Charles Dickens and the French Revolution

Charles Dickens and the French Revolution

Charles Dickens uses his deep characterization, intricate plot schemes, and his vast knowledge to create a wonderful story set during the French Revolution. He was committed in his writings to make everyone aware of the events during the revolution and also able to show the other themes inside the story. Most readers understand the theme of resurrection as the most targeted idea Dickens had sought to bring out in this novel.

Tapping into Dickens’ brain, readers get to see his personal views of the revolution with this quote: “enormous black cloud of poverty in every town spreading and deepening every hour” (371). Understanding Dickens previous words makes it easy to comprehend that good living became difficult to come across during the French Revolution. The novel’s themes help bring understanding of the characters thoughts and mannerisms to the reader. The theme of Christianity and after life appears as Carton speaks his last words, “It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to than I have ever known” (375). Dickens made an effort to incorporate the beliefs of Christianity into this classic novel.

Without Dickens character development techniques the story loses the excitement of watching the characters inter connect. Sydney Carton made a complete turn-around towards the end of the novel as he realizes that life’s not about him. Dickens reinforces this way of thinking throughout the novel by showing the other characters in the novel wanting to help their friends and protect them. Carton illustrates this exact theme when he tells Lucie, “O Miss Manette, when the little picture of a happy father’s face looks up in yours, when you see your own bright beauty springing up anew at your feet, think now and then that there is a man who would give his life, to keep a life you love beside you!” (156). Dickens explains this when Carton understands Lucie could never marry him, yet he still wants to give up his life for her so she could have happiness. Sacrifice made Carton’s character unique as he ends up saving Charles