Resurrection and Rebirth in A Tale of Two Cities Essay...

A Tale of Two Cities By Charles Dickens The idea of resurrection and rebirth pervades in this novel. How does Dickens use this theme? Do these themes of resurrection and self sacrifice and the setting of the French Revolution have anything to do with one another? Why is this the time and place of the novel? Brief Historical Background The novel, A Tale of Two Cities, takes place during the onset of the French Revolution, which shook the Western world with its violence and new ideas on freedom and the aristocracy. It was a period of major political and social change in the political history of both France and Europe during which the French governmental structure took on the Enlightenment’s ideals democracy, citizenship, and†¦show more content†¦His inspiration for the novel was brought about by a play he starred in, wherein a man sacrifices his own life so that his rival may have the woman they both love. This was the basis for the love triangle relationships between Charles Darnay, Lucie Manette, and Sydney Carton in the novel. Moreover, Dickens appreciated the play for its treatment of redemption and rebirth, love and violence. The novel is seen to transpose these themes onto the French Revolution, which seemed like an event that embodied these same issues on a historical level. The theme of rebir th and redemption is constantly seen in the novel, especially since it took place during such a turbulent time of much change and the countless â€Å"rebirths† of France’s government. Resurrection and Rebirth The most reoccurring theme in this novel is the theme of resurrection and rebirth. Dickens examines this theme on a political/national level in the form of France’s plight, while more explicitly examines it in the character of Carton. Many literary techniques have been employed by Dickens to call attention to this theme and it will also be the central discussion of this paper. The other theme of sacrifice is closely associated with the former, and will also be discussed in this paper. This novel shows Dickens’ belief in the possibility of resurrection and transformation, and it is shown to the readers on both a personal and societal level. The very beginning of theShow MoreRelatedA New and Better Life through Rebirth666 Words   |  3 PagesA New and Better Life through Rebirth In a time of either desperation or contentment, A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens communicates the rebirth going on in the era of the French Revolution in two cities: Paris and London. The theme of resurrection or rebirth is seen throughout the book. No matter what happens in the book, everything goes back to the one major theme of being RECALLED TO LIFE (14). 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