A Tale of Two Cities Essay Example for Free

A Tale of Two Cities Essay end-to-end well-kn witness stories, authors tend to develop memorable characters in order to enhance the game although they may not always be portrayed in the most considerate manner. In Charles Dickens novel A Tale of Two Cities, he also uses such characters. First, Lucies role of over dramatic damsel in distress. Second, vault Pross participation as the over protective mother figure. And third, Mme. Defarge as the bloodthirsty crazed villain. Through these characters, Dickens portrays women in the three most stereotypical demeanors weak and fragile, a worrisome mother and a psychotic wife. Throughout the novel, Lucie is a feeble girl who cannot stand up to the hardships of life. Perfectly still and silent, and not even fallen back in her chair, she sat under his hand, unequal insensible with her eyes fixed upon him and with that last expression looking as if it were carved or branded in to her forehead (Dickens 25). This is Lucies reaction to the word of honor from Mr. lorry that her father, presumed to be dead, has been found alive after spending eighteen years in the Bastille. Instead of a normal reaction of tears and joy, she is just now so stunned that she cannot even move her expression of shock and fear is frozen upon her face. She reacts very similarly when she goes to meether father for the first time.Dickens writes, Mr. Lorry got his arm secu hope round the daughters waist, and held that she was sinking I am afraid of it she answered, shuddering. Of it? What? I mean of him. Of my father (36). Of course it would be scare for her to meet her father for the first time in her life but she is on the verge of fainting a second time just from thinking approximately her father. She also does not even see him as human referring to him as it, not even wanting to approach her father.Finally, when her husband is taken away to prison, once more she disp disgraces weakness, As he went out at the prisoners door, she turn la id her head lovingly on her fathers breast, tried to speak to him and fell at his feet (324). Yes it horrible to wee her husband sentenced to death and is taken away to prison. But, she has a 6 year old daughter, she cannot give in to self-pity and weakness, it is the time for her to be powerful not further for herself but for her daughter as well. It is important for her to see her mother strong and able to be there for her, but when she faints, her hope locomote alongside her mothers body. It seems Lucie has never had to really fight or be strong for anything in her life before. She acts like she always needs to rely upon someone else she is very dependant upon others.Miss Pross role in the novel, although not very large, was nonetheless very important, especially for Lucie. Miss Pross was the mother figure in Lucies life, always caring for her and always nurturing her. When Lucie faints at the mention of her father, it is Miss Pross who is the first to her side Why, look at you all bawled this figure, addressing the inn servants. Why take for grantedt you go and fetch things, instead of standing there staring at me?if you dont bring smelling salts, cold water, and vinegar, quick, I allow for (26). She quickly takes charge of the situation and gives out orders in the same urgency as if it was her own daughter.It is also always Lucie for whom she is most concerned about O me, O me All is lost cried she, wringing her hands. What is to be told to Ladybird? He doesnt know me, and is making shoes (187). Dr. Manette has a relapse and is no longer coherent. Miss Pross first concern is not restoring Dr. Manette back to health, but what the impact of seeing her father like this will do to Lucie. Finally, Miss Pross demonstrates her love for Lucie because she is willing to lay down her life for Lucie I am a Briton, said Miss Pross, I am desperate. I dont care an English twopence for myself. I know that the longer I keep you here, the greater hope there is f or my ladybird (356).This demonstrates Miss Pross love for Lucie, risking her life in the hope that her contribute will keep Lucie safe. Miss Pross means well and is always looking out for Lucie and would do anything for her. However at times her actions are a potato chip eccentric.Finally, there is Mme Defarge, a very angry and vengeful woman. Mme Defarge takes it upon herself to make a register of all the nobility whom she proclaims as enemies to the revolution Knitted in her own stiches and her own symbols, it will always be as plain to her as the sun. Confide in Madame Defarge. It would be easier for the weakest poltroon that lives, to erase himself from existence, than to erase one earn of his name of crimes from the knitted register of Madame Defarge (166).This is M. Defarge explaining his wifes register to others of the revolution, and saying that any who make it onto the register will meet certain death. Not only does she register allnobility in her knitting, but Mme D efarge also makes a point to remember the faces of anyone who is an enemy to the revolution His appearance is it known? Age, about xl years height, about five feet nine black hair complexion dark generally, rather handsome visage eyes dark, face thin, long and seedy nose aquiline, but not straight, having a peculiar inclination towards the left cheekIt is a portrait said madame, laughing. He shall be registered to-morrow (171). Just from this short description, Mme Defarge already has a mental image of this man and even commits it to her memory.Finally, once she decides to kill someone, she will stop at nothing to kill them I have been in the streets from the first, nothing has stopped me, I will tear you to pieces, but I will have you from that door (356). This is Mme Defarge when she is confronting Miss Pross, telling her that she has been fighting in the streets for the revolution since day one, and nothing will keep her from killing Lucie as well. Mme Defarges rage and thi rst for blood did greatly help the revolution. However, it became something that ultimately consumed her and turned her in to what she set out to destroy in the first place.It is through these characters that Dickens portrays women very unjustly. Lucie as delicate and flimsy, not being able to clench lifes hardships. Miss Pross as the overprotective mother, sometimes taking her job to the extreme. Mme Defarge as the crazed wife, always full of anger and violence. Even though women display these qualities from time to time, is it really fair to say that these traits define their whole character.