Dickens’s art of characterization with reference to Lucie Manette
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.
Answer
How does Charles Dickens present the character of Lucie Manette in his “A Tale of Two Cities?” [NU:2015, 20, 22] ★★★
Or, Sketch the Character of Lucie Manette. Or comment on Dickens’s art of characterisation with reference to Lucie Manette.
“A Tale of Two Cities” (1859) is a famous novel by the great Victorian writer Charles Dickens (1812–1870). In this novel, Dickens portrays two distinct types of characters: good and evil. Lucie Manette is one of the most important and good characters. She is the heroine of the novel. She is a young, beautiful woman with golden hair and blue eyes. She has all the good qualities of a kind and gentle human being.
Identity of Lucie Manette: Lucie Manette is the loving daughter of Dr. Alexandre Manette. She was born in Paris but grew up in London. Later, she marries Charles Darnay, the hero of the story. As we read the whole novel, we see many special qualities in her character. Let us discuss the characteristic features of Lucie.
A Loving and Beautiful Young Woman: Lucie is a kind, loving, and beautiful young lady. When we first see her in the story, she is only seventeen years old. Dickens describes her as slim, with golden hair and blue eyes. Mr. Stryver, Sydney Carton, and Charles Darnay all fall in love with her because of her beauty and gentle nature. Carton promises Lucie,
“For you, and for any dear to you, I would do anything.” (Book two, Chapter XIII )
Though Carton confesses his love to Lucie and promises to sacrifice anything for her, she chooses Darnay as her husband.
Motivator of Selfless Love: After spending eighteen years in prison, Dr. Manette loses his physical and mental strength. But Lucie’s deep love and care help him recover. Her love heals him and brings him back to life. This shows that love is a great medicine for both body and mind. Dickens says about Louie:
“She was the golden thread that united
Unlock this study guide now