By Charles Dickens
Where "Great Expectations" lacks realism, "A Tale of Two Cities" follows a record of historical events. Being so well crafted, it is remarkable the novel was written under than duress of constant deadlines. Following the deadlines of a serial, it would seem easy to digress into fluff. Protagonist Charles Darnay is caught between the parallels of England and France, nobility and peasantry. Though the wording is very plotting at times, readers will expect some twists and be surprised by others. Taking an unlikely bride, Darney would seem to have reached an equilibrium. But two trials for treason lead to revelations threaten to tear all that is sacred from him. Known as the villain, Madame Defarge may hold a reputation with some before reading the book. Yet plot details are able to reveal her as a sympathetic character. Yet the vile nature of her plotting ultimately corrupts this glimmer. With themes of social justice and the French Revolution in the background, historians have come to appreciate this work. Those who read the book with less appreciative eyes may overlook the biting humor in the novel. Omitting this aspect is allowing one's self to miss a highlight of the book. It is a novel that has greatness hidden in many places."
I will never forget Sydney Carton. How his character struck me! This book has been looked at with apprehension by many (including me) probably since it was first published. Everyone knows the immortal first line, “it was the best of times, it was the worst of times…” Most people don’t get past the first page. Dickens tends to do that to people. But boy is it worth it to keep plowing through! I myself love Dickens, so I’m a little biased. I will however, tell you that there is a lot in this novel that seemed unnecessary and-dare I say it? Too wordy. That kills me to say, but I think that the point could have been gotten to a bit quicker and consisely. It’s hard to follow what character is talking because Dickens refers to them by at least 3 different names each. So, while the middle parts are a bit muddy to me, the basic point of the novel was very well learned. The French Revolution was more than awful. This novel is poetic and beautiful in its terrible setting. It gave me chills reading those last few pages, and sent great thrills in my heart as I read those last lines, “Tis a far better thing that I do now than I’ve ever done before.”
Where "Great Expectations" lacks realism, "A Tale of Two Cities" follows a record of historical events. Being so well crafted, it is remarkable the novel was written under than duress of constant deadlines. Following the deadlines of a serial, it would seem easy to digress into fluff. Protagonist Charles Darnay is caught between the parallels of England and France, nobility and peasantry. Though the wording is very plotting at times, readers will expect some twists and be surprised by others. Taking an unlikely bride, Darney would seem to have reached an equilibrium. But two trials for treason lead to revelations threaten to tear all that is sacred from him. Known as the villain, Madame Defarge may hold a reputation with some before reading the book. Yet plot details are able to reveal her as a sympathetic character. Yet the vile nature of her plotting ultimately corrupts this glimmer. With themes of social justice and the French Revolution in the background, historians have come to appreciate this work. Those who read the book with less appreciative eyes may overlook the biting humor in the novel. Omitting this aspect is allowing one's self to miss a highlight of the book. It is a novel that has greatness hidden in many places."
I will never forget Sydney Carton. How his character struck me! This book has been looked at with apprehension by many (including me) probably since it was first published. Everyone knows the immortal first line, “it was the best of times, it was the worst of times…” Most people don’t get past the first page. Dickens tends to do that to people. But boy is it worth it to keep plowing through! I myself love Dickens, so I’m a little biased. I will however, tell you that there is a lot in this novel that seemed unnecessary and-dare I say it? Too wordy. That kills me to say, but I think that the point could have been gotten to a bit quicker and consisely. It’s hard to follow what character is talking because Dickens refers to them by at least 3 different names each. So, while the middle parts are a bit muddy to me, the basic point of the novel was very well learned. The French Revolution was more than awful. This novel is poetic and beautiful in its terrible setting. It gave me chills reading those last few pages, and sent great thrills in my heart as I read those last lines, “Tis a far better thing that I do now than I’ve ever done before.”
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