Critical Analysis of A Tale of Two Cities
Main Conflict: Charles Darnay vs. Madame Defarge The novel "A Tale of Two Cities" revolves around the main conflict between Charles Darnay and Madame Defarge. Darnay seeks to sever ties with his family, while Madame Defarge wants to hold him accountable for his family's sins and mete out punishment. This conflict embodies the complexities of the French Revolution – a response to historical injustices against the peasants but also leading to the death of many innocent individuals who were not personally guilty. Darnay's association with the exploitative institution is enough to warrant execution, illustrating how the Revolution condemned individuals based on their familial connections. The narrative structure includes flashbacks to the past, revealing the violent actions of the Evremonde brothers, who abused a peasant girl and killed her brother, leading to the imprisonment of Dr. Manette. The revelation that Madame Defarge is the sister of the abused girl adds a layer …