A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens is a classic novel set in London and Paris during the French Revolution. It tells a story of love, sacrifice, and redemption against the backdrop of the turbulent historical events of the time. The novel tells the story of the French Doctor Manette, his 18-year-long imprisonment in the Bastille in Paris, and his release to live in London with his daughter Lucie, whom he had never met. The story is set against the conditions that led up to the French Revolution and the Reign of Terror. Hope you enjoy reading the article, A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens (PDF)
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“Have a heart that never hardens, and a temper that never tires, and a touch that never hurts.” – Charles Dickens
A Tale of Two Cities: Book Summary
Set in 1775, both France and England are experiencing societal distress. Jerry Cruncher, who is employed by Tellson’s Bank, intercepts the Dover mail-coach with a cryptic message for Jarvis Lorry regarding a young woman waiting at Dover. Lorry meets Lucie Manette, a young orphan, whose supposedly deceased father, a renowned doctor, has been found alive in France.
Upon reaching Paris, they meet Defarge, who had been safeguarding Doctor Manette, driven to madness by his lengthy time in prison. Lucie’s love and devotion manage to restore her father’s sanity. Fast forward to 1780 where Charles Darnay is on trial for betraying the English crown. His trial is won with the help of Sydney Carton, who bears a striking resemblance to Darnay.
This resemblance undermines the prosecution’s claim of identifying Darnay as the spy they spotted. Carton harbors resentment towards Darnay for reminding him of what he could have been. Meanwhile, in France, the ruthless Marquis Evrémonde kills a commoner child with his carriage, showing no remorse. Darnay detests his uncle’s callous treatment of the poor and disowns his identity as an Evrémonde.
A year later, Darnay asks for Manette’s approval to marry Lucie. He promises to reveal his real identity to Manette if Lucie accepts. That same night, Manette reverts to his old prison behavior of making shoes. Yet, after nine days, he regains his sanity and joins the newlyweds on their honeymoon. The French Revolution begins in 1789, with Darnay returning to France despite the danger, in response to a plea from Gabelle.
Arrested upon his arrival, he remains in prison for over a year until Manette’s influence secures his release. However, he is arrested again the same night. Sydney Carton arrives in Paris with a plan to rescue Darnay, tricking him into changing clothes with him, and awaiting execution in his place. Carton meets his death at the guillotine, finally finding some meaning in his life.
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