A Tale of Two Cities : Quotations
A Tale of Two Cities is a notable literary work by Charles Dickens. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of A Tale of Two Cities.
Quotations
Major Quotes:
“It was the best of times and it was the worst of times;
It was the age of wisdom and it was the age of foolishness;…” Book one, Chapter I
Explanation: This is the opening line of the novel. It highlights the contradictions of 1775. Dickens sets the historical context of the French Revolution. It shows how extreme poverty and oppression lived beside hope and renewal. It sets the tone for a historical novel full of chaos and change.
- About Lucie Manette Narrator say:
“She was the golden thread that united him to a Past beyond his misery…” (Book Two, Chapter IV– Narrator )
Explanation: This line describes Lucie’s deep influence on her father. Her love brings Dr. Manette back to life emotionally. She represents selfless love, healing, and peace in a time of violence.
- Lucie says to darney.
“I can bear it, dear Charles; I am supported from above. Don’t suffer for me.” (Book Three, Chapter XI)
Explanation: This line shows that Lucie is strong, brave, and full of faith. She is A Patient and Realistic Woman.
- Sydney Carton says to Lucie,
“For you, and for any dear to you, I would do anything.” (Book two, Chapter XIII )
Explanation: Carton confesses his love to Lucie and promises to sacrifice anything for her or her family. This is the emotional foundation for his final heroic act. It reveals his deep, selfless love.
- Docoe manatte curse the Evrémonde family:
“And them and their descendants, to the last of their race,” (Book three, chapter X)
Explanation: Dr. Manette cursed the Evrémonde family and all their future generations. This curse was used in court as proof to punish Darnay.
- About Madame Defarge:
“She was absolutely without pity.”– Book Three, Chapter XIV
Explanation: This line describes Madame Defarge’s heartless pursuit of revenge. Dickens criticizes the bloodlust of the revolutionaries who lose their humanity in the name of justice.
- About Revolution & guillotine:
“Liberty, equality, fraternity, or death;—the last, much the easiest to bestow, O Guillotine!” Book Third, Chapter V – Narrator
Explanation: This bitter line criticizes the French Revolution. It shows how slogans of freedom became excuses for mass execution. Dickens sees the guillotine as a false symbol of justice and freedom.
- About Bastil:
“The Bastille is taken, and the prisoners are free.”
Book Two, Chapter XXI – Narrator
Explanation: This marks the beginning of the French Revolution. The storming of the Bastille represents rebellion and the people’s fight to reclaim justice and dignity.
- Carton’s final thought:
“It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done…”
Book Three, Chapter XV
Explanation: This famous closing line expresses Carton’s peace and purpose in dying for others. It is the ultimate statement of love, sacrifice, and spiritual rebirth.
- Sydney Carton thoughts before death:
“I see a beautiful city and brilliant people rising from this abyss…” Book Three, Chapter XV – Sydney Carton
Explanation: Carton imagines a hopeful future as he dies. His sacrifice gives meaning to his life and brings peace to others. Dickens uses this to show resurrection, redemption, and lasting love.
- About the guillotine:
“It was the sign of the regeneration of the human race. It superseded the Cross.”
(Book three, Chapter IV)
Explanation: It expresses that during the French Revolution, people saw the guillotine as more important than the Christian Cross. They believed killing enemies would create a better society. They replaced faith and peace with violence and bloodshed.
- Theme of resurrection:
“I am the resurrection and the life, saith the Lord…” Book Three, Chapter XV – Narrator quotes from the Bible
Explanation: This passage echoes Carton’s inner peace before death. He sees his sacrifice as a spiritual rebirth, reflecting the novel’s major theme of resurrection.
Minor quotes:
- Madame Defarge to lucie,
“Judge you! Is it likely that the trouble of one wife and mother would be much to us now?” (Book Three, Chapter III) “
2.“The wine was red wine, and had stained the ground of the narrow street…”
Book One, Chapter – V
Explanation: This scene shows poor people scrambling for spilled wine. The red wine symbolizes blood, foreshadowing the coming violence of the Revolution.
- Marquis St. Evrémonde:
“Repression is the only lasting philosophy. (Book two, Chapter IX )
Explanation: This statement shows the cruelty of the French aristocracy. The Marquis believes that ruling by fear is the only way. Dickens uses him to criticize the corrupt upper class, which helped trigger the Revolution.
- About contemporary people:
“A multitude of people and yet a solitude.” Book One, Chapter VI – Narrator
Explanation: This describes London and Paris. Despite the busy crowds, people are isolated and lonely. Dickens reflects the emotional distance and hidden pain of individuals in a troubled society.
- Written note left on the dead Marquis:
“Drive him fast to his tomb. This, from Jacques.”
Book Two, Chapter IX – Narrator
Explanation: This note reveals the start of organized revolutionary violence. The use of “Jacques” shows how peasants were uniting in secret against aristocrats like the cruel Marquis.
- Darnays Birth:
I am a Frenchman born, (Book two, chapter XXIV)
Explanation: Here, Charles Darnay expresses his actions or decisions are influenced by the fact that France is his birthplace. He feels a natural sense of responsibility toward it.
- Sydney Carton:
“I care for no man on earth, and no man on earth cares for me.” Book two , Chapter IV –
Explanation: This quote shows Carton’s loneliness and lack of self-worth early in the novel. It makes his later sacrifice more powerful. It shows how much he changes out of love for Lucie.
- Sydney Carton says to Lucie Manette:
“You have been the last dream of my soul.”- Book Two, Chapter XIII
Explanation: Carton confesses his unspoken love to Lucie. This emotional quote shows his inner goodness and desire for meaning, even though he expects no return.
- Carton’s imagined vision:
“I see Her with a child upon her bosom, who bears my name..”
Book Three, Chapter XV – Narrator
Explanation: Before dying, Carton imagines Lucie happy with her child. This shows the peace he feels in giving his life for her future.
- Carton’s imagination:
“There is a man who would give his life to keep a life you love beside you.”
Book Three, Chapter XIII – Sydney Carton (to Lucie)
Explanation: Carton says this to assure Lucie of his devotion. It foreshadows his final act of sacrifice and underlines the theme of selfless love.
- Mr. Lorry to D. Manatte:
“You know that you are recalled to life?” –Book One, Chapter III –
Explanation: This refers to Dr. Manette’s return from prison. “Recalled to life” is a key theme, symbolizing spiritual resurrection and hope after suffering.
- Carton say about himself in prison:
“I am not afraid to die, Citizen Evrémonde, but I have done nothing. (Book three, Chapter XIII)
13 Jackle and Lion:
“At length, the jackal had got together a compact repast for the lion, and proceeded to offer it to him.” (Book Two, Chapter V)
Explanatio: The lion symbolizes visible power, authority, and ambition. The qualities Stryver likes to display.
- “Although Sydney Carton would never be a lion, he was an amazingly good jackal.” Book Two, Chapter V
Explanation: The lines expresses The Jackal (Carton) stands for quiet hard work, support, and sacrifice.