Political Elements in A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

A Tale of Two Cities has many political elements in it, as the novel discusses the different monarchies in France and England. During this time period, which is set in 1775, France is under aristocratic rule and England was under a stable monarchy. France is beneath the rule of King Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette. England is led by King George III and Queen Charlotte Sophia. In the novel, there is revolution occurring in France (1789 to late 1790s). An image of stable England is shown by using revolutionary France as a setting to point out the differences between the two countries. England is freer, while the French are under horrible poverty. The short and the long of it is, that I am a subject of His Most Gracious Majesty King George†¦show more content†¦In the novel, the social aspects are very prevalent. The Reign of Terror causes the people to be thirsty for blood. Once again, Madame Defarge shows this in the novel, because she wants revenge, and doesn’t care if innocent people have to die because of it. Tell the Wind and the Fire where to stop; not me! (Page 352), says Defarge. She and the other people of France are full of vengeance. People in France begin to flee to England for help. They are tired of living in fear. The Evremondes even refer to England as their refuge. Marriage seems to be out of love with the romance between Lucie and Charles Darnay. When Sydney Carton falls for her, it also seems to be out of love as he says, O Miss Manette, when the little picture of a happy fathers face looks up in yours, when you see your own bright beauty springing up anew at your feet think now and then that there is a man who would give his life, to keep a life you love beside you! (Page 159), say Carton to Lucie about his love for her. Not only is their more freedom with whom you marry but, women are also beginning to see light of some equality. This is also the time period of big intellectual reforms. The Enlightenment was a big influence on the Revolution, as it gave philosophes new ideas. John Locke had said that no king should have absolute rule. He also believed that there are natural rights of the people that should not be taken away. The French agreed with many of hisShow MoreRelatedA Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens Essay1393 Words   |  6 Pagescritical acclaim, A Tale of Two Cities occupies a central place in the cannon of Charles Dickens’ work. A Tale of Two Cities, published in serial form starting on April 30, 1859, is a historical fiction novel. A dominant theme in this historical novel is the duality found in many of Dickens’ characters. Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities is somewhat autobiographical; emphasizes the key elements of theme, plot, and character; and has received extensive criticism. 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