English Literature: January 2023

Wednesday 4 January 2023

Bring out the Comic Elements in “A Tale of Two Cities”.

A Tale of Two Cities is essentially a serious and tragic novel of Dickens. But the most outstanding quality of Dickens, the note of humour is not absent in it, though it does not contain too much humour as we find in other novels like 'Great Expectations' and 'David Copperfield'. Since the novel deals with the most serious aspect of society, excess of humour would have marred the tragic effect of the novel. Despite that, the novelist introduces humour through situations, characterization and incidents. Characters like Stryver, Jerry Cruncher and Miss Pross provide us with ample humour.

Write a Note on the Tragic Elements in A "Tale of Two Cities".

Tragic Elements in A "Tale of Two Cities":

In spite of the fact that A Tale of Two Cities contains a few grains of humour, it is out and out a tragic novel, containing a large number of melodramatic and sensational meterial. The novelist does not love violence and boodshed for their own sake. Besides the general tragedy of the people of France, the novel also deals with the tragedies of a few individuals. It depicts like a tragedy suffering and misfortune of some characters.

Comment on the Treatment of Self-Love in “A Tale of Two Cities”.

Dicknes is one of the greatest creator of characters in English fiction. Sydney Carton is a superb example of his characterization. Sydney Carton is an example of sacrifice and renunciation. His sacrificing action in the novel raises him to the status of the hero. Dickens has portrayed him as a man of word and a man of action.

Compare and Contrast Sydney Carton and Stryver.

There are no points of similarity between Stryver and Carton. They are classmates and they spend a lot of time together but they are totally different in their attitudes, values reactions and philosophy. They are told contrary to each other.

Similarities and Dissimilarities of  Sydney Carton and Stryver:

While Stryver is a reputed lawyer, Sydney is his assistant due to whose talent, Stryver has succeeded as a lawyer. At Darnay's trial at Old Bailey, Stryver can do nothing. It is Sydney who sees the resemblance between Darnay and himself and brings about Darnay's release. Thus Sydney works hard for Stryver who lives on his brains.

"Charles and Sydney are opposite side of the same coin". Discuss.

Charles Darnay and Sydney Carton are similar, yet different. Though they have plenty in common, they are different from each other. They are similar in looks but different in outlook.

 Similarities between Charles and Sydney:

Both look alike and both love Lucie. Whereas Charles gains her love, Sydney is rejected but they are not jealous of each other. Though they do not really care for each other, Lucie is the golden thread who binds them and encourages them to overcome their mutual antipathy.

Tuesday 3 January 2023

"A Tale of Two Cities is a Tale of Two Heroes". Discuss.

A Tale of Two Cities is a tale that revolves around two heroes Sidney Carton and Charles Darnay. They both look alike, both are men of integrity, both love the same woman but Carton dies for Darnay, and the latter survives and lives happily. A happy ending for Darnay does not entitle him to be the hero.

How is “A Tale of Two Cities” a Novel about Rebirth?

A Tale of Two Cities is largely an illustration of the theme of resurrection. In this novel resurrection has also been related to renunciation. The Resurrection theme is developed through the lives of Dr. Manette, Darnay, Carton, Roger Cly, Old Foulon, Solomon (or Barsad) and Jerry Cruncher. These characters in the novel are resurrected in one way or the other.