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 of personal connection to the conflict.
The novel illustrates how the chaotic Revolution is not a sudden occurrence but a result of decades-old exploitation and injustices by those in power. Similarly, crimes committed by the older generation continue to haunt and hold the new generation accountable, forming the central conflict between Darnay's desire to break free from his family's legacy and Madame Defarge's determination to hold him responsible.
Resolution of Conflict
The resolution of the conflict between Darnay and Madame Defarge unfolds in the latter part of the novel. The violent actions of the Evremonde brothers, propelling the plot, symbolize the unfolding of history. Darnay's attempts to build a good life in England are revealed to be an incomplete resolution as he hasn't taken responsibility for his family's past. He returns to France to fully confront and break free from the burden of his family's sins.
The conflict intensifies as Darnay is arrested, freed, and arrested again, creating a showdown between his quest for freedom and Madame Defarge's thirst for vengeance. The resolution comes in twin climaxes: Sidney Carton sacrifices himself, taking Darnay's place on the execution block, and Madame Defarge meets her end while struggling with Miss Pross. These events allow Darnay to achieve liberation, living a happy and peaceful life after another pays the price for his family's sins. The falling action reveals a vision of the Manette-Darnay family living harmoniously, faithfully remembering the man who sacrificed his life for them.