“…the success of the story depends less on the mere mechanics of the plot than on the way its themes and incidents are fused and concentrated by the choice of graphic symbols” (Fielding 198). A key feature of Dickens’ writing is his use of symbolism. Symbols are objects, characters, or colors used to represent abstract ideas or concepts. Symbols add depth to a story line. Symbolism can also create suspense or foreshadow upcoming events in a story. Dickens’ use of symbols in A Tale of Two Cities is part of what sets it apart from other novels.

There are several great examples of symbolism from A Tale of Two Cities. The most widely recognized symbol is the broken wine cask. When a wine cask is broken open in front of a wine shop, passing

A Tale of Two Cities is a universally recognized classic. I think this is because of its great symbolism, its suspenseful foreshadowing, its funny ironicism, and its descriptive imagery.

When the road mender calls it his honor to be passed on the road by the Marquis, it is also verbal irony. The road mender is only saying this because that is what he is expected to say.

Some topics in this essay:
Tale Cities, Madame Defarge, Cities Monseigneur’s, Paris French, Charles Darnay, Marquis Evrémonde, Charles Dickens, tale cities, Cities Sheperd, Dr Manette’s, Evrémonde Darney’s, verbal irony, wine cask, dickens’ writing, madame defarge, verbal irony road, dramatic irony, broken wine, classic symbolism, example verbal irony, feature dickens’, broken wine cask, key feature, key feature dickens’, irony road mender,