Charles Dickens uses several devices in his writing in order to move his tale forward. These include the use of doubles, different themes, and complex characters. These also help with the setting, tone, visualization, and motives throughout the novel.
Dickens uses characters whose appearances and experiences are paralleled to show contrast in their character and lifestyles. While on trial as a suspected spy, Charles Darnay meets his doppelgänger, Sydney Carton. These men both appear as successful and well off. Both men show their willingness to sacrifice, with Darnay giving up a lavish lifestyle in order to flee to England, and Carton deciding to give up a life he perceives to be worthless in order to save the husband of the woman he loves. …show more content…
The two cities, London and Paris, provide the setting for the novel. Both cities are the capital of their countries, and are suffering with cruel rulers. Contrasting London, Paris 's citizens had rebelled against their administration. The French Revolution provided a way for British officials to reflect on what was wrong with the French 's government, and allowed them to debate on how to prevent that in their own country. The opening paragraph of A Tale of Two Cities uses doubles to show opposites, such as 'best of times ' and 'worst of times '; 'wisdom ' and 'foolishness '; 'belief ' and 'incredulity '; 'light ' and 'dark '. This sets the overall tone and initial setting of the book and identifies major opposites in the …show more content…
Sydney Carton is willing to sacrifice anything for Lucie, including his own life, which is evidenced by the following quote: "For you, and for any dear to you, I would do anything. If my career were of that better kind that there was any opportunity or capacity of sacrifice in it, I would embrace any sacrifice for you and for those dear to you. […] when you see your own bring beauty springing up anew at your feet, think now and then that there is a man who would give his life, to keep a life you love beside you!" In this next quote, Sydney Carton states his willingness to sacrifice himself for Lucie 's husband, knowing he would move on to a better place. "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." This last quote shows Dr. Alexandre Manette 's sacrifice in being arrested, taken away from his daughter. "If you hear in my voice … any resemblance to a voice that once was sweet music in your ears, weep for it, weep for it! If you tough, in toughing my hair, anything that recalls a beloved head that lay on your breast when you were young and free, weep for it, weep for it! If, when I hint to you of a Home that is before us, where I will be true to you with all my duty and with all my
Dickens uses characters whose appearances and experiences are paralleled to show contrast in their character and lifestyles. While on trial as a suspected spy, Charles Darnay meets his doppelgänger, Sydney Carton. These men both appear as successful and well off. Both men show their willingness to sacrifice, with Darnay giving up a lavish lifestyle in order to flee to England, and Carton deciding to give up a life he perceives to be worthless in order to save the husband of the woman he loves. …show more content…
The two cities, London and Paris, provide the setting for the novel. Both cities are the capital of their countries, and are suffering with cruel rulers. Contrasting London, Paris 's citizens had rebelled against their administration. The French Revolution provided a way for British officials to reflect on what was wrong with the French 's government, and allowed them to debate on how to prevent that in their own country. The opening paragraph of A Tale of Two Cities uses doubles to show opposites, such as 'best of times ' and 'worst of times '; 'wisdom ' and 'foolishness '; 'belief ' and 'incredulity '; 'light ' and 'dark '. This sets the overall tone and initial setting of the book and identifies major opposites in the …show more content…
Sydney Carton is willing to sacrifice anything for Lucie, including his own life, which is evidenced by the following quote: "For you, and for any dear to you, I would do anything. If my career were of that better kind that there was any opportunity or capacity of sacrifice in it, I would embrace any sacrifice for you and for those dear to you. […] when you see your own bring beauty springing up anew at your feet, think now and then that there is a man who would give his life, to keep a life you love beside you!" In this next quote, Sydney Carton states his willingness to sacrifice himself for Lucie 's husband, knowing he would move on to a better place. "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." This last quote shows Dr. Alexandre Manette 's sacrifice in being arrested, taken away from his daughter. "If you hear in my voice … any resemblance to a voice that once was sweet music in your ears, weep for it, weep for it! If you tough, in toughing my hair, anything that recalls a beloved head that lay on your breast when you were young and free, weep for it, weep for it! If, when I hint to you of a Home that is before us, where I will be true to you with all my duty and with all my