100 Classics and beyond... discussion
100 CLASSICS
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#2: A Tale of Two Cities - Charles Dickens
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1. In general, how did you like the novel? Is it your first time reading it? If it's not your first time reading it, did you find yourself enjoying it more, or did you keep the same opinion about the novel?
2. Which character do you find most interesting in the novel and why? In regards to the depth of the character, how do you think Dickens was able to achieve that kind of depth in the character?
3. Like myself, do you find it dissatisfying for Lucie to have loved Charles Darnay? Do you somehow feel that the story of their love blossoming into marriage was not told, or skipped altogether?
**I ask this because I felt like there was not really a lot of narrative interaction between Lucie and Charles Darnay beforehand, excepting the flashback to their first meeting, as well as during Darnay's trial.
4. Why do you think did Sydney Carton choose to confess his feelings for Lucie?
5. In the entirety of his character, would you consider Sydney Carton heroic? Now, beyond his sacrifice, would you still consider him as a hero, somewhat? How would you compare him with Charles Darnay?
6. There are so many events that comprise the resolution. What did you think? Is there a part that you would prefer to change? Do you think that the novel left a lasting impression on you?
7. I think that Charles Dickens writing is beautiful and quite enchanting. Please share one or a few of your most favorite passages, and why?
***I will be disclosing my answers gradually as I reply to your posts.
HAPPY POSTING!!!
Mod
Personally, I find it very helpful and fascinating to read the "Context", "Analysis of Major Characters", "Themes, Motifs, & Symbols", and "Study Questions and Essay Topics" sections.
Sparknotes.com is quite a useful resource to enhance the reading experience, as well as to ingrain the reading experience of classics. Personally, I find it the most effective when I use it after reading the novel (firstly to avoid spoilers, and secondly, to avoid tainting the pure reading experience of a classic and giving yourself a chance to develop your own impressions or interpretations or reflections of either a certain passage or the entire novel itself).
Mod
Also, these summaries were succinct and amusing: http://www.shmoop.com/tale-of-t..."
Christina, thanks for the links you shared. I never would have thought there was a modern translation, since it's already in English. But yes, that's a great tool.
And I agree with you. I was a little disheartened in the beginning too, because there didn't seem anything interesting happening... the first half were just descriptions that I couldn't care less about, but when it got to the characters, it sure was quite a story!!
I am so proud of myself that I finally know what comes after.. "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times..."
Thank you for sharing your thoughts! And I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Mod
Absolutely. That is the recurring theme in classic novels. Just remember The Great Gatsby.
And yes, somehow, I didn't realize in the beginning that the DeFarges are actually the "villains" and I really liked both of them, until yes, what they did is simply to satisfy pure bloodlust.
Mod
*ducks*"
I see :) It was wrong of me to assume, and honestly, I've only read it a couple of years ago. I'm sure you've read many other books I have not read. Sorry about that.
But yeah,I highly recommend for you to read it, I think you'll enjoy it, since you're part of our classics group (and I'm sorry that I didn't get to include The Great Gatsby on our 100 Classics List).
Unfortunately, I have not finished reading it yet, but I will try to post some discussion questions as soon as I can.
Thank so much everyone for your patience!