A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens (Book Analysis): Detailed Summary, Analysis and Reading Guide

By Bright Summaries

Unlock the more straightforward side of A Tale of Two Cities with this concise and insightful summary and analysis!

This engaging summary presents an analysis of A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens, which is set in Paris and London in the late 18th century, at a time when France was convulsed by a paroxysm of revolutionary fervour. It follows the ageing Dr Manette, who has just been released from the notorious Bastille prison following 18 years of unjust imprisonment, as he is reunited with his daughter Lucie and attempts to adjust to his newfound freedom. Their peace is short-lived, however, as their lives are shaken by the drastic changes wrought by the Revolution and the violent excesses that accompany it. A Tale of Two Cities is Dickens’ best-known work of historical fiction (the other is Barnaby Rudge). His many novels also include Oliver Twist, Great Expectations and A Christmas Carol.

Find out everything you need to know about A Tale of Two Cities in a fraction of the time!

This in-depth and informative reading guide brings you:
• A complete plot summary
• Character studies
• Key themes and symbols
• Questions for further reflection

Why choose BrightSummaries.com?
Available in print and digital format, our publications are designed to accompany you on your reading journey. The clear and concise style makes for easy understanding, providing the perfect opportunity to improve your literary knowledge in no time.

See the very best of literature in a whole new light with BrightSummaries.com!

• Language: English
• Publisher: BrightSummaries.com
• Release date: Apr 8, 2019
• ISBN: 9782808018715

Book preview

ENGLISH NOVELIST AND SHORT STORY WRITER

Born in Portsmouth in 1812.

Died near Chatham in 1870.

Notable works:

A Christmas Carol (1843), novella

David Copperfield (1850), novel

Great Expectations (1861), novel

Charles Dickens was an English novelist who is considered to be the greatest writer of the Victorian era, to the point that many of his novels and the characters in them are synonymous with readers’ conceptualisation of the period. He was born in Portsmouth in 1812 to a middle-class family before moving to London in 1820 – the city where he would live for much of his life. In 1824, when financial ruin caused his father to be sent to debtors’ prison, he was forced to drop out of school and work in a factory. This period of his childhood was said to influence much of his later life and work. After working as a clerk and a newspaper reporter, Dickens began his literary career with the serialised novel The Pickwick Papers (1837) and went on to publish 15 novels, five novellas and numerous short stories. He achieved extreme popularity during his lifetime and widespread critical praise ever since, with many of his characters becoming English literary icons. Beyond the hundreds of adaptations of his books for film, television and the stage, Dickens’ work is remembered for