Description
A Tale of Two Cities Literature Study Guide
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"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.
What Progeny Press' A Tale of Two Cities Literature Curriculum Study Guide provides your High School student:
ELA Built for Ages 15–18 • Grades 9–12
Our faith-based literature study guide helps students strengthen their reading and comprehension skills through engaging, age-appropriate activities.
English/Language Arts credit: This is a one-quarter credit high school level Literature curriculum.
Author Biography: Learn about Charles Dickens and the fascinating history behind the author and novel.
Vocabulary: Understand 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.
A Tale of Two Cities Literature Study Guide - Workbook
Formatted with your High School student in mind, Progeny Press literature study guides provide in-depth lessons and writing assignments that strengthen reading comprehension, expand vocabulary, and develop advanced literary analysis and essay writing skills. Each guide challenges students to think critically and engage meaningfully with the text, without unnecessary busywork that diminishes the joy of reading.
For over 30 years, homeschool families, co-ops, and Christian schools worldwide have trusted Progeny Press to provide rigorous, faith-based English and Language Arts curriculum that inspires thoughtful readers and confident writers.
What Progeny Press' A Tale of Two Cities Literature Curriculum Study Guide provides your High School student:
ELA Built for Ages 15–18 • Grades 9–12
Our faith-based literature study guide helps students strengthen their reading and comprehension skills through engaging, age-appropriate activities.
English/Language Arts credit: This is a one-quarter credit high school level Literature curriculum.
Author Biography: Learn about Charles Dickens and the fascinating history behind the author and novel.
Vocabulary: Understand 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.
What Will You Need?
A Complete Language Arts Experience with Progeny Press
- A copy of the A Tale of Two Cities novel
- A copy of the A Tale of Two Cities study guide workbook
- A Bible (digital or physical)
- A dictionary (student-friendly or online)
Created for upper-level learners, this guide strengthens critical thinking and encourages polished writing while helping students master essential ELA concepts.
Designed for YOU
- Homeschool families looking for Christian literature curriculum
- Schools looking for top quality ELA materials
- Parents wanting to build reading comprehension and character
- Co-ops and small group instruction
These guides work well on their own or alongside your preferred grammar and writing program.
Features and Benefits FAQ – Progeny Press Physical Literature Study Guide:
Why Schools & Families Love Our Printed Workbook Literature Study Guides:
- Premium Print Format: Perfect bound 8.5x11 study guide with durable heavy gloss cover and quality interior paper designed for long-term classroom and homeschool use.
- Answer Key Made Simple: Full detailed answer key included on perforated pages for quick removal before student use, making instruction easier for teachers and parents.
- Student-Friendly Design: Built-in space for written answers supports active learning, critical analysis, and organized responses directly inside the book.
- Reproducible for Classroom Use: Approved for classroom copying, making this an ideal choice for Christian schools, co-ops, and group instruction.
- Faith-Based Curriculum: Each literature guide integrates Christian worldview connections with literature study, encouraging both academic growth and character development.
- Open-and-Go Teaching: Clear lesson structure and teacher guidance allow parents and instructors to begin immediately without extra preparation. No extra devices needed. Just the book, a pencil, and a positive attitude!
- Comprehensive ELA Coverage: Strengthens reading comprehension, writing skills, vocabulary development, and literary analysis within one complete language arts program.
- Trusted for Over 30 Years: Chosen by homeschool families, Christian schools, and educators seeking reliable, high-quality literature study resources.
All of Progeny Press' language arts PDF download unit lessons are written from a Christian worldview!
