A Tale of Two Cities Analytical Paper free essay sample

Her malice is very evident when speaking of her opinion that â€Å"extermination is a good doctrine† and Dr. Manette who is â€Å"not the face of a true friend of the Republic† should be executed (311). Her strength and ruthlessness is a result of her detestation of French aristocracy and those seemingly against the republic due to her need for vengeance. In addition to this, Dickens’ representation of Madame Defarge’s unmatched bravery is because â€Å"not a voice, or a hand, or an eye was raised Among the men, not one† whereas she â€Å"who stood knitting looked up steadily† at the Marquis (100). This marks the importance of Madame Defarge in the novel because she is the epitome of fearlessness even stronger than that of a man. Furthermore, when Lucie remarks that â€Å"[they] are more afraid of [Madame Defarge] than these others† she took it as a compliment (244). This exemplifies even more that she is sinister and is practically taking the fear as a sign of admiration. We will write a custom essay sample on A Tale of Two Cities Analytical Paper or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Her overall strong and defiant character contributes to the novel’s significance. Miss Pross, who is the loyal companion as well as another enduring female role in A Tale of Two Cities, enhances the novel because she embodies the ability to risk everything for what she believes in. During the fight between Miss Pross and Madame Defarge, Miss Pross in order to defend Lucie â€Å"with the vigorous tenacity of love, always much stronger than hate† grabbed Madame Defarge and â€Å"even lifted her from the floor in the struggle that they had† (338). This shows that even though Miss Pross was never married and isn’t the ideal beautiful woman, she is the most admirable and her compassion and love, which is no match for Defarge’s pure hatred, is transcribed into bravery. Not to mention â€Å"beneath the surface of her eccentricity, one of those unselfish creatures† which are â€Å"found only among women† and choose to â€Å"bind themselves willing slaves†¦for pure love and admiration† (87). Miss Pross has the strength to raise someone else’s child without complaint and nurture her as her own; her actions of bravery solely out of love. Lucie Manette, who fits the mother archetype, enhances the novel due to her bravery and strength in contrast to her beauty and femininity. Upon Lucie’s father’s release from prison, she urges â€Å"to leave [them] here† because of â€Å"how composed he has become† and that they cannot â€Å"be afraid to leave him with [her] now† (Dickens 42). Although she has just met her father and knows little to nothing about his mental health, she wants to be with him and she is willing to take a chance which reaffirms her caring yet courageous demeanor. Her next big act of valor was when she stood up to Madame Defarge and begged â€Å"to have pity on [her] and not exercise power that [Defarge] possesses against [her] innocent husband† and implores â€Å"think of [her]†¦As a wife and mother† (245). The love that Lucie has for her family along with the dauntlessness she possesses compelled her to confront her fear of Madame Defarge. The strength and heroism of the mother†, feminine Lucie Manette, ultimately sends a powerful message and enhances the overall story. The purpose of these evident archetypes found within the primary female characters within A Tale of Two Cities is for Dickens to communicate certain commentary on the status of women thus intensifying the novel as a whole. He renders Lucie Manette (the mother), Miss Pross (the companion), and Madame Defarge (quiet and cunning monster) as strong characters in a variety different ways.