Re: reading TALE OF TWO CITIES
Charles Dickens (cdickens@RMPLC.CO.UK)
Mon, 9 Mar 1998 16:52:25 -0100
My dear Sir,
I am far from sure that the theme of death and resurrection is
demonstrated literally in my book "A Tale of Two Cities." Resurrection, to
be sure, is promised to Sydney Carton, and to others at the guillotine.
There are hints of resurrection, I like to believe, in the death of Lucie's son.
But the resurrections actually demonstrated in the book are metaphorical.
Dr Manette, "buried alive," is "recalled to life." Sydney Carton, I submit,
undergoes a metaphorical resurrection as a prelude to his death and promised
literal resurrection. The real man is buried by an aimless and dissolute
life. His love for Lucie resurrects that real man, capable of selflessness
and self-sacrifice.
There are also parodies of resurrection. Jerry Cruncher is what used to
be known as a resurrection man. He exhumes freshly buried bodies, for the
benefit of anatomy teachers and students. Solomon Pross, or John Barsad, is
supposed to be dead and buried, but is found, "resurrected," in Paris.
I hope I have said enough for you to be able to see how the notion of
resurrection shapes both plot and character in the book.
Faithfully yours,
Charles Dickens
________________________________________________________________________________
>Mr Dickens,
>
>Could you please explain to me the themes burial and ressurection in your
novel? I would like to know who these two themes are demonstrated both
literally and symbolically and how they affect the plot anc characterixation
of this novel.
>
>Thank you!!
>
>
======================
Charles Dickens
charles_dickens@rmplc.co.uk
Author