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A Tale of Two Cities Key Facts
“A Tale of Two Cities” is a famous historical novel by Charles Dickens. Look at the key facts of the novel to get a quick conception.
Full Title: A Tale of Two Cities
Author: Charles Dickens
Type of Work: Novel
Genre: Historical fiction
Language: English
Time and Place Written: In 1859, in London
Date of First Publication: From April 20 to November 26, 1859 (in parts)
Publisher: Chapman and Hall
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A Tale of Two Cities Summary
Plot Summary
Book the First – Recalled to Life
Life and Times in 1775: The novel opens in the year 1775. Dickens uses a famous line to describe the era: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times” (The Duality of 1775). These words show the contrast between England and France. In England, the monarchy rules, but the government fears change. Crime is rising. Justice is often unfair. In F...
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A Tale of Two Cities Themes
Resurrection and Rebirth: This is the most important theme in the novel. Dr. Manette is "recalled to life" after 18 years in prison. Lucie’s love helps him heal. Sydney Carton also finds new life through his sacrifice. He gives his life to save Charles Darnay. His death gives meaning to his wasted life. Carton becomes a Christ-like figure. He believes in a better future. Through love and sacrifice...
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A Tale of Two Cities Characters
Major characters
Charles Darnay: He is the main male character. He is a Frenchman living in England. He leaves his noble family in France. He does not like their cruelty. He marries Lucie Manette. He is kind, honest, and brave.
Sydney Carton: Protagonist, Sydney Carton (He is the main hero of the story. He is a sad and lonely man, but later becomes a brave and selfless person.) He looks just like...
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A Tale of Two Cities Literary Devices
The figures of speech and literary devices are the most important parts of any literary work. In "A Tale of Two Cities" by Charles Dickens, several literary devices and figures of speech exist. Let's try to explore it:
Simile
A simile is a figure of speech that compares two unlike things using the words "like" or "as" to create a vivid and imaginative connection between them. "It was the best of t...
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A Tale of Two Cities Quotes
Major Quotes:
“It was the best of times and it was the worst of times;
It was the age of wisdom and it was the age of foolishness;...” Book one, Chapter I
Explanation: This is the opening line of the novel. It highlights the contradictions of 1775. Dickens sets the historical context of the French Revolution. It shows how extreme poverty and oppression lived beside hope and renewal. It set...
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Notes (28)
- Discuss Dickens' attitude towards the French Revolution in "A Tale of Two Cities."
- Tale of Two Cities a historical novel? Give reasons for your answer
- Discuss the underlying themes of the novel “A Tale of the Two Cities.”
- Dickens’s art of characterization with reference to Lucie Manette
- Who is the real hero in A Tale of Two Cities?
- The character of Charles Darnay
- Why did Dickens Consider 1775 as “the best of times and the worst of times”
- The trial scene in A Tale of Two Cities
- Examine the theme of resurrection as depicted in “A Tale of Two Cities”
- How does Dickens glorify selfless love in A Tale of Two Cities?
- How does Dickens co-relate love and war in his A Tale of Two Cities
- The role of Sydney Carton in Tale of Two Cities
- Short note on Tellson Bank in “A Tale of Two Cities”
- What does the broken wine cask symbolise?
- Short note on the attack of the Bastille.
- How does Sydney Carton save Charles Darnay's life?
- Short note on The French Revolution
- Short note on Doctor Manette
- Short note on Madame Defarge’s Knitting
- Significance of the Lion and Jackal in "A Tale of Two Cities"
- “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times," - Explain
- "Crush humanity out of shape once more, under similar hammers,"-Explain
- "She was the golden thread that united him to a Past beyond his misery,"-Explain
- “I would embrace any sacrifice for you and for those dear to you”-Explain
- Critically analyze the Tragic Elements of A Tale of Two Cities
- Discuss the Significance of Defarge's Knitting in "A Tale of Two Cities"
- What Did Manette Write in His Letter of Denunciation?
- Who is Madame Defarge in "A Tale of Two Cities"