A Tale of Two Cities

Guide Note:

A Tale of Two Cities is a historical novel written by Charles Dickens. The plot takes place during the period leading up to the French Revolution and revolves around two main characters, Charles Darnay and Sidney Carton, who both fall in love with the same woman.

Fast Facts:

  1. Writer: Charles Dickens
  2. Country: United Kingdom
  3. Publisher: Chapman and Hall
  4. Publication date: 1859
  5. Thematic Elements:
    1. Mob violence
    2. Love and hate
    3. Social injustice
    4. Darkness and light
    5. Order and disorder
  6. Narrator: Third person

Plot Synopsis

The plot centers around the duo of Charles Darnay and Sidney Carton, who both seek the affection of one Lucie Manette. The storyline goes back and forth between London and Paris, hence the 'two cities' in the book's title. Darnay is a French upper class citizen who is a romantic at heart. Carton is an English lawyer who has become very critical in his life. The revolution and rebels sweep up the characters, and in the end cost both Darnay and Carton their lives.

The Mahalo Top 7

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  3. Project Gutenberg: A Tale of Two Cities Online Book
  4. Spark Notes: A Tale of Two Cities Study Guide
  5. Audio: A Tale of Two Cities Online Audio Book
  6. Amazon.com: A Tale of Two Cities Merchandise
  7. Video: A Tale of Two Cities (1935) Clip (Time: 03:22)


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