel also explores the themes of sacrifice, love, and redemption against the backdrop of the revolution.
The historical context of “A Tale of Two Cities” is important to understand the novel’s allegorical meaning. Dickens uses the French Revolution as a metaphor for the struggle between good and evil, and the triumph of love and sacrifice over brutality and oppression. The novel shows how the actions of individuals can have a significant impact on society, and how the choices people make can determine their destiny.
Main Allegories in the Novel
Duality of Revolution
A Tale of Two Cities is a novel that explores the duality of revolution. The story takes place during the French Revolution, and the author uses the events of the revolution to explore the theme of duality. The revolution is portrayed as both a force for good and a force for evil. On one hand, it represents the overthrow of a corrupt and oppressive regime. On the other hand, it leads to violence, chaos, and the loss of innocent lives. Through this duality, the author highlights the complexity of human nature and the difficulty of making moral judgments.
Light Versus Darkness
Another important allegory in A Tale of Two Cities is the contrast between light and darkness. Throughout the novel, the author uses light to symbolize hope, goodness, and redemption, while darkness represents despair, evil, and death. This allegory is most evident in the character of Sydney Carton, who is initially depicted as a cynical and dissolute drunkard. However, through his love for Lucie Manette, he is able to find redemption and sacrifice himself for the greater good. This transformation is symbolized by the light that shines in his eyes before he goes to the guillotine.
Sacrifice and Redemption
Finally, A Tale of Two Cities is a story about sacrifice and redemption. The characters in the novel are faced with difficult choices, and many of them choose to sacrifice themselves for the sake of others. This is most evident in the character of Sydney Carton, who gives up his life to save Charles Darnay. Through his sacrifice, Carton is able to find redemption and meaning in his life. This theme of sacrifice and redemption is also reflected in the character of Dr. Manette, who sacrifices his own happiness for the sake of his daughter and her husband.
Character Representations
Charles Darnay as the Allegory of Change
Charles Darnay, one of the main characters in “A Tale of Two Cities” by Charles Dickens, represents the allegory of change. Darnay is a French aristocrat who renounces his title and wealth in pursuit of a new life in England. His decision to leave behind his past and embrace a new identity is symbolic of the changes taking place in society during the French Revolution. Dickens uses Darnay’s character to illustrate the idea that change is necessary for progress and that people must be willing to let go of their old ways in order to move forward.
Sydney Carton and Themes of Resurrection
Sydney Carton is another important character in “A Tale of Two Cities” who represents the theme of resurrection. Carton is a cynical and disillusioned lawyer who struggles with alcoholism and self-doubt. However, he undergoes a transformation throughout the course of the novel, ultimately sacrificing himself for the greater good. Dickens uses Carton’s character to show that redemption is possible, even for those who have lost their way. Carton’s resurrection also serves as a metaphor for the rebirth of society after the chaos and violence of the French Revolution.
Madame Defarge as the Embodiment of Vengeance
Madame Defarge is a complex character in “A Tale of Two Cities” who represents the embodiment of vengeance. She is a leader of the revolutionaries and is driven by a desire for revenge against the French aristocracy. Madame Defarge is depicted as a cold and ruthless figure who is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve her goals. Her character serves as a warning against the dangers of unchecked anger and the destructive power of vengeance. Dickens uses Madame Defarge to illustrate the dark side of the revolution and the human cost of violent upheaval.
Symbolism in “A Tale of Two Cities”
The Broken Wine Cask
One of the most striking symbols in “A Tale of Two Cities” is the broken wine cask. The cask is broken in the street, and the wine spills out, attracting a crowd of people who eagerly scoop up the liquid. The wine cask represents the desperation and poverty of the French people, who are so hungry that they are willing to drink wine spilled in the street. This symbolizes the larger issue of social inequality and the abuse of power by the aristocracy.
The Knitting of Madame Defarge
Another important symbol in the novel is the knitting of Madame Defarge. She is a key figure in the French Revolution, and her knitting is a symbol of the revolution’s violence and brutality. As she knits, she secretly records the names of those who will be executed by the revolutionaries. The knitting also represents the interconnectedness of all people, as each stitch is connected to the next, just as each person is connected to society.
The Guillotine as a Symbol
Finally, the guillotine is perhaps the most powerful symbol in the novel. It represents the violent and bloody nature of the French Revolution, as well as the idea that revolutionaries become the very thing they are fighting against. The guillotine is also a symbol of the cyclical nature of history, as revolutions often lead to new forms of tyranny and oppression. Overall, the symbolism in “A Tale of Two Cities” is rich and complex, revealing the deeper themes and ideas of the novel.
Social Injustice and Class Struggle
A Tale of Two Cities, written by Charles Dickens, is a novel that explores the theme of social injustice and class struggle during the French Revolution. The author paints a vivid picture of the stark contrast between the wealthy elite and the impoverished masses in both London and Paris during the late 18th century. Through his intricate storytelling and compelling characters, Dickens explores the themes of social injustice, inequality, and the consequences of oppression.
One of the most prominent examples of social injustice in the novel is the treatment of the peasants by the aristocracy. The peasants are portrayed as being oppressed, while the aristocracy is shown to be living in luxury and excess. This is highlighted by the fact that one of the characters needs four servants just to make his hot chocolate every morning, while the poor are on their hands and knees in the street licking up drops of spilled wine.
The novel also explores the theme of class struggle, which is a common theme in many of Dickens’ works. The conflict between the aristocracy and the peasants is portrayed as being inevitable, as the two classes are shown to be fundamentally opposed to each other. This conflict is further exacerbated by the fact that the aristocracy is portrayed as being cold and selfish, while the peasants are shown to be noble and selfless.
Imagery and Motifs
The Echoing Footsteps
In “A Tale of Two Cities,” Charles Dickens frequently employs the motif of echoing footsteps to convey the sense of impending doom and the inevitability of history. The footsteps are often described as echoing through the streets of Paris and London, serving as a reminder of the past and the present. This motif is particularly evident in the opening chapter, where the footsteps of the mail coach driver and Jerry Cruncher are described as echoing through the dark, foggy streets of London.
The Golden Thread
Another important motif in “A Tale of Two Cities” is the golden thread, which represents the bonds of love and loyalty that connect the characters in the novel. This motif is most closely associated with Lucie Manette, who is described as weaving a golden thread of love and devotion that binds her family together. The golden thread is also used to symbolize the interconnectedness of all humanity, as seen in the scene where Lucie’s thread becomes intertwined with that of Madame Defarge, representing the inextricable links between good and evil in the world.
Religious Allegory and References
A Tale of Two Cities contains several religious allegories and references that add depth to the novel’s themes. One of the most notable religious references is the character of Sydney Carton, who sacrifices himself for the greater good, much like Jesus Christ. This comparison is made clear when Carton says, “I am the resurrection and the life.” This reference to John 11:25-26 reinforces the idea that Carton is a Christ-like figure who gives his life for others.
Additionally, the novel’s opening allegory of the Woodman and the Farmer can also be interpreted as a religious allegory. The Woodman, who represents Fate, marks certain trees to be cut down and made into a framework for a “terrible” history. This can be seen as a reference to the cross on which Jesus was crucified, reinforcing the idea that sacrifice and suffering are necessary for redemption.
Finally, the novel’s use of biblical allusions suggests a deep ambivalence about the fate of humanity in the absence of religion. The biblical allusions Dickens employs, such as the “Golden Thread” and the “Wine of Defiance,” serve to remind readers of the importance of faith and morality in a world torn apart by revolution and violence.