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How was England different from France according to Charles Dickens in A Tale of Two Cities?

The dichotomy of London and Paris is a central element of the setting of the novel. From the first paragraph, Dickens shows that the two are completely different in their rulers, people, and culture. This is symbolized in numerous instances.


London could be represented by Tellson’s Bank and Mr. Lorry’s attitude and personality of order, rules, and trustworthiness. In contrast, Paris is disordered and violent. When the emigrants from Paris arrive in London, they bring that chaos into the bank, causing trouble for Mr. Lorry.


The class system can also be seen in the vast gap between rich and poor in France. In London, however, the classes mix to a certain extent, such as Jerry Cruncher being part of the “family” of the Manettes. While there is obviously a class structure in England, the people in those classes interact more than those in France, where they are in conflict to the point of destruction.


The families represented in the story also symbolize the differences in the two cities. Charles Darnay and his uncle have a great deal of conflict and little love, as does France. In the Manette family, however, there is companionship and a great deal of love among the members of the household, including the servants and friends, which is how Dickens wants to portray London during the French Revolution.

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