Introduction
A Tale of Two Cities is a historical novel written during the turmoil period of the French Revolution. Charles Dickens artistically displays a vivid depiction of rejuvenation and violent confrontation between two classes. The novel portrays the social circumstances of two cities- London and Paris.
A Tale of Two Cities Novel Summary
The novel begins with the most renowned lines in English literature, “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…” These lines represent the uncertainty, contrast, and contradictions during the period of the French Revolution.
The calmness of England and unrest in France. The story focuses on Charles Darnay, who is a French aristocrat. Charles Darnay declares the abandonment of his title and migrates to England. Darnay is desperate over the injustices of his homeland and Sydney Carton’s bad behavior. Therefore, he moves and escapes to England and denounces his title. Lucie Manette is a young, kind-hearted, energetic, and beautiful woman.
Sydney Carton is a dissolute English lawyer. The lawyer and Darnay’s lives are altogether different, but they unintentionally keep attachments with the same lady causing their lives to become intertwined.
Dr. Alexandre Manette is father of Lucie Manette. He has been imprisoned for the last 18 years in Bastille. Her father is released from the imprisonment. Lucie’s father moves to London to live together with his daughter. There she becomes the center of her new life.
The Revolution and Rising Up Turmoil
The story changes its focus to the increasing upheaval in France. After marrying Lucie, Charles Darnay returns to Paris to assist an elderly family servant, but he is jailed due to his noble origins.
Defarges are the revolutionary leaders who are stretching out the revolution from the center. Madame Defarge is well-known for her ruthless role in the revolution. She prepares the list of people who are to be executed.
The Imprisonment and Sacrifice
Charles is sentenced to death by the authorities. With this, the Reign of Terror escalates; Sydney Carton decides to sacrifice his life to save Charles Darnay. Carton prepares a plan to change places with Charles to ensure his safety. In the final moments, Carton seeks peace and redemption. He sacrifices his life to bring happiness to Lucie and her family. After his sacrifice, Lucie and her family escape from the unrest of the revolution.
Conclusion
The novel ends with a note depicting the themes of sacrifice and the power of love. This novel is a commentary on the 18th-century circumstances.