The French Revolution - 2967 Words

The setting alternates between various locations in France and England, taking place primarily in the cities of Paris and London respectively. Within each geographic location are specific recurring locations. In France, these include places such as the Defarge’s wine shop, the estate of the Marquis, and the Bastille. In England, these include places such as the courthouse, the Manette home, and Tellson’s Bank. The story spans several decades, from 1775 to 1793. This time period covers critical points in European history, encompassing the American Revolution as well as the beginning of the French Revolution. 6. Importance of the setting (consider ideas/beliefs indicative of the time and possible symbolism) The setting is an integral part of†¦show more content†¦The recurring motifs of death and darkness are given an extra dimension due to the actions of the heartless aristocracy and bloodthirsty masses, and the story’s setting provides further context for these key moments. 7. Plot (key conflicts and resolution, approximately 250 words) The story of A Tale of Two Cities begins with the immortal lines of literature – â€Å"it was the best of times, it was the worst of times†. The very introduction of the novel captures the unease and contrast of the time period, as well as the conflicting extremes in ideology that were present on both sides of the English Channel. The first few chapters are rather ambiguous, filled with metaphors and three powerful words – â€Å"Recalled to Life†. As Mr. Jarvis Lorry, an employee of Tellson’s Bank, soon finds out, these words refer to the reappearance of Dr. Manette, a man who turns out to have been imprisoned in the Bastille for the past eighteen years. Accompanied by Manette’s daughter, Lucie, Lorry sets out to France to reclaim Manette. Upon meeting the doctor, it is easily apparent that his time in prison has been detrimental to his mental health. The doctor sits in the cellar of a wine shop, making shoes and repeating the number of his p rison cell. However, the sight and touch of his daughter, Lucie, reinvigorates him, and slowly, Dr. Manette begins to return to normal. He accompanies his daughter and Lorry back to London. The story flashes forward a couple years to a trial. A handsome man by