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Symbolism is an important literary tools used by novelist and poets. A Tale of Two Cities is a symbolic novel with great depth and significance. The symbolism in the novel are used abundantly and they are not at all superfluous as they add depth and meaning to the novel. Dickens symbol are a part of his plot, dominating the entire novel and suggesting a deeper significance to ordinary thing.
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| A Tale of Two Cities |
From the first chapter onwards, we come across symbols which signify as deeper meaning. The wood man and farmer working side by side silently quietly symbolised Fate and Death respectively. They are nor mere workers but embody the idea that fate and death symbolised by the farmer and the woodman are quietly working together in French Supreme out death and bloodshed.
Chapter two plunges in to a symbolic journey and that uphill and labourers journey is symbolic of difficult time in France and England. Lorry's dream and nightmare is also symbolic of the upcoming disaster. Further the novel is replete with variety of images and symbols. The wine shop of Mr and Mrs Defarge symbolise something deeper. Thus the spelling of wine stands for blood and bloodshed that is the French Revolution.
Another symbol of the revolution is the Nobel is the huge grindstone. Though it is original name used to crash what it symbolise the crushing of humanity. Equally symbolic of the cruelty and bloodshed La-guillontine or the National Razor which is used for beheading. The Bastille too is used as a symbol of tightening during the reign of terror. It is linked to the images of blood and the revolution. The violent and vengeful and bloody mood of the revolutionary is further depicted through the symbol of knitting. Thus the revolution is symbolised by the images of blood and bloodshed associated with the knitting of Madame Defarge. Even the names occurred in the novel are symbolic. For instances Sydney carton becomes a symbol of sacrifice, Lucie Manette stands for Ray of hope and love to everyone, Charles reflects the quality of patience and fortitude Jarvis Lorry symbolises selfless service, Marquis St. Evremonde symbolises inhumanity, Madame Defarge is symbolic of hatred etc.
In this way A Tale of Two Cities can be considered a great historical novel with full of symbolism and the symbols used in the novel become fully appropriate with the theme of the novel.
Chapter two plunges in to a symbolic journey and that uphill and labourers journey is symbolic of difficult time in France and England. Lorry's dream and nightmare is also symbolic of the upcoming disaster. Further the novel is replete with variety of images and symbols. The wine shop of Mr and Mrs Defarge symbolise something deeper. Thus the spelling of wine stands for blood and bloodshed that is the French Revolution.
Another symbol of the revolution is the Nobel is the huge grindstone. Though it is original name used to crash what it symbolise the crushing of humanity. Equally symbolic of the cruelty and bloodshed La-guillontine or the National Razor which is used for beheading. The Bastille too is used as a symbol of tightening during the reign of terror. It is linked to the images of blood and the revolution. The violent and vengeful and bloody mood of the revolutionary is further depicted through the symbol of knitting. Thus the revolution is symbolised by the images of blood and bloodshed associated with the knitting of Madame Defarge. Even the names occurred in the novel are symbolic. For instances Sydney carton becomes a symbol of sacrifice, Lucie Manette stands for Ray of hope and love to everyone, Charles reflects the quality of patience and fortitude Jarvis Lorry symbolises selfless service, Marquis St. Evremonde symbolises inhumanity, Madame Defarge is symbolic of hatred etc.
In this way A Tale of Two Cities can be considered a great historical novel with full of symbolism and the symbols used in the novel become fully appropriate with the theme of the novel.