Re: Theme of A Tale Of Two Cities
Charles Dickens (cdickens@RMPLC.CO.UK)
Thu, 28 May 1998 12:08:38 -0100
My dear Mr Watts,
Thank you for your kind words about "A Tale of Two Cities." It is not as
easy as you think for a writer to declare the "theme" of his book. The book
comes to you as a whole, not as a theme fleshed out with incident and
character. However, if you demand it of me, I think I would have to say my
theme was revolution. And not merely political revolution. Personal
revolution, personal transformation is just as important. Think of both
Sydney Carton and Charles Darnay. Think of lesser characters like Mr Lorry
and Jerry Cruncher, whose ways are changed by the events they find
themselves caught up in. This, I submit, would make an admirable thread
with which to stitch together your discourse.
Faithfully yours,
Charles Dickens
________________________________________________________________________________
>Charles Dickens,
>
> Hi I am a 15 year old who just finished reading your thrilling
>novel A Tale Of Two Cities. I have to make a 15 minute speech about the theme
>of the novel. I was very impressed by your letter to Miss Weiss and I was
>wondering if you could give me a couple of ideas to work with. I attend North
>Harford High School in Jarrettsville, MD. I am currently in the 10th grade.
>Please respond as soon as possible. Thank you for your time and ideas!
>
>
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Charles Dickens
charles_dickens@rmplc.co.uk
Author