A Tale of Two Cities | Charles Dickens | Cliff Note Books
A Tale of Two Cities is a historical novel by Charles Dickens, first published in 1859, was set against the backdrop of the French Revolution. The story revolves around the lives and experiences of two cities, London and Paris, during the late 18th century.
The novel primarily follows three characters: Charles Darnay, a French aristocrat who renounces his title to avoid the violence of the revolution; Sydney Carton, a dissolute British lawyer who forms an unlikely bond with Darnay; and Lucie Manette, the daughter of a French doctor who was imprisoned for years in the Bastille.
The story begins with Dr. Manette’s release from the Bastille and his subsequent reunion with Lucie in England. As their lives intertwine with those of Darnay and Carton, the novel explores themes of resurrection, love, and sacrifice. Amidst the chaos and bloodshed of the French Revolution, these characters struggle to find redemption and the courage to face their destinies.
Dickens weaves a complex narrative with a large cast of characters, using parallel stories and motifs to contrast the political and social climate in London and Paris. A Tale of Two Cities explores the best and worst aspects of human nature, emphasizing the importance of compassion, selflessness, and redemption in the face of tyranny and injustice.
QUOTES
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.” (Opening lines)
“A wonderful fact to reflect upon, that every human creature is constituted to be that profound secret and mystery to every other.” (Book I, Chapter 3)
“I wish you to know that you have been the last dream of my soul.” (Book III, Chapter 13)
“The time will come, the time will not be long in coming when new ties will be formed about you, ties that will bind you yet more tenderly and strongly to the home you so adorn, the dearest ties that will ever grace and gladden you.” (Book II, Chapter 6)
“I have sometimes sat alone here of an evening, listening, until I have made the echoes out to be the echoes of all the footsteps that are coming by-and-by into our lives.” (Book II, Chapter 6)
“Crush humanity out of shape once more, under similar hammers, and it will twist itself into the same tortured forms.” (Book III, Chapter 15)
“I am the resurrection and the life, saith the Lord: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me, shall never die.” (Book III, Chapter 9)
“It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to than I have ever known.” (Closing lines)
AUTHOR
Author: Charles Dickens
Full Name: Charles John Huffam Dickens
Born: February 7, 1812, in Portsmouth, England
Died: June 9, 1870, in Gad’s Hill Place, Higham, Kent, England
Charles Dickens was an English writer and social critic who is regarded as one of the most important and influential novelists of the 19th century. He is best known for his vivid characters, his wit and satire, and his ability to capture the essence of Victorian society in his works.
Born in Portsmouth in 1812, Dickens had a tumultuous childhood marked by his family’s financial struggles. At the age of 12, he was forced to work in a boot-blacking factory when his father, John Dickens, was imprisoned for debt. This period of hardship left an indelible mark on Dickens, who later drew upon his experiences to create vivid portrayals of the lives of the poor and the working class in his novels.
After his father’s release from prison, Dickens returned to school and eventually became a law clerk. He taught himself shorthand and began working as a freelance reporter, covering parliamentary debates and other events in London. His career as a writer began with the publication of his first story, “A Dinner at Poplar Walk,” in 1833.
Dickens gained fame with the publication of his first novel, “The Pickwick Papers,” in 1836. Over the course of his career, he wrote numerous novels, including “Oliver Twist,” “Nicholas Nickleby,” “A Christmas Carol,” “David Copperfield,” “A Tale of Two Cities,” and “Great Expectations.” These works are still widely read and admired today for their social commentary, memorable characters, and vivid storytelling.
In addition to his novels, Dickens also wrote essays, journalistic pieces, and performed public readings of his works. He was a tireless advocate for social reform, using his writing to raise awareness about the plight of the poor, the working conditions in factories, and the need for better education for all.
Dickens married Catherine Hogarth in 1836, and they had ten children together. However, their marriage was not a happy one, and they separated in 1858. Dickens maintained a close relationship with his children and continued to write and perform public readings until his death in 1870 at the age of 58.
Charles Dickens’ impact on literature and his role as a social critic continue to be recognized and celebrated. His works have been adapted into countless stage and screen productions, and his influence on the development of the modern novel is still felt today.
CHARACTERS
Charles Darnay: A French aristocrat who renounces his title and escapes to England to avoid the violence of the French Revolution. He later marries Lucie Manette.
Sydney Carton: A dissolute British lawyer who bears a striking resemblance to Charles Darnay. He forms an unlikely bond with Darnay and ultimately sacrifices himself to save him.
Lucie Manette: The kind and compassionate daughter of Dr. Alexandre Manette. She becomes the emotional center of the novel and is loved by both Charles Darnay and Sydney Carton.
Dr. Alexandre Manette: A French doctor who was imprisoned in the Bastille for 18 years before the events of the novel. He is reunited with his daughter Lucie in England and becomes a key figure in the story.
Jarvis Lorry: A loyal and dependable banker at Tellson’s Bank, who helps bring about the reunion between Dr. Manette and Lucie. He serves as a trusted friend and advisor to the main characters.
Madame Defarge: A ruthless and vengeful French revolutionary who seeks revenge against the aristocracy, particularly the Evrémonde family (Charles Darnay’s family). She is a key antagonist in the story.
Ernest Defarge: The husband of Madame Defarge and the owner of a wine shop in Paris. He is a key member of the revolutionary movement and serves as a link between the events in London and Paris.
Miss Pross: Lucie Manette’s fiercely loyal and devoted English governess who plays a crucial role in the story’s climax.
Jerry Cruncher: An employee of Tellson’s Bank who moonlights as a “Resurrection Man,” a body-snatcher who digs up corpses for medical research. He provides comic relief and occasional commentary on the story’s events.
The Marquis St. Evrémonde: Charles Darnay’s cruel and aristocratic uncle, who represents the worst aspects of the French nobility. His actions contribute to the Defarges’ quest for revenge.
THEMES
“A Tale of Two Cities” by Charles Dickens explores a range of themes that reflect the complexities of the human experience and the turbulent historical period in which the novel is set. Some of the major themes include:
Sacrifice and Redemption: The novel explores the idea that personal sacrifice can lead to redemption and salvation. Sydney Carton’s ultimate sacrifice for Charles Darnay and Lucie Manette is a prime example of this theme.
Resurrection: Throughout the novel, characters experience figurative resurrections or transformations, from Dr. Manette’s release from the Bastille and recovery from trauma to Sydney Carton’s decision to save Charles Darnay. The theme highlights the potential for individuals to rise above their circumstances and past mistakes.
Love and Loyalty: Love and loyalty play significant roles in the lives of the characters, shaping their actions and relationships. Lucie Manette’s love for her father, Dr. Manette, helps him recover from his traumatic past. Similarly, Miss Pross’s loyalty to Lucie and Carton’s love for Lucie drive them to take extreme actions to protect those they care about.
Duality and Contrasts: The novel contrasts the two cities of London and Paris, the social and political conditions in England and France, and the dual nature of individuals like Sydney Carton and Charles Darnay. This theme emphasizes the complexity of human nature and the importance of considering multiple perspectives.
Injustice and Revolution: Dickens explores the social and political injustices that led to the French Revolution, as well as the brutality and violence that ensued. The novel critiques the excesses and abuses of power on both sides, questioning the efficacy of violent upheaval as a means for change.
Fate and History: The characters’ lives are shaped by historical events beyond their control, such as the French Revolution and the Reign of Terror. The novel explores the idea that individuals are often swept up in the tide of history, and their personal choices can have far-reaching consequences.
These themes in “A Tale of Two Cities” contribute to the novel’s exploration of human nature, morality, and the forces that shape individuals and societies.
SYMBOLLISM
In “A Tale of Two Cities,” Charles Dickens employs various symbols to enhance the themes and motifs in the novel. Some of the most prominent symbols include:
The Broken Wine Cask: In the novel, a wine cask breaks open in the streets of Paris, and the common people rush to drink the spilled wine. This symbolizes the desperation and poverty of the French people, as well as foreshadows the violence and bloodshed of the French Revolution.
Madame Defarge’s Knitting: Madame Defarge knits a register of people marked for death by the revolutionaries. The knitting represents the inescapable fate of the aristocracy and those associated with them, and it also signifies the secretive and relentless nature of the revolution.
The Guillotine: The guillotine is a powerful symbol of the French Revolution’s brutality and the Reign of Terror. It represents the indiscriminate violence and the swift, impersonal nature of revolutionary justice.
The Loadstone Rock: The loadstone rock is mentioned when Darnay is drawn back to France to help a former servant. It symbolizes the magnetic pull of one’s past and the impossibility of escaping one’s heritage, as well as the dangers that await Darnay in France.
The Footsteps: Footsteps are a recurring motif in the novel, symbolizing the relentless march of time and the approach of the revolution. The sound of footsteps is often associated with impending doom or change.
The Golden Thread: The “golden thread” refers to Lucie Manette, who weaves love, compassion, and hope into the lives of the characters around her. Lucie’s influence is a unifying force that connects the characters and underscores the novel’s themes of love, redemption, and resurrection.
Dr. Manette’s Shoemaking: Dr. Manette’s compulsive shoemaking symbolizes his past trauma and the psychological damage inflicted by his years of imprisonment in the Bastille. The act of shoemaking serves as a coping mechanism for Dr. Manette and a reminder of the long-lasting effects of his suffering.
These symbols, among others, help to create a rich, multilayered narrative that deepens the novel’s exploration of themes such as love, sacrifice, and the human struggle for justice and redemption.
CRITICISMS
While “A Tale of Two Cities” is widely regarded as a classic and has been praised for its powerful themes, memorable characters, and portrayal of the French Revolution, it has also faced some criticism over the years. Some of the criticisms include:
Melodrama: Critics argue that the novel relies too heavily on melodramatic elements and emotional manipulation. They contend that this diminishes the overall impact of the story and detracts from its more serious themes.
Lack of Character Development: Some readers feel that Dickens’ focus on the larger themes of the novel comes at the expense of character development. For example, Sydney Carton, a central character, is often seen as underdeveloped, and his transformation is perceived as sudden and unconvincing.
Simplification of the French Revolution: Critics argue that Dickens’ portrayal of the French Revolution is oversimplified and biased, presenting the revolutionaries as bloodthirsty and vengeful while largely ignoring the complex social and political factors that led to the revolution.
Stereotypes and Flat Characters: Dickens has been criticized for relying on stereotypes and one-dimensional characters in “A Tale of Two Cities,” particularly in his portrayal of the French populace and Madame Defarge as the primary antagonist.
Sentimentality: The novel has been criticized for its sentimentality, with critics suggesting that Dickens relies too heavily on emotional appeals to make a point, rather than exploring the complexities of the characters and their situations.
Plot Contrivances: Some critics find the coincidences and contrivances in the plot, such as the uncanny resemblance between Sydney Carton and Charles Darnay, to be unrealistic and a sign of weak storytelling.
Despite these criticisms, “A Tale of Two Cities” remains a beloved and influential work of literature, admired for its exploration of themes such as redemption, sacrifice, and the human capacity for both good and evil.
DISCUSSION POINTS
When studying “A Tale of Two Cities” by Charles Dickens, there are several interesting discussion points that can be explored. These can help deepen your understanding of the novel, its themes, and the historical context in which it was written:
The French Revolution: Discuss the novel’s portrayal of the French Revolution and its consequences. How does Dickens present the revolutionaries and the aristocracy? What commentary does he offer on the causes and effects of the revolution?
Redemption and Sacrifice: Analyze the theme of redemption and the role of sacrifice in the novel. How do characters such as Sydney Carton and Dr. Manette seek redemption? What impact does their personal growth and transformation have on the story?
Duality and Contrasts: Examine the various dualities and contrasts presented in the novel, such as the two cities (London and Paris), the two main male characters (Charles Darnay and Sydney Carton), and the contrasting social and political situations in England and France. How do these contrasts contribute to the overall themes and message of the novel?
Role of Women: Discuss the role of women in the novel, focusing on characters such as Lucie Manette and Madame Defarge. How do these women influence the story and its themes? How does Dickens use them to comment on gender roles and expectations during the time period?
Historical Accuracy: Explore the historical accuracy of Dickens’ portrayal of the French Revolution and the events leading up to it. How does his perspective on the revolution align with or differ from historical accounts? How does this impact the novel’s themes and message?
Language and Style: Analyze Dickens’ use of language, including his use of imagery, symbolism, and motifs. How does his writing style contribute to the novel’s themes and atmosphere?
Social Criticism: Discuss the novel’s social criticism and Dickens’ commentary on the injustices of the time, including the plight of the poor, the abuses of the aristocracy, and the violence of the revolution. How does Dickens use his characters and their experiences to critique society and advocate for change?
These discussion points can help guide your analysis and interpretation of “A Tale of Two Cities,” providing a deeper understanding of the novel’s themes, characters, and historical context.
SUMMARIES
Book the First: Recalled to Life
Chapter 1: The Period
This chapter sets the scene, describing the year 1775 and the social and political conditions in England and France. It establishes the atmosphere of unrest and uncertainty that pervades the novel.
Chapter 2: The Mail
The chapter introduces Mr. Jarvis Lorry, a banker at Tellson’s Bank, as he travels by mail coach from London to Dover. He receives a mysterious message from Jerry Cruncher, an employee of the bank, which reads, “Wait at Dover for Mam’selle.” Mr. Lorry sends a cryptic response: “Recalled to Life.”
Chapter 3: The Night Shadows
As Mr. Lorry continues his journey, he reflects on the message “Recalled to Life” and its meaning. The reader learns that Lorry is on a mission to bring a man who has been imprisoned for many years back into society.
Chapter 4: The Preparation
Mr. Lorry arrives in Dover and meets with Lucie Manette, a young woman who believes her father, Dr. Alexandre Manette, died years ago. Mr. Lorry reveals to her that her father is, in fact, alive and has been released from prison in the Bastille. He asks Lucie to accompany him to Paris to reunite with her father.
Chapter 5: The Wine-shop
In Paris, Mr. Lorry and Lucie visit the wine shop of Monsieur and Madame Defarge. Madame Defarge is a key figure in the French revolutionary movement and has been secretly caring for Dr. Manette. The Defarges lead Mr. Lorry and Lucie to Dr. Manette, who has been driven mad by his long imprisonment and now spends his days making shoes.
Chapter 6: The Shoemaker
Dr. Manette does not recognize his daughter at first, but Lucie’s presence and a lock of her mother’s hair eventually help him recall his past. Dr. Manette is “recalled to life” and agrees to leave France with Lucie and Mr. Lorry.
Book the First of “A Tale of Two Cities” focuses on the theme of resurrection and sets the stage for the events that will unfold in the rest of the novel. The characters and their relationships are introduced, and the atmosphere of political unrest and turmoil in both England and France is established.
Book the Second: The Golden Thread
Chapter 1: Five Years Later
The narrative shifts to 1780. Tellson’s Bank in London is described, and Jerry Cruncher is introduced as an employee with a mysterious nighttime occupation.
Chapter 2: A Sight
Charles Darnay, a French aristocrat, is on trial in London for treason. Lucie and Dr. Manette are witnesses in the trial, and Sydney Carton, a lawyer, is introduced. Carton points out the striking resemblance between himself and Darnay, which leads to Darnay’s acquittal.
Chapter 3: A Disappointment
Darnay, Carton, and Mr. Stryver, another lawyer, discuss the trial at a tavern. Carton reveals his cynicism and self-loathing.
Chapter 4: Congratulatory
Dr. Manette visits Darnay to congratulate him on his acquittal. Darnay mentions his sympathy for the Manettes’ past sufferings, but Dr. Manette avoids discussing his time in the Bastille.
Chapter 5: The Jackal
Sydney Carton visits Mr. Stryver’s office, where he does the bulk of the legal work. Carton is described as a brilliant but self-destructive man.
Chapter 6: Hundreds of People
The chapter focuses on the daily life of the Manettes. Lucie becomes the center of their lives, and her presence helps Dr. Manette recover from his traumatic past.
Chapter 7: Monseigneur in Town
The chapter depicts the extravagant lifestyle of the French aristocracy, introducing the Marquis St. Evrémonde, Charles Darnay’s uncle, who runs over and kills a child with his carriage.
Chapter 8: Monseigneur in the Country
The Marquis visits his country estate, where he encounters further examples of poverty and suffering among the peasants.
Chapter 9: The Gorgon’s Head
The Marquis meets with Darnay, who has changed his name and renounced his title. Darnay confronts his uncle about the suffering caused by their family and reveals his intention to live in England.
Chapter 10: Two Promises
Darnay visits the Manettes and promises Dr. Manette that he will reveal his true identity when he asks for Lucie’s hand in marriage.
Chapter 11: A Companion Picture
Mr. Stryver confesses his intention to marry Lucie, but Mr. Lorry advises him against it. Stryver, believing himself to be a perfect catch, is insulted but ultimately agrees not to pursue Lucie.
Chapter 12: The Fellow of Delicacy
Mr. Lorry persuades Sydney Carton not to pursue a relationship with Lucie, as he has no prospects and struggles with alcoholism.
Chapter 13: The Fellow of No Delicacy
Sydney Carton visits Lucie and confesses his love for her, admitting that he knows he is unworthy of her affection. He asks her to remember him kindly, and she promises to do so.
Chapter 14: The Honest Tradesman
Jerry Cruncher is revealed to be a “Resurrection Man,” a body snatcher who digs up corpses to sell for medical research. He is caught by his wife, who disapproves of his profession.
Chapter 15: Knitting
Madame Defarge is introduced as a revolutionary leader who knits the names of her enemies into her work. The Defarges discuss their plans for revolution and revenge against the aristocracy, particularly the Evrémonde family.
Chapter 16: Still Knitting
The Defarges visit the Manettes in London. Madame Defarge takes an interest in Lucie and her child. The chapter reveals the close relationship between the Defarges and the Manettes, as well as Madame Defarge’s growing thirst for vengeance.
Chapter 17: One Night
Dr. Manette suffers a relapse into his previous state of mind after learning of Darnay’s true identity. He obsessively returns to shoemaking, but Lucie’s love and care help him recover once more.
Chapter 18: Nine Days
Dr. Manette’s recovery from his relapse takes nine days. The ordeal highlights the lingering effects of his past trauma and the power of Lucie’s love to help him heal.
Chapter 19: An Opinion
Mr. Lorry consults with Dr. Manette about the upcoming marriage between Lucie and Darnay. Dr. Manette insists that Darnay’s true identity must be kept a secret until the wedding day.
Chapter 20: A Plea
Carton visits Darnay and asks for his friendship, despite their differences. Darnay accepts, and Carton promises to do anything he can to help Darnay or his family in the future.
Chapter 21: Echoing Footsteps
Lucie and Darnay are married, and the couple departs for their honeymoon. Dr. Manette discovers a letter hidden in his old prison cell, which will have significant consequences later in the novel.
Chapter 22: The Sea Still Rises
The chapter returns to France, where the revolutionaries are becoming more violent and brutal. The Defarges are depicted as key figures in the escalating conflict.
Chapter 23: Fire Rises
The revolutionaries set fire to the chateau of the Marquis St. Evrémonde in a symbolic act of revenge against the aristocracy.
Chapter 24: Drawn to the Loadstone Rock
Darnay receives a letter from a former servant, Gabelle, who is imprisoned in France and requests his help. Against the advice of his friends and family, Darnay decides to return to France to assist Gabelle.
In Book the Second of “A Tale of Two Cities,” the relationships between the characters develop, and the tensions between England and France, as well as between the aristocracy and the common people, continue to escalate. The stage is set for the climax of the novel, which takes place during the French Revolution and its aftermath.
Book the Third: The Track of a Storm
Chapter 1: In Secret
Darnay arrives in France and is immediately arrested as an emigrant aristocrat. He is taken to La Force prison in Paris, where he is held in secret without a trial.
Chapter 2: The Grindstone
In England, Mr. Lorry, who is unaware of Darnay’s imprisonment, travels to Paris on business for Tellson’s Bank. He encounters the Defarges and learns of the worsening conditions in France and the rising violence of the revolution.
Chapter 3: The Shadow
Mr. Lorry discovers that Darnay has been arrested and sends a message to Lucie and Dr. Manette, urging them to come to Paris. Upon learning of Darnay’s imprisonment, Carton also decides to go to Paris.
Chapter 4: Calm in Storm
Dr. Manette uses his influence as a former Bastille prisoner to secure temporary protection for Lucie and her child in Paris. He tries to use his status to help Darnay but is unsuccessful.
Chapter 5: The Wood-Sawyer
Lucie watches a wood-sawyer outside her window who is a part of the revolutionary mob. The wood-sawyer’s presence is a constant reminder of the danger the family faces.
Chapter 6: Triumph
Darnay’s trial begins, and Dr. Manette testifies on his behalf. Due to Dr. Manette’s influence, Darnay is acquitted and released.
Chapter 7: A Knock at the Door
Darnay’s freedom is short-lived, as he is arrested again the same night due to the accusations of the Defarges and an unknown third person.
Chapter 8: A Hand at Cards
Carton discovers that Barsad, a spy, is now a prison guard at La Force. Carton blackmails Barsad into helping him with a secret plan to save Darnay.
Chapter 9: The Game Made
Carton visits the Defarges’ wine shop and overhears Madame Defarge’s plan to denounce Lucie, her child, and Dr. Manette as enemies of the revolution.
Chapter 10: The Substance of the Shadow
At Darnay’s second trial, the charges against him are revealed. Dr. Manette’s hidden letter, written during his imprisonment, recounts the crimes of the Evrémonde family, implicating Darnay and resulting in his death sentence.
Chapter 11: Dusk
Carton visits Lucie and assures her that he will do everything he can to help her and her family.
Chapter 12: Darkness
Carton enacts his plan, which involves drugging Darnay and, with Barsad’s assistance, smuggling him out of the prison. Carton takes Darnay’s place in the cell, sacrificing himself to save Lucie’s husband.
Chapter 13: Fifty-two
As Darnay is secretly taken to safety, Carton awaits his execution. He comforts a young girl who is also sentenced to death, and they face their fate together.
Chapter 14: The Knitting Done
Madame Defarge, intent on denouncing Lucie and her family, goes to their residence. Miss Pross, Lucie’s loyal servant, confronts her, and in the ensuing struggle, Madame Defarge accidentally kills herself.
Chapter 15: The Footsteps Die Out Forever
Carton, still disguised as Darnay, is executed by guillotine. In his final moments, he envisions a better future for the Manettes and feels at peace with his sacrifice.