Study Guide for A Tale of Two Cities

The Woodman

Symbol representing nature and labor in the story.

The Farmer

Symbol of agriculture and sustenance in the narrative.

Wine

Represents social class and revolution themes.

Gorgon/Stone Faces

Symbol of fear and petrification in society.

St. Antoine

Symbolizes the working-class struggle during the revolution.

Jackal

Represents cunning and opportunistic behavior.

Lion

Symbol of strength and nobility in characters.

Golden Thread

Represents hope and connection among characters.

Scarecrows

Symbol of oppression and societal neglect.

Birds of Fine Song and Feathers

Represent beauty and freedom in contrast to oppression.

Knitting

Symbol of fate and the intertwining of lives.

Sea

Represents change and the unknown in the narrative.

Madame Defarge

Embodiment of vengeance and revolutionary fervor.

The Vengeance

Represents mob mentality and collective anger.

Shoe Bench

Symbol of labor and the working class.

Fire

Represents destruction and revolution's consuming nature.

Fountain

Symbol of life and renewal amidst chaos.

Blue Flies

Represents decay and the aftermath of violence.

Grindstone

Symbol of hard labor and relentless struggle.

Footsteps

Symbol of fate and the passage of time.

Shadows

Represent hidden truths and the duality of characters.

Bastille

Symbol of tyranny and the revolution's target.

Château

Represents aristocratic privilege and excess.

Tellson's Bank

Symbol of stability amidst societal upheaval.

Guillotine

Represents the revolution's brutality and justice.

Soho

Setting that reflects urban life and struggle.

Stryver's Office

Symbol of legal power and social hierarchy.

Defarge's Wine Shop

Setting representing revolutionary sentiment and community.

Dover Road

Setting symbolizing transition and journeys.

Old Bailey

Represents justice system and societal judgment.

La Force

Symbol of imprisonment and oppression.

Conciergerie

Represents the harsh realities of the revolution.

Three Estates

Social hierarchy before the French Revolution.

Storming the Bastille

Event marking the revolution's beginning.

Reign of Terror

Period of extreme violence during the revolution.

Charles Darnay

Protagonist representing the struggle for justice.

Dr. Alexandre Manette

Symbol of resurrection and healing from trauma.

Lucie Manette

Embodiment of compassion and familial bonds.

Sydney Carton

Character representing sacrifice and redemption.

Monsieur Defarge

Leader of the revolution, representing the oppressed.

Mr. Jarvis Lorry

Represents loyalty and rationality in chaos.

Miss Pross

Symbol of loyalty and protective love.

Solomon Pross

Character representing betrayal and deception.

John Barsad

Represents dishonesty and opportunism.

Jerry Cruncher

Character embodying duality of profession and morality.

Young Jerry

Represents innocence amidst societal corruption.

Gabelle

Character representing the complexities of loyalty.

Charles Darnay's Parents

Symbolize the legacy of aristocracy and its impact.

Recalled to Life

Theme of resurrection and second chances.

Doubles

Motif highlighting contrasts between characters.

Mobs

Symbol of collective action and chaos.

Oppression/Compassion

Theme exploring societal injustices and human kindness.

Vengeance

Motif driving characters' actions and conflicts.

Sacrifice

Theme of giving oneself for others' benefit.

Social Injustice

Theme addressing inequality and class struggles.

Shadows/Light/Dark

Motif representing duality and moral ambiguity.

Imprisonment

Theme reflecting physical and emotional confinement.

Footsteps/Echoes

Symbol of past actions influencing the present.

Storm

Symbol of turmoil and change.