Discuss Dickens’ attitude towards the French Revolution in “A Tale of Two Cities.”

Answer

Discuss Dickens’ attitude towards the French Revolution in “A Tale of Two Cities.”

The French Revolution (1789–1799) was a time of big social and political change in France. It aimed to bring liberty, equality, and fraternity. But it also brought years of violence and death. Dickens uses this revolution as the main background for his novel “A Tale of Two Cities” (1859). The story takes place in both England and France during the years before and during the Revolution. 

Revolution as a Background: Dickens opens the novel with the famous lines, 

“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 

These words reflect the mixed and contradictory nature of the period. In England, people were worried about strange events and religious predictions. In France, the poor were suffering greatly while the rich lived in luxury and wasted money. In both nations, the rich often treated the poor with cruelty and without care. Dickens uses the Revolution as the main stage for the story. He shows how it affects his characters’ lives.  

Sympathy for the Oppressed: Dickens feels deep sympathy for the poor and oppressed. He shows the cruelty of the French aristocracy through characters like the Marquis St. Evrémonde. The Marquis imposes heavy taxes on poor villagers. He has no kindness for them. He says:  

 “Repression is the only lasting philosophy. (Book two, Chapter IX ) 

This statement shows the cruelty of the French aristocracy. One day, his carriage runs over a child in Saint Antoine. Instead of showing sorrow, he throws a gold coin at the grieving father, Gaspard. This event shows the arrogance of the nobles. 

Criticism of the Aristocracy: Through the Marquis and Monseigneur, Dickens shows the selfishness and corruption of the French upper class. Monseigneur cannot even drink his hot chocolate without four servants. Such extreme pride and waste made the poor