Abstract

Charles Dickens is an outstanding realist writer in the nineteenth Century. His works strongly depict the situation and problems of social life from different angles. The phenomenon of corruption and ugliness also reflects the contradiction and crisis of society at that time. A Tale of Two Cites is an important work of Dickens in his late years. In the context of the French Revolution, the novel reveals the historical concept and social view of Dickens. On the basis of previous studies, this thesis attempts to analyze the love and sacrifice spirit in A Tale of Two Cites. This thesis introduces the different love and sacrifice spirit of the five main characters in A Tale of Two Cites, and analyzes its social roots from the humanistic spirit and the concept of extreme egoism. This thesis can deepen the understanding of A Tale of Two Cites, to better understand rational revenge and crazy revolution in the humanitarian perspective, and advocate the spirit of love and forgiveness to melt the hatred, change the distorted mind.

Key Words: Charles Dickens;  A Tale of Two Cities;  Love ;  Sacrifice; Humanism

Contents

Abstract

摘要

1  Introduction-1

2  The Basic Information of A Tale of Two Cities-4

2.1  The conception of A Tale of Two Cities-4

2.2  The Influences of A Tale of Two Cities-5

3  Love and humanism-7

3.1 Dr. Alexander Manette:18 years’ misery and unjust verdict-7

3.2 Lucy and Darnay: love in a chaotic time-8

3.3  Sydney Carton: live for love and sacrifice for love-9

4  The spirit of sacrifice in this novel-10

4.1 The process of Carton’s sacrifice-10

4.2 The significance of his sacrifice-12

5  Conclusion-14

Bibliography-16

Acknowledgments-17