“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times” (1). Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities is a classic novel showcasing double motifs and recurring contrasts, which are presented through three examples. First, the two major female characters of Lucie Manette and Madame Defarge demonstrate opposing forces. Second, the title itself is a contrast of two cities. Lastly, Charles Darnay and Sydney Carton, though alike in appearance, clash drastically in their indirect characteristics.
The first example of doubles and contrast is Lucie Manette and Madame Defarge, who are significant characters differing in their personalities and roles in the novel. Lucie is reserved and compliant, whereas Madame Defarge is rebellious and outspoken. Lucie and Madame Defarge’s dissimilar physique mirror their psyche. For example, when Madame Defarge is introduced she is described as “a stout woman…with a watchful eye that seldom seemed to look at anything, a large hand heavily ringed, a steady face, strong features, and great composure of manner” (36). Adversely, Lucie Manette is the picture perfect housewife; a blond, beautiful young woman attracting the attention of ‘hundreds’ of suitors, as Miss Pross states (100). Furthermore, both of the character’s role in the plot diverge from one another. Lucie’s love for her father …show more content…
In the novel London is portrayed as a sanctuary of sorts, conversely to Paris, where the guillotine is a common household item. Although, London is not without its thirst for blood as displayed in the graphic discussions of Darnay nearly sentenced to quartering (65-68). The crucial difference between the two cities is that the parisians are acting on their violence, whereas the british are merely feeding off of it. England is portrayed by Lucie as place “to be at peace and at rest” after rescuing Doctor Manette (50), and in Charles Darnay’s words, England is his “refuge”
The first example of doubles and contrast is Lucie Manette and Madame Defarge, who are significant characters differing in their personalities and roles in the novel. Lucie is reserved and compliant, whereas Madame Defarge is rebellious and outspoken. Lucie and Madame Defarge’s dissimilar physique mirror their psyche. For example, when Madame Defarge is introduced she is described as “a stout woman…with a watchful eye that seldom seemed to look at anything, a large hand heavily ringed, a steady face, strong features, and great composure of manner” (36). Adversely, Lucie Manette is the picture perfect housewife; a blond, beautiful young woman attracting the attention of ‘hundreds’ of suitors, as Miss Pross states (100). Furthermore, both of the character’s role in the plot diverge from one another. Lucie’s love for her father …show more content…
In the novel London is portrayed as a sanctuary of sorts, conversely to Paris, where the guillotine is a common household item. Although, London is not without its thirst for blood as displayed in the graphic discussions of Darnay nearly sentenced to quartering (65-68). The crucial difference between the two cities is that the parisians are acting on their violence, whereas the british are merely feeding off of it. England is portrayed by Lucie as place “to be at peace and at rest” after rescuing Doctor Manette (50), and in Charles Darnay’s words, England is his “refuge”