1. It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…

2. It the best of times for whom? The worst? Dickens’ writing –Social problems –Reinventing the purpose of life –Uses characters to represent ideas rather then individuals –Usually takes place in England…

3. Usually takes place in England? What is the second city…France Why: similarities in class/power THE FRENCH REVOLUTION –Societal overturn –Lack of resources –Class inequality of political power

4. French Society: birth right Nobility Common People Clergy

5. Setting: 1775-1793 England –London –Port City of Dover France –Paris –Rural France Farmers, peasants, sharecropers

6. Things to Consider… Parallel Events Mockery of Justice in French and English Courts Foreshadowing and Flashback Symbolism –Dark and light –Isolation and companionship

7. Why does Dickens, an Englishmen, present the cruelty and lawlessness of the French Revolution to his fellow English Citizens?

8. Based on the on-going events of the story, what is Dickens saying about the achievement of social change?