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A Tale Of Two Cities Analysis

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Charles Dickens is widely regarded as one of the most influential writers of the 19th century, and A Tale Of Two Cities is widely regarded as one of his best novels. Unlike other novels by Dickens, A Tale Of Two Cities relies upon an engrossing plot and vivid descriptions to develop characters, rather than dialogue and character interactions. The result is a compelling story of sacrifice and resurrection that has made A Tale Of Two Cities (hereafter abbreviated ATOTC) a staple in literature classes all around the world. To achieve the level of writing that elevates ATOTC, Dickens utilizes beautiful imagery to describe the setting, The French Revolution, and a great deal of metaphors and symbolism throughout in order to realize the novel’s central theme of resurrection and rebirth. While the character development in ATOTC is generally regarded to be inferior to other Dickens novels, the description of setting is arguably his best. The story takes place in both London and Paris during the years 1775-1793, but centers around the French Revolution, and the violence that accompanied it. Dickens uses vivid imagery throughout the novel to set the scene and to illustrate the brutal nature of the rebellion. In the very first chapter, Dickens writes, “France, less favoured on the whole as to matters spiritual than her sister of the shield and trident, rolled with exceeding smoothness down hill, making paper money and spending it. Under the guidance of her Christian pastors, she

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