A
Tale of Two Cities Book 1: Recalled to Life – Charles Dickens
Introduction:
Charles Dickens (1812 – 1870) was a renowned English novelist, journalist and
social commentator. He is widely regarded has one of the greatest authors of
the Victorian era and is celebrated for his vivid depictions of London life,
memorable characters, and scathing critiques of social injustice. He has not
been regarded as a novelist of historical fiction, but he wrote two historical
novels. His first novel was ‘Barnaby Rudge’ and the second one was ‘A Tale of
Two Cities’.
The novel ‘ A Tale of
Two Cities’ is divided into three books. The first one has six chapters, the
second has twenty four chapters and the third has fifteen chapters. The themes of the novel is revolution, sacrifice,
redemption and the struggle for social justice. Jarvis Lorry, a banker, travels
from London to Paris to reunite a young girl, Lucie Manette, with her father,
Dr. Alexandre Manette. Dr. Manette, a French physician, has been imprisoned in
the Bastille for 18 years
Book
1: Recalled to Life
Chapter
1: The Period The
story begins in 1775, with a description of the social and political climate in
England and France.The chapter sets the tone for the rest of the novel,
highlighting the contrasts between the two cities. This chapter describes the causes
of the French Revolution. George III was the king of England while Louis XVI
was the King of France. In both the countries the common people were starving
and were forced to commit crimes. When they were caught, they were put to
death. The whole period was gloomy.
Chapter
2: The Mail The
scene shifts to the Dover Road, where a mail coach is traveling from London to
Dover. The passengers, including Jarvis Lorry and a mysterious stranger, are
introduced. The passengers were suspicious of one another and hence did not
talk with one another. The chapter describes the actual action of the novel.
Jarvis Lorry, the trustworthy clerk in Tellson’s Bank was concerned about
bringing Dr.Manette back to life and freedom.
Chapter
3: The Night Shadows The mail coach continues its journey, and the
passengers engage in conversation.Lorry reveals that he is on a mission to
reunite a young girl, Lucie Manette, with her father, Dr. Alexandre Manette.
Chapter
4: The Preparation The
scene shifts to the Manette family's home in London, where Lucie is living with
her servant, Miss Pross. Lorry arrives and informs Lucie that her father is
alive and has been released from prison
Chapter
5: The Wine Shop The scene shifts to a wine shop in
Paris, where a group of revolutionaries, including Monsieur Defarge, are
gathered.The chapter introduces the themes of revolution and social change.
Chapter
6: The Shoemaker The
scene shifts back to the Manette family's home, where Dr. Manette is reunited
with his daughter.The chapter introduces the character of Ernest Defarge, a
shoemaker and revolutionary. He was the servant of Dr.Manette. He rescued his
master after eighteen years of imprisonment in the Bastille. Dr.Manette was busy in making shoes in the garret. Luice
decided to take him to London so that Dr.Manette would forget the bitter past
and behave like a normal person.
These six chapters set
the stage for the rest of the novel, introducing the main characters and
themes, and establishing the contrasts between London and Paris.
