Charles Dickens : Four Novels

Rating:
Summary: One of the best
Review: Charles Dicken's TALE OF TWO CITIES is one of the best novels he has writen. His story gives a facinating plot, and keeps a reader craving for more. The inocent "golden doll" Lucie, the secret hero, Sidney Carton, the evil St. Evermonde twins, the poor Darney, born to shame, the wicked Madame De Farge, the caring Miss Pross, the gentlman in "brown", Mr. Lorry, and Dr. Manette himself, are only a few characters Charles Dickens brings alive. In addition, the way he brings out images, like water, throughout the complexed plot is very crafty. It brings out a story of love, deception, jealousy, revenge, and loyalty to the best extent. Words can not describe the wonder for the novel.

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Summary: Use of Motifs in Charles Dickens' A Tale of Two Cities
Review: Charles Dickens novel, A Tale of Two Cities, is outstanding in that it portrays very real themes and, with the use of motifs, develops those themes thoroughly. Motifs are recurring structures, contrasts, or literary devices that help the themes unfold. In the novel, there is an ever-present possibility of resurrection or transformation, both on a personal and societal level. Sydney Carton's death serves as a sacrifice for the lives of others, and he is reborn in the hearts of those he has died to save. Connected to the theme of the possibility of resurrection is the necessity of sacrifice. Sacrifice is a way to achieve and ensure pure happiness. Dickens also shows that along with a revolution comes the tendency towards violence, evil, and oppression. By using the motifs of doubles, shadows, and imprisonment, Dickens forms and materializes his major themes and makes his views known on the French Revolution.

The novels opening words, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness..." immediately establishes the centrality of doubles in the novel. These beginning words represent the two cities mentioned in the title, and the action in the novel divides itself between these two cities. The two main women characters in the novel are depicted as opposed doubles. Lucie Manette is gentle while Madame Defarge is hateful and detestable. Dickens doubling technique is used to create oppositions but also to reveal hidden parallels. For example, Carton is shown as a foil to Charles Darnay. Darnay is everything that Carton has failed to become. However, by the end of the novel, Carton transforms himself into a hero whose goodness surpasses that of Darnay's virtuous status. Thus, Dickens uses opposition to make judgments and thematic assertions.

Shadows dominate the novel and set the mood so that it is of gloom and despair. Even from the beginning, the first images of the story set off a mood of apprehension when the mail coach makes its journey in the dark and mist. This atmosphere contributes to the mystery surrounding Lorry's mission to Paris and Dr. Manettes imprisonment. Dickens demonstrates that in the depths of every human heart lies mysteries and secrets that will never see the light of day. Revolution is a time of foreboding and obscurity- thus the emergence of Dickens theme that with a revolution comes the tendency towards violence and oppression. Marquis Evrémonde belongs to a vicious aristocracy that exploits and mistreats the nations poor.He stands as a symbol of the ruthless aristocratic cruelty that the French Revolution seeks to overcome. Dickens deeply sympathizes with the plight of the peasantry yet he condemns their strategies in overcoming it. They perpetuate the very cruelty and oppression from which they hope to free themselves of. Dickens' most relevant view of the French Revolution comes at the end of the novel, he notes the downward slope from the oppressed to the oppressor. Though Dickens sees the French Revolution as a great symbol of transformation and resurrection, he emphasizes that its violent means were ultimately antithetical to its end.

Almost all of the central characters in the novel fight against some kind of imprisonment. For Darnay and Manette the struggle is literal, both serve significant sentences in French prisons. However, the memories of what some have overcome in the novel prove to be no less confining than the walls of prison. Manette recalls his experiences in the Bastille and can do nothing but return to his pathetic shoe-making occupation. Similarly, Carton struggles against his own personality, dissatisfied with his worthless life. Yet, through all of Carton's struggles, he ascends to the plane of heroism and becomes a Christ-like figure whose death saves the lives of others. Thus, his own life gains meaning. The supreme selflessness of this final act of going to the guillotine speaks for change. Change not only personally for Carton, but also for a better society.

In conclusion, A Tale of Two Cities portrays eminent and powerful themes brought about by the use of motifs. The most important theme is that of the possibility of resurrection or transformation. The novel suggests that Sydney Carton's death secures a new, peaceful life for Lucie, Darnay and even Carton himself. By delivering himself to the guillotine, Carton, like Christ, will be resurrected and reborn in the hearts of those he has died to save. Similarly, the novel implies that the death of the Old Regime in France prepares the way for the renewed Paris that Carton envisions from the guillotine. The novel expresses the belief that violence will ultimately give way to a new and better society. However, a new French republic can come about only wit heavy costs- personal loves and loyalties must be sacrificed for the good of the nation. Thus, the idea of sacrifice is necessary to obtain happiness and everlasting peace. Most importantly, Carton's transformation into a man of moral worth depends upon his sacrificing of his former self. In choosing to die for his friends, Carton not only enables their happiness but ensures his spiritual rebirth. He states, " I am the Resurrected and the Life, saith the Lord: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die" (363). The novel ends with the statement that Carton would have said if he had been allowed to write the thoughts that inspired him, "It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to than I have ever known." This basically ensures his spiritual resurrection and those for which he has sacrificed his life will never forget him.

Rating:
Summary: Dickens is a genious when it comes to writing books!
Review: I love all his pieces of litterature! Last year, in fourth grade I read Great Expectations. In second,I read A Christmas Carol.Also,in fouurth I read Oliver Twist!Dickens is a true genious in writing litterature!!