Description
"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.
Tale of Two Cities Digital Download Literature Study Guide
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 Digital 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 High School literature curriculum provides students with a one-quarter credit.
Author Biography: Learn about Charles Dickens and the fascinating history behind the author and novel.
Vocabulary: Examine words used throughout the novel, utilizing a variety of activities to stimulate retention and growth.
Literary Techniques: Study the literary techniques employed by Dickens, including the use of synonyms, setting the mood, employing foreshadowing, crafting metaphors and similes, establishing tone, utilizing in-context language, incorporating verbal irony, employing hyperbole, referencing allusions, exploring irony, employing extended metaphors, highlighting contrasts and antonyms, personifying elements, shaping points of view, drawing parallels, understanding dynamic vs. static characters, discerning protagonists and antagonists, recognizing themes, and interpreting symbolic representations.
Moral Lessons and Character Values: Explore lessons and values such as the notion from Ecclesiastes that there is nothing new under the sun, helping the suffering, grappling with the bondage of sin, navigating the tension between tradition and change, valuing a good reputation and trustworthiness, understanding God's love and redemption in the face of human failure, acknowledging authority, recognizing personal worth, reflecting on success and fame, addressing abusive relationships, contemplating revenge, exploring the dichotomy of man's heart versus outward appearance, critiquing judgmentalism, and finding purpose in pain and suffering to lead a worthwhile life.
Activities and Writing Assignments: Participate in a range of activities, from in-depth research on the Three Estates, French taxation pre-revolution, and the French Revolution, to exploring the political climate and geography of Paris, comparing and contrasting the American and French Revolutions, analyzing justifications for war and rebellion, delving into historical documents, discussing mottoes, contrasting cities, exploring the theme of doubles, and contemplating 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
- A Bible (digital or physical)
- A dictionary (child-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 ELA PDF Study Guide:
Why Schools & Families Love Our Study Guides:
- Faith-Based Curriculum: Each guide is rooted in Christian values, helping students grow academically while learning in a faith-aligned environment
- Proven Success: Trusted by homeschool families, co-ops, and Christian schools for more than 30 years.
- Easy to Follow & Open-and-Go: Designed for simplicity and flexibility. Just open and start learning.
- Biblical Connections: Every study promotes meaningful discussions that tie literature themes to Scripture and real-life application.
- Adaptable for Any Setting: Works beautifully in homeschools, classrooms, or co-ops and supports different learning styles and teaching methods.
- Thoughtfully Structured Lessons: Integrates literature analysis with biblical truth, helping students strengthen both academic understanding and spiritual growth.
- Engaging, Hands-On Activities: Includes projects, creative assignments, research papers, writing assignments, and interactive exercises that support reading comprehension and make learning memorable.
- No Busywork: Every activity is purposeful, faith-filled, and designed to deepen understanding—not fill time.
- Comprehensive Literature Coverage: Features classic and contemporary works that build strong literary foundations and critical thinking.
- Support for Parents & Teachers: Includes practical tips, clear instructions, and full answer keys to make teaching simple and effective.
Digital Format Details:
- Download instantly—no shipping required
- Works on Mac, PC, and most tablets
- Fillable form fields allow on-screen answers or easy printing
- No costly software purchases necessary. PDF files open in the FREE Adobe Reader program.
Note: Mobile devices may require an alternative app that supports and saves fillable form fields and interactive features. - Conveniently print what you need, when you need it
- Print the whole ELA study guide at once
- Print single literature lessons or pages as the student completes them
- Print multiple copies of the entire curriculum study guide for classroom sets
All of Progeny Press' language arts PDF download unit lessons are written from a Christian worldview!
