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Foreshadowing in A Tale of Two Cities Essay

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Foreshadowing in A Tale of Two Cities



How does diabolically spilt blood and mysterious footsteps become important in a historical fiction novel? What makes these murder-mystery traits relevant? Charles Dickens, author of A Tale of Two Cities, creatively foreshadows future events using suspenseful topics: A forbidden declaration of love, a tragically beautiful sunset streaked with crimson, echoing footsteps of a past that will not be forgotten, and wine stained streets soon to be smeared with blood. The aforementioned events are pulled together in this story of love and sacrifice. Collectively, they are an example of successful use of foreshadowing to create an atmosphere of foreboding and intrigue.

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A great corner for echoing was located near where Lucie and her father lived. Lucie, in fanciful times of imagination, made predictions about the echoing footsteps she heard pass by. During a night of conversation with Darnay and Carton, Lucie stated, "I have sometimes sat alone here of an evening, listening, until I have made the echoes out to be the echoes of all the footsteps that are coming by-and-by into our lives." (pg.121;book2;ch.6) And, although the innocent character Lucie may not realize it, Dickens, her creator, has her say such words to foretell the times when the footsteps of the past will again catch up with the book's characters. The mention of these echoes makes the reader wonder (along with the musing threesome) who will be affected by influence of the footsteps.



"I would embrace any sacrifice for you and those dear to you." (pg.166; book2;ch.13 ) Proclaiming these words with passion, Carton, in a rare moment of sincere sobriety, becomes the carrier of Dickens's most poignant use of foreshadowing.



Alone with Lucie, Carton honestly tells her his feelings. He states how useless and lost he sees himself in the world. Also, he reveals his love for her, and most importantly, his determination that her happiness is worth more to him than his own life. As Carton declares his life lost but for her

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