Themes

Throughout the book, he uses foreshadowing to create a sense of impending doom. Foreshadowing is a literary device in which either the events of the story, dialogue, or narration hint at events that are to occur later in the novel. But Dickens gives us hints through foreshadowing.

The spilling of the wine foreshadows the violence and bloodshed of the revolution. The enthusiastic reaction of the Parisians also foreshadows the way they will get caught up in the violence, and become “drunk” on chaos and bloodshed.

• The Ever-Present Possibility of Resurrection. With A Tale of Two Cities, Dickens asserts his belief in the possibility of resurrection and transformation, both on a personal level and on a societal level.
• The Necessity of Sacrifice.
• The Tendency Toward Violence and Oppression in Revolutionaries.
• Sacrifice.
• Class.

Charles Darnay is the protagonist of the novel. He incites several of the major plotlines after his first trial where he is accused of treason against England. His trial brings him into contact with Lucie, Dr. Manette, and Sydney Carton, triggering all of the further plot action to come.

A Tale of Two Cities is not a real story because the specifics of the plot are not based on real events or people. However, the story is based on real historical events, such as the French Revolution.

Lucie suggests that he may still be able to redeem his life, but Carton states that it is too late; he knows his nature, and he will only sink lower. He loves without hope, and his love for Lucie has made him aware of how much potential happiness he has squandered through his dissolute lifestyle.

Lorry, Doctor Manette, Lucie, Darnay, and young Lucie passes through the gates of Paris, where they identify Darnay — who is still unconscious — as Carton.

Carton asks only one thing: for Lucie to confirm that there is still something in him to pity, some shred of humanity to sympathize with. She does and Carton tells Lucie he would do anything, even give his own life, for her and the family she loves. Prophetic words.

What secret does carton ask Lucie to keep the last confidence of his life? He wants to let her know about his love but to keep his declaration a secret. He wants to remember that atleast he is capable her how he feels even if he is not capable of changing himself for the better.

What promises did Sydney Carton make to Lucie? He loves her but wont bring her down, that he will do anything for her and those dear to her.

Sydney Carton tells Lucie Manette, “For you, and for any dear to you, I would do anything”.

Why does Mr. Lorry hustle Lucie into a back room and lock the door as soon as she and her father arrive at Tellson’s bank? It referees to Madam Defarge as she scares Lucie and covers her “light”.

In France, Lucie and her father witness the revolutionary song and dance called the Carmagnole. The dance terrifies her because she worries about her husband, and the ghastly sight reminds her of what they might do to him. The dance is important to the story because of Lucie’s reaction to it.

Lucie feels hope for the child she will soon bear, but also an unexplained fear of death. Although the revolution is brewing across the Channel, Lucie seems to anticipate that something will happen to tear apart her family.

1 : a lively song popular at the time of the first French Revolution. 2 : a street dance in a meandering course to the tune of the carmagnole.