Tale of Two Cities, A - E-Guide

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Check out these other titles by Charles Dickens:       A Christmas Carol        Great Expectations

#63 on the Big Read List (UK’s top 200).

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness. . . " and so begins this classic tale of the French Revolution.

"Recalled to life!" is the phrase running through the mind of Mr. Lorry, an agent of Tellson's Bank, as he travels from London to Dover in the year 1775. In Dover he meets young Lucie Manette, who after believing she was orphaned at the age of two, learns that her father is still alive. They travel on to France where they find Dr. Manette under the care of his former servant in the St. Antoine quarter of Paris. After being imprisoned in the Bastille for 18 years, Dr. Manette is in a pitiable mental state, and Lucie takes him back to London.

Five years pass, and Dr. Manette regains his physical and mental vigor and sets up a medical practice. They meet French emigre' Charles Darnay, who narrowly escapes charges of treason. Darnay falls in love with Lucie and they marry, but as the fires of revolution sweep across France, all three return to Paris, where they are caught up in the chaos of a fearful rebellion.

Through Charles Dickens' classic novel of the French Revolution, Tale of Two Cities, students will learn:

Author Biography: Learn about Charles Dickens and the fascinating history behind the author and novel.

Vocabulary words used throughout the novel, utilizing a variety of activities to stimulate retention and growth.

Literary Techniques: Synonym, mood, setting, foreshadowing, metaphor, simile, tone, in-context, verbal irony, hyperbole, allusion, irony, extended metaphors, contrast, antonym, personification, point of view, parallels, dynamic vs. static characters, protagonist, antagonist, theme, representation.

Moral Lessons and Character Values: Ecclesiastes – nothing new under the sun, helping the suffering, dealing with the bondage of sin, tradition vs. change, good reputation & trustworthiness, God loves and redeems us even when we are failures, authority, personal worth, success & fame, abusive relationships, revenge, man’s heart vs. outward appearance, judgmentalism, God can give purpose to our pain and suffering, a worthwhile life.

Activities and Writing Assignments: Research: Three Estates, French taxation pre-revolution, French Revolution (12 different choices), political climate, Geography & mapping of Paris, Compare and contrast American vs. French Revolutions, analyze justifications for war/rebellion, research historical documents, discuss mottoes, contrast cities, doubles, heroic fates.

Suggestions for Further Reading:  We include an in-depth reading list of more books by the same author(s) and other books and movies that tie in with, or are similar to, Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens.

All of the unit lessons are written from a Christian perspective!

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