A Tale of Two Cities

Charles Dickens characterizes the settings in his novel, “A Tale of Two Cities,” through indirect comparison and contrast between Paris and London during the French Revolution, a political and social upheaval from 1789–1799;

“There was a king with a large jaw and a queen with a plain face on the throne of England; there was a king with a large jaw and a queen with a fair face on the throne of France. In both countries it was clearer than crystal to the lords of the State preserves of loaves and fishes, that things in general were settled for ever. (1.1.2)”

His distinguished way of approaching these two cities bolsters the image of the characters he wants to convey through his novel. When doing so, Dickens creates the environments of a British home, British Government, British business, and French home, French Government, and French business.

Charles Dickens establishes broad similarities and differences between the two major settings, France and London, in his novel, “A Tale of Two Cities.” When looking into these two major settings, one can see the distinct type of surroundings forming. In “A Tale of Two Cities”, London seems to be the place of security but cannot “justify much national boasting” either. Although things aren’t going perfectly over there, when compared to how things are over Paris, London seems like a safe heaven. Moreover, Dickens makes it clear that both sides would like to see some hanging with the crime and capital punishment around.

In chapter two of Book the Second, Charles Darnay is stool on trial for trespassing in the Old Bailey Courthouse, which represents the British Government. He is not welcomed warmly, some of the witnesses of the trial even states that “[Darnay] will be drawn on a hurdle to be ...

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...ers, viz. the Thames, Trent, Humber and Severn, pouring out their waters. The buildings round the square, though not uniform, are in general very spacious and handsome. The most distinguished among them is CARLISLE HOUSE. (534)”

As described by Charles Dickens, Manette’s house is away from the noise and hustle of the city. It seems to be the place where everyone is happy, including Sydney Carton, an insolent, indifferent alcoholic who is transformed into a man profound of merit with his love for Lucie Manette, a French woman who has the power to transform those around her with her love and optimistic view for others.

All in all, Charles Dickens’s brilliance and style of writing enables the setting in his novel, “A Tale of Two Cities,” to allow its readers to feel the emotional impact of a revolution as the tale flows between the two major cities, Paris and London.