In the classic novel, A Tale of Two Cities, author, Charles Dickens, takes readers back to London and Paris during the time of the French Revolution and utilizes metaphorical comparison to comment on events of his current state in the 1850’s. As the story develops, it becomes evident that the motif of resurrection is highly prevalent and essential to the plotline, predominantly through the narratives of Sydney Carton’s life. However, it is not only the characters that undergo examples of this motif, but also society and the cities of Paris and London. Although this theme is more potent in specific areas of the book, such as the death of Carton, it is undeniable that the suggestions of Dickens’ belief in resurrection was intentional and with much complex fortitude.
Initially, one must be familiar with the term, resurrection, in order to analyze it within this intricate classical tale. It is most commonly defined as “rising up from the dead, the resumption of life.” In A Tale of Two Cities, the word takes on a new meaning as it is utilized to represent saving or redeeming in one’s soul, renewed interest in and zest for life, and/or salvation from death, harm, or “nothingness”. Many characters are “reborn”, specifically Dr. Manette, Carton, and Darnay, as they are all saved at life or spirit. The first character that sets Dickens’ rebirth plot into motion is Dr Manette. After being …show more content…
Not only did Dickens create an obvious Christ-like figure in Carton, but he wove this motif in many other places through the entirety of the novel. Although some events made it more obvious than others, it is evident that Dickens used deliberate complexity and artistry to strongly develop this concept through not only the use of characters, but also society, the setting, and a multitude of emotions within readers
Initially, one must be familiar with the term, resurrection, in order to analyze it within this intricate classical tale. It is most commonly defined as “rising up from the dead, the resumption of life.” In A Tale of Two Cities, the word takes on a new meaning as it is utilized to represent saving or redeeming in one’s soul, renewed interest in and zest for life, and/or salvation from death, harm, or “nothingness”. Many characters are “reborn”, specifically Dr. Manette, Carton, and Darnay, as they are all saved at life or spirit. The first character that sets Dickens’ rebirth plot into motion is Dr Manette. After being …show more content…
Not only did Dickens create an obvious Christ-like figure in Carton, but he wove this motif in many other places through the entirety of the novel. Although some events made it more obvious than others, it is evident that Dickens used deliberate complexity and artistry to strongly develop this concept through not only the use of characters, but also society, the setting, and a multitude of emotions within readers