Writing+Prompts

WRITING PROMPT Tale of Two Cities

Nature is a powerful element in A Tale of Two Cities. Dickens often uses natural phenomena to comment on what is happening among the characters. Two examples of this technique can be found in Book the Second, Chapters 5 and 6. One occurs when Carton emerges from Stryver’s office after a long night of work. The other occurs during the summer thunderstorm at the Manettes’ house in Soho. Reread these passages. Then write a short persuasive piece supporting or opposing the following statement: “Dickens’s use of nature to mirror human emotions is ineffective and contrived.” Support your opinion with specific examples from the text.

WRITING PROMPT Tale of Two Cities

Dickens explains the cause of the French Revolution with a kind of myth. This myth is contained in the letter introduced at Darnay’s trial. Discuss how it resembles a myth and why Dickens might have used a myth to explain the causes of the revolution. Use specifics to support your idea.

Writing Prompt Tale of Two Cities

Ghosts appear in the novel at key moments, such as when Jarvis Lorry dreams about a specter “recalled to life” from the grave in Book the First. The use of ghosts and dreams helps blur the boundaries between the real and the unreal. Analyze the scene in Book the Third, Chapter 1, in which Darnay sees the imprisoned aristocrats. Pay attention to the words used and the atmosphere created. Then write a short essay of how the scene reflects the theme of reality and unreality and connects to other scenes in the novel.