The Presentation of the French Revolution in A Tale of Two Cities from the Perspective of New Historicism

Qiu Haifeng and Wang Ru

English Language Teaching, 2025, vol. 18, issue 12, 78

Abstract: This study applies the theory of New Historicism to deeply analyze the unique presentation of Dickens' literary masterpiece A Tale of Two Cities on the French Revolution, an event of profound historical significance. As an influential theoretical trend, New Historicism has bridged the gap between traditional literary and historical research, opening up new paths for interpreting classic literary works. The research employs close reading and interdisciplinary methods to uncover the author's concealed creative intentions and to analyze the work's profound connection with history from various perspectives, drawing on insights from history, sociology, and other fields. The paper first explores the sharp social contradictions and class conflicts depicted in A Tale of Two Cities on the eve of the French Revolution. Subsequently, by analyzing the novel's descriptions of revolutionary scenes like the Capture of the Bastille and the violence during the Reign of Terror, it reveals the historical textuality and ideological implications. From a New Historicist perspective, the paper discusses how Dickens skillfully blends history and fiction, reflects on the limitations and violent tendencies of the revolution, and uses the themes of power struggle and humanitarian ideology to warn 19th-century British society about potential class conflicts and unrest. The novel's portrayal of the French Revolution not only enriches literary expression and supplements social details that official historical records may have overlooked, but more importantly, its reflection on history and exploration of human nature provide a profound warning and insight for British society amidst its own social changes.

Date: 2025
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