Essay on A Tale of Two Cities- A Historical fiction

A Tale of Two Cities- A Historical fiction A Tale of Two Cities is a novel categorized as historical fiction. Historical fiction is a composite material, with a portion of history embedded in a matrix of fiction. A Tale of Two Cities is appropriately titled, as the novel is the story of England and Revolutionary France; as a result it can be categorized as historical fiction. A Tale of Two Cities is parallel to history in many different respects. The English setting, and atmosphere, is similarly portrayed, as it actually existed in the seventeenth century. In the novel, Dickens goes into more detail about Revolutionary France in history with regards to setting, politics and the social structure, as well as the events, which occurred†¦show more content†¦Whether it was the best of times or the worst of times depended on ones point of view. The quote describes the spirit of the era in which this story takes place. Dickens also shows that crime ran rampant and robbery and murder were common occurrences in England at the time. â€Å"Daring burglaries by armed men, and highway robberies, took place in the capital itself every night† (Dickens 36). This shows the terror that the highwaymen brought to the people in England. The Old Bailey, a court of law, which stands beside the famous Newgate Prison, is the place where Charles Darnay was tried for treason. The Old Bailey was a real court in London. Prisoners were kept in the gaol, brought next door for trial, and hung on the street outside, until 1866 (Dickens 406). â€Å" ‘You know the Old Bailey well, no doubt?’ said one of the oldest of the clerks to Jerry the messenger† (Dickens 89). The Old Bailey was a court of law until it was renovated and called the Central Criminal Court. The Tellson’s Bank, where Mr. Lorry works is based on a real life bank called Thelusson’s Bank. â€Å"Tellson’s Bank by temple bar was an old fashioned place even in the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty† (Dickens 83). Dickens needed a name for the organization, which brings Lucie and Dr. Manette from France to England; he had read about Thelusson’s Bank in Carlyle’s work and shifted the name to Tellson’s Bank, whichShow MoreRelatedTale Of Two Cities Historical Fiction Analysis2034 Words   |  9 Pagesthat A Tale of Two Cities is an impressive work of historical fiction. Throughout the novel, Dickens uses history to further the plot in numerous ways, from the execution of Foulon demonstrating the ferocity of the revolutionaries to using the September Massacres to create tension and fear for the safety of Charles Darnay. Given how much the plot of A Tale of Two Cities is intertwined with the actual history, one thing that should be examined is just how much of A Tale of Two Cities is actuallyRead MoreA Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens Essay1393 Words   |  6 Pagescritical acclaim, A Tale of Two Cities occupies a central place in the cannon of Charles Dickens’ work. A Tale of Two Cities, published in serial form starting on April 30, 1859, is a historical fiction novel. A dominant theme in this historical novel is the duality found in many of Dickens’ characters. Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities is somewhat autobiographical; emphasizes the key elements of theme, plot, and character; and has received extensive criticism. A Tale of Two Cities is told in three partsRead MoreIs Deofes A Journal of the Plague Year Fact or Fiction?822 Words   |  4 Pageshis experience and events from the plague. 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However, in 1823, his father found himself forced into Marshalsea Debtor’s Prison, where the rest of hisRead More Comic and Tragic Elements in Kurt Vonneguts Slaughterhouse Five1485 Words   |  6 PagesFive    Slaughterhouse-Five, by Kurt Vonnegut Jr., is the tale of a World War II soldier, Billy Pilgrim. His wartime experiences and their effects lead him to the ultimate conclusion that war is unexplainable. To portray this effectively, Vonnegut presents the story in two dimensions: historical and science-fiction. The irrationality of war is emphasized in each dimension by contrasts in its comic and tragic elements. The historical seriousness of the Battle of the Bulge and the bombing of DresdenRead MoreInsanity of War in Slaughterhouse Five1504 Words   |  7 PagesSlaughterhouse-Five, by Kurt Vonnegut Jr., is the tale of a gawky World War II veteran/soldier, Billy Pilgrim. His wartime experiences and their effects lead him to the ultimate conclusion that war is unexplainable. To portray this effectively, Vonnegut presents the story in two dimensions: historical and science-fiction. The irrationality of war is emphasized in each dimension by contrasts in its comic and tragic elements . The historical seriousness of the Battle of the Bulge and the bombing ofRead MoreEssay on King Arthur: Distinguishing Fact from Fiction877 Words   |  4 Pagestimes it can be hard to distinguish fact from fiction. However, when a story, approximately 1500 years old has been told and retold, and modified over and over again, the truth, if there is any, can be quite hard to find! This paper will take a look at both the fact and the fiction surrounding who King Arthur was, what he did, and the historical basis for the king. Before exploring the historical truths, it is important that some of the well-known tales, myths and legends are brought into the lightRead MoreTitle/Author: A Tale of Two Cities / Charles Dickens Date of Publication/Genre:1859 / Historical700 Words   |  3 PagesTitle/Author: A Tale of Two Cities / Charles Dickens Date of Publication/Genre:1859 / Historical Fiction Biographical information about the author: Charles Dickens was (and remains) one of the most popular authors of all time. Many of his novels, including this one, has never gone out of print. He has been praised for his intricacy and realism. Historical information on the period of publication: This is a time post both French and American revolution, although conflict still exists in FranceRead MoreCharles Dickens A Tale Of Two Cities1573 Words   |  7 PagesRevolution is frequently referred to as one of the bloodiest time periods in history, being branded as an event that would evidently spawn ideals that were barely indulged in before and were built primarily on equality. The historical premise presented within Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities introduces similarities between the Revolutionaries he created, and of the prominence of the French Revolution, as well as the Revolution itself; however, its representation of figures as well as society in relation toRead MoreCharles Dickens A Tale Of Two Cities1573 Words   |  7 PagesRevolution is frequently referred to as one of the bloodiest time periods in history, being branded as an event that would evidently spawn ideals that were barely indulged in before and were built primarily on equality. The historical premise presented within Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities introduces similarities between the Revolutionaries he created, and of the prominence of the French Revolution, as well as the Revolution itself; however, its representation of figures as well as society in relation to