A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens | Book 2, Chapter 2

Course Hero Literature Instructor Russell Jaffe provides an in-depth summary and analysis of Book 2, Chapter 2 of Charles Dickens's novel A Tale of Two Cities.


Charles Dickens's classic novel A Tale of Two Cities traces the ramifications of the French Revolution.

In typical Dickensian style, the novel follows a diverse cast of characters as they navigate the complexities of contemporary life. This was a period characterized by tremendous poverty, class stratification, and political ferment—much as it is today.

The stories include that of a young woman and her father who are reunited after he is freed from an extended sentence in the notorious Bastille prison. We also learn the tale of a man accused of treason. These narratives lend a personal perspective to the societal upheaval of the period.

Laden with stories of murder and thwarted ambition, the narrative investigates the real-world consequences of revolution.

Famous British writer Charles Dickens wrote A Tale of Two Cities in 1859. His humble beginnings, during which he faced poverty and abandonment, became themes in many of his works, including A Tale of Two Cities. Dickens's piquant observations about how societal phenomena manifest in the lives of everyday people continue to resonate for this reason.

This important historical fiction novel contains many powerful themes, including resurrection, as when Lucie saves her father and then her husband from prison and death. Injustice is another, as when Dr. Manette is imprisoned for defending a peasant girl and Charles for his uncle’s crimes. We also see a powerful invocation of violence, as when the peasants take their revenge on the aristocracy. Other symbols include thread and knitting representing unity and vengeance, France representing chaos and violence, and England symbolizing order and safety.


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[sitayhuber]

Thanks for these great guides. Watching them after reading each chapter helps reinforce everything I read, as well as pointing out things I missed. Keep up the great work!

[KrispyKitty]

You are a saint

I have a quiz on the second book tomorrow and I haven't read one chapter

[killersopgaming]

Thanks mate your way of explaining is phenomenal

[shanaiavincent-ihxp]

Thank u sm for these videos they helped me a lot in my english class :)

[sudvk-kxk]

I like how the editors just put him in the courtroom and russel makes such abnoxious face

[Fatima]

Best explainer for city School and beconhouse school students grade 8

[SS-witm]

I'm in my 30s and reading this for the first time out of love for both cities. I adore the language but have no clue what's going on in the plot after 200 pages. Thanks for this.

[MahnumKhan]

I am in 5th class and this helped me alot

[cadenoh]

yea yea this is cool and all, but is no one going to mention how he wears the same thing every time?

[ruthgivmanesh]

These videos have been helpful, however, this one gave TOO much away! The book doesn't reveal who the prisoner is or who the young lady and old man are.

[nerdschool]

wow great channel and good summaries but plz don't summaries to much

[braedonapple]

I fuckin hate this book so thank u for letting me not read it

[Abduljabbar-xwgk]

didn, t even understand a word that you have said
please explain this in urdu