Resurrection (Tale Of Two Cities) Essay, Research Paper

Throughout A Tale of Two Cities, resurrection was a main theme in the plot. When one thinks of the word ‘resurrection’, one may think of blood-sucking zombies or creatures back from the dead. Dictionaries define it as such: “the act of rising from the dead.” Dickens used it as that, but he added a small twist to it.

The first example of this is when Lucie and Mr. Lorry learn of Dr. Manette’s imprisonment. After Defarge shows the doctor to them, both Lucie and Lorry worry if they can ever repair the state which he is in. All Dr. Manette can say at first is, “One Hundred and five, North Tower” (his cell number). Lucie and Lorry wonder if they can ever ‘resurrect’ the civilized doctor to what he once was.

The character of Madame Defarge is another new look on resurrection. Dickens made Madame Defarge seem to see resurrection as revenge. Revenge was needed by her because ever since the Evremonde’s killings, a part inside of her had been dead. Elimination of all Evremondes and nobility would ‘resurrect’ that part and leave her in a state of triumph. All of the Revolutionists had this same part taken away by nobles. This ‘part’ can only be described as dignity. These poverty-stricken men and women needed to ‘resurrect’ their dignity with revenge.

Edgar Allan Poe often described man’s greatest fear as being buried alive. In A Tale of Two Cities, prisoners of the Bastille (such as Dr. Manette) and the poor Revolutionist can be considered to be buried alive. Still today, there is no way to prevent this ‘class hierarchy.’ One day man must learn to bury our differences, and resurrect those who are below the standard ‘ground’ that we set for ourselves.