Charles Dickens and A Tale of Two Cities Background

Charles Dickens (1812-1870) The most famous English writer of his time, and one of the most celebrated of ours. Focused on social injustice and the effect of the industrial revolution on the middle class. Had a pretty miserable personal life, like many of the characters in his novels.

Little Dickens Childhood Born February 7th 1812 Came from a poor family His father was sent to prison (because he couldn’t pay any of his bills) Dickens was plucked from school and sent to a factory which made boot polish (child labor was legal then), in order to make some money for the family. Eventually the family received an inheritance, and Charles returned to school; however, he never forgot his experiences there.

Dickens’ Start in Writing Dickens had to leave school once again. He took a job as a law clerk in London. In his free time he hung around the London play houses (he later dabbled in acting and playwriting). At sixteen, Dickens got his first writing gig: recording events in the courthouse. 1833- Dickens’ first piece, “A Dinner At Poplar Walk” is published in a monthly magazine. Dickens was not paid; however, he did catch the eye of the editor.

Dickens Family Dickens married Catherine Hogarth in 1836. The couple had ten children! The marriage was an unhappy one, and Dickens didn’t seem to keen on the idea of being a father. In 1857 Dickens meets a young actress (she was 18, he was 45). They fall madly in love, and begin an affair. He and his wife separate in 1858.

Dickens: The Final Years Dickens most famous novels, A Tale of Two Cities (1859) and Great Expectations (1860), were both published later in his life. Dickens died from a stroke in 1870, his last novel, Our Mutual Friend was published in 1865.

Dickens’ Life in Cartoon http://www.bbc.co.uk/drama/bleakhouse/animation.shtml Dickens’ Life in Cartoon

Common Characteristics of Dickens’ Work Focused on social injustice. Criticized the systems and classes which took advantage of the poor. Family life was not portrayed in the nicest light.

Dickens World http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NN3b2Q0Ru0k

Now…On To A Tale of Two Cities 1859 Tale of human behavior (goodness and wickedness of people) In the preface to the first edition, Dickens says, “I have so verified what is done and suffered in these pages, as that I have certainly done and suffered it all myself.”

Yes, it is long. Why? This novel, and many of Dickens’ other novels were published serially in a monthly publication. Books were expensive. Guaranteed magazine subscriptions. More money for the publishers. Strict deadlines for Dickens!

Setting Set prior to & during the French Revolution (1775-1793 are the years documented in the novel) The Two Cities in the title are Paris, France and London, England! The most important thing to note is that during the French Revolution, the poor were treated horribly, while the rich got richer. Eventually the poor and middle classes revolted against the French powers.

Style Long winded scenes When the action rises, Dickens’ style becomes more choppy and urgent. Watch for irony!

Literary Concepts and Terms Characterization: DIRECT CHARACTERIZATION - the writer makes direct statements about a character's personality and tells what the character is like. INDIRECT CHARACTERIZATION - the writer reveals information about a character and his personality through that character's thoughts, words, and actions, along with how other characters respond to that character, including what they think and say about him. Irony- the contrast between appearance and reality (look for ironies or contradictions in the first paragraph)..More about this on the next slide! Melodrama- a sensational or romantic plot carried to the extremes of emotion Parallel Plots- the creation of two sets of characters and/or actions that eventually blend into one plot or reflect the same themes and motifs (look for the parallel situations and action in both London and Paris)

Literary Concepts Focus: Irony Situational Irony: the contrast between what a reader or character expects and what actually exists or happens Dramatic Irony: when the reader or audience learns information that certain characters do not know Verbal Irony: occurs when a character or narrator says one thing and means another Look for examples of these as you read!

Motifs: recurring structures, contrasts, or literary devices that can help to develop and inform the text’s major themes Look For the following Motifs: Doubles (w/ Irony) = The story divides itself between locations, characters, and opposites. These all add to the themes in the novel. Righting of wrongs (Look for actions by certain characters that aim to right their wrongs and note how they add to different themes.) Darkness & Light (Note how the use of shadows throughout the novel add to the dark mood of many of the scenes.) Confrontations between extreme evil and innocence Perseverance during harsh times

Themes A Tale of Two Cities explores questions about revolutions, the abuse of power, the nature of justice and loyalty, and the ability of love to triumph over hatred.

Themes Continued (remember to think of these themes in TOTC and other works we have read!) The forces of history often shape people’s lives and determine their destinies.   Cruelty, injustice, and oppression can incite people to rebel against governments. Heroism can be expressed through self-sacrifice. Violence and terror are often used to achieve the goals of revolutions. Violence breeds violence. Power tends to corrupt people. Love has the power to comfort, heal, and redeem.

What is this book about? In the years leading up to the French Revolution, the lower class was demoralized by the French aristocrats which was very similar to what was happening in London. Fed up, the French peasantries wanted things to change and took action to do so. This is a story which follows many characters of different backgrounds as they maneuver through these times. There are two characters in particular who will be of most interest. They are: Charles Darnay & Sydney Carton.

Why We Read It Dickens is one of the most celebrated authors in history. The AP exams love him, so the more familiar you are with his work, the better off you will be come exam time. Despite being long and challenging Dickens’ stories are actually very entertaining!

How to have the best of times and avoid the worst of times when reading. Keep up with the reading! Keep your study guide up to date! Keep track of characters and main events for each chapter. Ask questions!

Book the First-Chapter 1 It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way—in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only.* Epoch:A particular period of history, especially one considered remarkable or noteworthy Incredulity: doubtful Superlative: of the highest degree; superior *This particular period was a period like all others but those in power wanted to present it as the best period

What’s wrong with his grammar? Why does he do this? Dicken’s Style Antonym Phrases! Why would he do this? Think about what he is trying to say about the time period. What’s wrong with his grammar? Why does he do this?

Your turn… Brainstorm a topic (an event or an object) that you think could be both good and bad.  You need to parody Dicken's opening by writing your own paragraph about your topic. The only requirement : to include 6 antonym phrases including the first line(it was the best of times, it was the worst of times) and end with an --in short statement (like Dicken's does).

SAMPLE: The Flight It was the best of flights, it was the worst of flights, It was a moment of eager anticipation, it was a moment of apprehensive dread, it was the flight of opportunity, it was the flight of impossibility, it was the flight of tranquility and peace, it was the flight of turbulence and chaos, it was the flight of exotic cuisines, it was the flight of rubber chicken and putrid fish, it was the flight of foreign exploration, it was the flight of all too familiar stagnation—in short the flight was long and tedious, but made short with excitement and adventure, so much so that even the crabbiest of passengers can agree it was worth the ridiculous price.