"Dickens, Charles - A Tale of Two Cities" - читать интересную книгу автора (Dickens Charles)


Frequent repetition of detail, dialogue, and bits of description
creates a strong atmosphere. Often the repetition comes in the form
of a parallel construction: remember the "best of times, worst of
times" paragraph?

One way Dickens establishes character is by means of repeated traits.
Nine times out of ten, Stryver is depicted "shouldering." As for
Madame Defarge, her sinister style with knitting needles may change
your entire conception of the hobby.

3. THEATRICAL/MELODRAMATIC QUALITY

Dickens was an avid theatergoer, and at the time of writing A Tale
had begun giving public readings. Some of the novel's best and worst
stylistic aspects--vivid imagery, heavy melodrama--reflect the fact
that Dickens had performance in mind. Consider Lucie's first meeting
with her father, and read the journal Dr. Manette hid in his
Bastille cell. You'll notice repetitive speeches, unconvincing
dialogue, and supercharged emotions. Though unlikely to show up on a
modern stage, these elements show the influence of sentimental
Victorian drama.

4. PATTERNS OF IMAGERY

The novel is marked by patterns of imagery that create its special
atmosphere and combine with the major themes: the equation of blood
with wine, the use of mirrors, and the depiction of water are among
the best-developed examples. All are discussed fully in the Story
section.

5. MOTION PICTURE TECHNIQUE

Dickens' extensive use of images makes his style a visual one. If
you're a movie buff, you may notice some points in common with film
technique. The storming of the Bastille is described by means of
rapid images, suggesting associated ideas: "flashing weapons,
blazing torches, smoking wagonloads of wet straw... shrieks,
volleys, execrations...." Filmmakers call this technique montage.

6. PERSONIFICATION

Throughout his story Dickens lends human qualities to inanimate
objects or concepts: Hunger, Saint Antoine, and The Vengeance are a
few examples. As you read, consider how personification helps
illustrate moral points, and contributes to the atmosphere.

7. LANGUAGE OF THE FRENCH PEOPLE

Writing in English, Dickens must put convincing dialogue into the