Tuesday 29 November 2011

ABC Wednesday, T for A Tale of Two Cities.

"It was the best of Times, it was the worst of Times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to heaven, we were all going direct the other way - in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only".
Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities
English novelist (1812 - 1870)


Charles Dickens is renowned for his humour, but A Tale of Two Cities is one of his least comical books. Dickens also uses his humour in the book to show different points of view. The book is full of tragic situations, leaving little room for intended humour provided by Dickens.


The first book of the novel takes place in 1775.The two cities are Paris and London.It's a book about two men, both in love with the same woman. They are Charles Darnay and Sydney Carton. Darnay is a French once-aristocrat who falls victim to the indiscriminate wrath of the revolution despite his virtuous nature, and Carton is a dissipated British barrister who endeavours to redeem his ill-spent life out of his unrequited love for Darnay's wife, Lucie Manette.After many adventures in and out of prison, Sydney Carton who looks very much like his rival Charles Darnay, sacrifices his life under the guillotine.





With thanks to Denise Nesbitt, who created ABC.For more interesting ABC posts click on the logo in the sidebar or

Here. This week we are looking for words beginning with T.

31 comments:

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

I thought A Tale of Two Cities was a challenging read. And yes, not humorous at all! I generally liked it, but it's certainly not my favorite.

Roger Owen Green said...

Have I actually read that? I know I read a Comics Illustrated version at one point and saw various film, adaptations...

ROG, ABC Wednesday team

The Weaver of Grass said...

It is interesting how many quotes we use regularly come from Dickens isn't it, Wil. I can't say it was one of my favourite books but that first line of your quote is something we all use regularly.

anthonynorth said...

Another excellent book, but by Dickens, it would be.

MaR said...

I must admit...I haven't read this book! too little time...

T is for...

Karen said...

One of my favourite classics!

Sylvia K said...

A classic that I haven't read in a long time. Dickens is a favorite of mine. Great post for the day, Wil, as always. Hope your week is going well! Enjoy!

Sylvia

Leslie: said...

I have never read that book all the way through - and I really should! But Dickens work can be a bit hard to read. Ah well...one day...have a great week,

Leslie
abcw team

J.Rylie.C said...

Beau T ful phoTo you Took!

School's Thanksgiving Feast

photowannabe said...

You know, I'm not sure that I have actually read The Tale. I found Dickens difficult to read.
Your quote certainly sounds like our world nowadays.
Very interesting Wil.

genie said...

You really did a great job with the letter T. Boy, has it been years since I read it. There are so many Dickens’s quotes. I use them from time to time on the blog. Thoroughly enjoyed reading all you had to tell us. So interesting. genie

Tumblewords: said...

He was a fine writer, not much in the way of sugar and syrup!

Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio said...

And so many underestimate the power and influence of great literature! This is a true testimony of its impact.

Arkansas Patti said...

I can get that free on my Kindle and think I will. Thanks Wil. We are kind of in the best of times and the worst of times today.
Thank you for that information about your family experience with MG. I will forward that on to my friend so she will feel less concern.

Rinkly Rimes said...

When you think about it, Dickens' introduction to 'T of T T' could apply to today as well. The best? medical advances. The worst? Overpopulation, global warming etc etc.

George said...

A Tale of Two Cities is not an easy read, but I found it fascinating and hard to put down. Thanks for a wonderful ABC Wednesday post.

Rajesh said...

I have read it and I liked it.

Kim, USA said...

Same here I have not read this book, yet! ^_^

Chubskulit Rose said...

Not so familiar with this one.

Tooth Fairy please come and see it when you get a chance. Thanks!

Cloudia said...

Faithfulness to the clouds appeals to this Cloudia.

Concise post about TOTC. Dickens is a fascinating figure.

Aloha Wil
from Waikiki

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DawnTreader said...

I think I've read it in the past. I also recently bought a film version of it on DVD, which I have not watchet yet.

Wanda said...

Remembering reading the Tale of Two Cities in High School English Class.

I couldn't get your You Tube to connect.

The first line in the book is certainly famous.

DawnTreader said...

In answer to your comment on my T-post: Yes, I am Swedish. And yes, traditionally most people here prefer coffee over tea. I don't drink coffee at all though; and I do have a few more friends who are true tea-lovers as well.

Unknown said...

Tale of Two Cities I gave hubby to read on our vacation:)

So cute that Sinterklaas has klompen on his feet:) Have a great week, Wil!

Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪 said...

You have St Nicholas in your photo. Last Sunday, we had Christmas in the park, and our Santa came in a singlet. Very Kiwiana or New Zealand, perhaps Aussie.

Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪 said...

Today, an ex australia nurse who was POW in the Japanese war is ivited to travel to japanese in luxuary to get an apology for the War.

What good is an apology?

Before my Father-in-law died, he was with a group of Malaysian POW, the leader even went to Japan. No apologies, no compensation.

May be you too should b invited, for all your pain.

Anonymous said...

I love the first paragraph of that book! So true - even today.

Kay said...

I read the Classic Comics too, but haven't actually read the book or seen the movie. It's so tragic and sad.

Chronicles of Illusions said...

As always Wil - you have a great subject and a great read

Vicki Lane said...

I read it years ago and was torn between thinking that the hero was either incredibly noble or incredibly foolish...

Love the header!

Marja said...

Don't know the book Sounds interesting Love the picture on your header.