One of the most popular historical novels in English literature, A Tale of Two Cities is published in 1859 in 31 weekly instalments from April to November in the periodical All The Year Round. For English literature students, A Tale of Two Cities is often included in their syllabus. The author of the novel is Charles Dickens, one of the most celebrated novelists of the Victorian era.
Set in London and Paris before and during the French Revolution, the story begins with Dr. Alexandre Manette, who is released from prison after eighteen years. He then meets his daughter, Lucie, who later marries Charles Darnay, a French aristocrat. As the revolution turns wildly, a lot of things happen.
One of the major themes of A Tale of Two Cities is of sacrifice. The novel explores devotion for other people. Dickens also comments on the cruelty of the French aristocracy. The narrative takes us to the fact of how inequality can lead to revolution.
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens has become a masterpiece for its dramatic plot, historical setting, and exploration of justice and sacrifice. Dickens wrote many other popular novels, Oliver Twist, Hard Times, David Copperfield, Bleak House, andGreat Expectations.