One way Dickens shapes A Tale of Two Cities

In A Tale of Two Cities author Charles Dickens uses doubling and repetition as techniques to shape his novel. One way Dickens utilizes doubling is through his characters such as: Charles Darnay/Sydney Carton, John Barsad/Roger Cly, and the Evermonde twins. Dickens choice to create doubling among characters creates a series of intertwined connections that unravel as the novel progresses. They also create the need to follow along and remember previous events so that all connections can be seen in the bigger picture.
Within the text we see that Charles Darnay is described as physically attractive and self-possessed (Dickens 60). While the description we are given of Sydney Carton is that he is in the courtroom staring off at the ceiling with no type of attitude change. This suggests that he is less concerned with himself and surroundings (Dickens 72). We are also informed that Carton does not keep up on his physical appearance which is complete opposite of Darnay who is well reserved and up kept. His gown is described as being half torn and his wig is untidy (Dickens 73). Yet the two are doubles because they physically appear as the same person in several instances, but as the story unravels we see their personality and actions set them as complete opposites. Carton's character reflects a more heroic figure through his actions despite the image we receive of him being a lifeless drunk. Carton saves Darnay on multiple occasions throughout the novel. The first instance is when Darnay is on trial for treason. Carton passes his colleague Mr. Stryver a note which he contemplates (Dickens 73). This action draws attention to the court to notice Sydney Carton which they believe mysteriously resembles Darnay. With this new information the ju...

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...g boy they stabbed. The boy’s sister is present as well; regardless of understanding right from wrong they ended up raping the young girl (Dickens 313). For silence they offered Manette gold which he declined. This suggests the true severity in their selfishness and not caring about anyone but themselves. The wife of the Marquis, Darnay’s mother told him that one day he shall repay the injured girl who is the surviving sister of the girl and boy the Evermonde twins murdered. This is the ‘business’ Darnay has throughout the novel, to fix the mistakes and doings of his father and uncle. Doctor Manette was distraught by the entire ordeal and sent a letter to authorities of the blood shedding events that have occurred, but the Marquis intercepts the delivery and burns Manette letter. He then sends Manette to the Bastille, but in hush so that no one knows his location.