A Tale of Two Cities/Themes

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A Tale of Two Cities has a number of prominent themes. A theme is a central idea that is explored through a novel.

Rebirth is a good theme in a tale of two cities

The unnecessary bloodshed in the revolution[edit | edit source]

Violence plays a recurring role in A Tale of Two Cities.

In A Tale of Two Cities, Charles Dickens tries to convey the message that a revolution is necessary in France by using the Marquis Evrémonde as an archetype of the French aristocrats, and also by causing the reader to sympathize with the peasants. He engages in a few exceptionally cruel acts, such as running over a child, and complaining: “‘It is extraordinary to me,…that you people cannot take care of yourselves and your children. One or the other of you is for ever in the way".

Although the revolution was so incredibly necessary due to the cruelty of the aristocrats, it is also evident that many of the revolutionaries were also equally cruel. Any rational person would certainly realize that, if anything, Darnay should be rewarded by the revolutionaries for willfully giving up the fortune that he inherited. In addition to plotting to kill Darnay, Madame Defarge also pursues Lucie Manette, who is clearly a kind woman who poses no threat to anybody. The only reason for pursuing her is because she is, by marriage, related to the Marquis Evrémonde. However, these feelings against the Evrémonde's are only because of her personal issues with them, and not in the interest of the Republic.