Major Themes of 'A Tale of Two Cities'

 

 Major #Themes of #ATaleofTwoCities 

 #CharlesDickens 

A TALE OF THE TWO CITIES is probably the least “Dickensian” of his fourteen novels in that it has less of the grotesque, fewer characters, more big scenes, and a less complicated plot. Much of the novel’s value lies in its structure, creativity, and explorations of timeless themes. As a #historical novel, it serves as an excellent example of this genre. The fact that Dickens is able to weave the simple lives of ordinary people into the mosaic of a cataclysmic historical event is an indication of his genius, and another reason to read the book. The #themes that are explored in the novel still have relevance today.

#Themes are overarching ideas and beliefs that the writers use to convey to the readers. #Charles Dickens’s A Tale of Two Cities has themes that are not only universal but also highly relevant at any time. Some of the major themes of A Tale of Two Cities have been discussed below.

Theme 1

#Resurrection

The theme of resurrection and change is one of the major themes that seem to emerge on both social and personal level. The character of Sydney Carton and his death saves the life of Charles Darnay and Lucie Manette. He also saves his name with his heroic act of going to the gallows to save Darnay. The end of the novel is suggestive of him regarding his Christ-like resurrection, as he becomes an icon of sacrifice and heroism for those he has sacrificed his life for.

On a social level, the old status of France appears to give way to the new France where Carton has sacrificed his life for others. His final act of great sacrifice tells how Paris and the society in which he has shown this example will see resurrection. Despite his death and violence in France against and by the aristocracy, the revival of peace and better society echoes throughout the novel.

Theme 2

#Sacrifice

Sacrifice is another dominant theme along with resurrection and an integral part of a happy life in A Tale of Two Cities. The novel presents the need for sacrifice on a personal as well as social levels. The revolutionaries sacrifice their own lives and love to bring revolution. The guard, when he arrests Darnay, reminds Manette that the interest of the country overrules everything else. Madame Defarge also teaches her husband the same thing when he expresses his love for Dr. Manette. On a personal level, Sydney Carton’s personal sacrifice brings happiness to Lucie and Darnay. Therefore, the need for sacrifice with resurrection is an important theme of the novel.

Theme 3

#Violence and Oppression

Violence and oppression are two other major themes of the novel A Tale of Two Cities. The readers can see that the revolutions bring torture, violence, and mass killings. Although Dickens seems to support the revolution, his attitude is not clear about the evils committed by the revolutionaries. The viciousness of the aristocracy, which Evremonde demonstrates, appears to be the major reason for criticism.

Similarly, the Marquis’ exploitation of the peasants is shown in a poor light. However, Dickens has also demonstrated their vengeance following the revolution in which various innocents are crushed such as the Manettes. In fact, seeking revenge after the revolution is to burgeon another cycle of violence, revenge, and oppression. The depiction of the dance with weapons being ground seems to herald a cycle of senseless killing and massacre. Even the tribunals set up to punish the aristocracy worked working without a set law.

Theme 4

#Class Conflict

There are two classes in France before the revolution; the peasants who are at the receiving end and the aristocrats, the exploiters. When the revolution takes place, the whole social fabric experiences a rude jolt. The peasants become no less violent than the aristocracy against them before the revolution because of the long-suppressed suffering. The rape of the peasants through the Marquis in the pre-revolution era reverses in the post-revolution era. The class struggle becomes apparent in the shape of the wine shop of Madam Defarge and Mr. Defarge which becomes a hub of the anti-aristocratic forces. The burning of the chateau of Evremonde is a symbol of the fall of the aristocratic norms. The outcome of this mess comes in the shape of summary execution through guillotines like that of Carton and vengeance as Mrs. Defarge shows toward the Manette.

Theme 5

#Theme of Fate

A Tale of Two Cities highlights another theme which is fate. The mention of time at the very start of the novel presents the idea of fate intertwined with the land and time. Dicken’s method of referring to trees to form a guillotine in France shows that something terrible was going to happen. Lucie, though predicts correctly about the happenings, is fortunate in the end when Darnay is freed. Although Darnay is caught when he returns to France but is freed after Carton sacrifices his life for him. Even women were not safe after the revolution and as mentioned, “There were many women at that time, upon whom the time laid a dreadfully disfiguring hand”.

Theme 6

#Social Injustice

The theme of social injustice is intertwined with revolution and class discrimination. The novel, A Tale of Two Cities, presents this theme through different characters. Dr. Manette does not deserve to be incarcerated for such a long time. The peasant boy is not destined to be killed and then left deliberately by Marquis St. Evremonde. This is an extreme type of social injustice that the boy meets. Moreover, the social injustice going on in Paris is put into contrast with justice in London where everybody has to accept the rule of law while in Paris even persons like Darnay and Manette have to go through torture and imprisonment in spite of their innocence.

Theme #7

Family Preservation

Family and its preservation is another major theme of the novel. It is clear from Darnay’s advances toward Lucie and her trip to Paris to meet her incarcerated father. Although she knows the risks involved and also that her father has lost his memory, she undertakes the journey to meet him. Even Marquis Evremonde is concerned with the family's reputation despite knowing that they have done wrong as he says, “we did a world of wrong.” On the other hand, Defarge, too, plays a vital role in the pre and post-revolution times using animosity to preserve their family preservation.

Theme 8

#Reversals of Roles

Revolutions not only bring bloodshed but also reverse the roles of people and classes.The poor become cruel and barbaric, while the aristocrats and exploiters suffer at their hands. Despite being an aristocrat, Darnay becomes a prisoner when he returns to Paris. However, he is freed when Carton sacrifices himself for Darnay due to his love for Lucie. Their roles reverse by the end of the novel, and Sydney Carton replaces Darnay to be hanged.

Theme 9

#Love and Hate

The novel also presents the theme of love and hate and their interaction. Madam Defarge represents hatred on account of her past sufferings. Carton and Darnay, on the other hand, exhibit love which they shower on Lucie while Carton sacrifices his life for love. Lucie’s love for her father brings him to life from his prolonged incarceration. Therefore, love and hatred go hand in hand in the novel.

Theme 10

#Revolution

The nature of a revolution and its impact is another theme of the novel. France was going through an upheaval. The whole social fabric has turned topsy-turvy as the poor people like Defarge became revengeful and the aristocrats like Evremonde had fallen. Even Darnay has to go through many challenges due to his family connections. The killing spree has led to the deaths of innocents and sinners alike.

 

Thus we can say that the novel contains several major themes that run throughout the story. Themes of resurrection, social justice, and darkness versus light can be found in abundance.