Discuss the plot construction in The Tale of TwoCities by

Charles Dickens.
The plot of a novel is an integral part of the story. It should be logical, credible ,
meaningful and full of suspense. Whereas the story has a beginning, middle and
end with a focus on central idea or ideas, the plot is a logical, causative and artistic
relation between the beginning, middle and end.
Charles Dickens as a novelist has all types of plots. His later novels have organic
and complex plots which are made interesting due to humour, suspense and
sensational events. In The Tale of Two Cities, he
has artistically interwoven two tales, two cities, history and story, public and private
life and a variety of themes through few selected characters, suspense, symbolism,
parallelism and contrast.
Dual Location:
In A Tale of Two Cities, the story moves simultaneously between London and Paris.
The political and social atmosphere in the two cities is miserable as hunger and
death walk in search of the preys in the two cities. The scenes in London are more
peaceful as compared to Paris, though poverty, hunger and violence and brutality
are present in both cities.
Public and Private lives:
Dickens seems to have interwoven the historical theme with the private events. This
has led to a unity of impression and a fairy tale quality. It is tale of old wrongs, Dr.
Manettes imprisonment, two lovers (Lucie and Charles) who are caught in the
political events of the times. They are victim of unjust chaos that prevails in France.
Ironically, Dr. Manettes letter becomes the cause of his son-in-laws sufferings. The
wrongs done by his ancestors visited Charles in spite of the fact that he tried to
make amends for their sins. However, he is saved by the sacrifice and death of
Sydney Carton who resembles him physically. Sydney, the wastrel loves Lucie and
finds salvation in sacrificing his life for her.

Parallelism and Contrast:

The two themes, two places, history and story, the private and public life of the
characters are woven artistically. In spite of the cruelty of and hatred, love and
resurrection get triumph. All this is portrayed by means of parallelism and contrast.
Love and Hatred:
At every stage of the novel, love and hatred are highlighted. Love and hatred
coexist in both of the cities. The brutality of the Revolutionaries is contrasted with
the love and honesty of Dr. Manette and Lucie. The corruption in London is
contrasted with the integrity of Mr. Lorry and Miss Prose.
In the novel, we see Ernest Defarge is on the horns of dilemma. At one level, he is a
zealous rebel against aristocracy and at another he betrays his slightest loyalty that
he still sustains for Dr. Manette.
Thus hatred and love motivate the characters, irrespective of the city to which they
belong. Ultimately, Sydneys love for humanity triumph over the hatred of the
Revolutionaries.
Coincidences:
In the course of the story, many things happen unexpectedly. In spite of the
coincidences there is a witty suspension of disbelief as the readers realize that it is
not a typical love story. Though at times the turn of events seem like of a fantastic
fairy tale, the story is interesting and there is dramatic element of suspense as to
what will happen next.
In fact, at time the coincidences seem superficial. But later events add up to the
climax. It is a coincidence that Sydney and Charles look alike, that Sydney

overhears Madam Defarge making plans to kill Lucie that Sydney is present in
France at the end. Though a lot of events seem unbelievable, they add a dramatic
touch, heighten the suspense and seem acceptable as a part of life.
Pathos and Humour:
Besides coincidences, Dickens makes use of comedy, pathos and humour to hold
our interest. The humour of character is interwoven with the pathos created by
situations. Dr. Manettes release, Lucies resurrection with her father, the arrest of
Charles and his parting and reunion with Lucie, Dr. Manettes reaction to the arrest
of Charles, Sydneys sacrifice are all full of pathos and creates the right effect. But,
a serious and tragic note is made lively by comic relief at times.
Suspense:
The element of suspense is present from the beginning till the end. Throughout our
curiosity is aroused as to who is Dr. Manette? Why has he been imprisoned? What
will happen to him? What did Defarge find in cell 105? There is suspense at each
and every stage as the plot moves forward. However, all loose threads are tied
logically at the end as our curiosity dies out.
Tight Structure:
In fact, no event is really superfluous. Even seemingly superfluous events like
Charles trial at Old Bailey court, Barsads accusation of Charles for treason ,
Sydneys judging his resemblance to Charles, Sydneys promise to Lucie that he
would do something great for her, Madam Defarges intense hatred, all add to the
plot of the novel. In the end the climax seems believable. Eventually, all events lead
to Sydneys sacrifice and act of love.
The Theme as a Part of The Plot:
The structure of the novel brings out Dickens philosophy of life. The theme of
resurrection and renunciation and the French Revolution are an integral part of the
plot. Sydneys peaceful death stands for the triumph of love over hatred. Madam
Defarges violent death symbolizes the defeat of hatred and evil. The two themes of
resurrection and renunciation are linked with the Revolution.
Weaknesses:
In spite of tight structure, A Tale of Two Cities has raised a lot of controversies.
While some regard it Dickens best novel, other feel it is not convincing. Madam
Defarges death is considered inconsistent even though Dickens called it an act of
divine justice. Even Sydneys death is regarded as highly romantic filled with so
much sentimentality. However, that is not the case.
Conclusion:
To conclude, it can be said that characters and situations, two venues, facts and
fictions, symbolism, parallelism, suspense, humour and pathos etc. have led to the
excellent and balanced plot of A Tale of Two Cities.