Contrasts of Society in 1775

Oct 1, 2024

A Tale of Two Cities - Book One, Chapter One: The Period

Introduction to the Era

  • Famous Opening Lines: The chapter opens with the iconic phrases describing the contradictions of the era:
    • "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times..." indicating stark contrasts in the society.
  • Time Period: The narrative is set in the year 1775, a significant year for historical and social context.

Societal Contradictions

  • England and France:
    • England: Ruled by a king with a large jaw and a queen with a plain face.
    • France: Ruled by a king with a large jaw and a queen with a fair face.
  • Social Conditions:
    • In both countries, there was a sense of permanence and belief that things were settled forever.

Spiritual and Supernatural Beliefs

  • England's Revelations: Spiritual revelations were common, and events like the announcement of arrangements for supernatural occurrences were prevalent.
  • Prophetic Announcements: Prophecies and supernatural messages were recognized but lacked originality and impact.

Political and Social Climate

  • America's Influence: Communications from America were proving more important than spiritual messages, impacting the human race.
  • French Society:
    • Engaged in cruel practices, e.g., punishing a youth severely for not showing respect to a religious procession.
    • Economic woes: Reliance on paper money and financial mismanagement.

Implied Doom and Foreshadowing

  • Woodman and Farmer Metaphors:
    • Woodman: Symbolizes fate and impending doom, working silently and inexorably toward events of the French Revolution.
    • Farmer: Represents death, marking individuals as victims for future events.

Law and Order in England

  • Crime and Disorder:
    • Frequent highway robberies, even in the capital.
    • Law enforcement was violent, with highwaymen being a common occurrence.
  • Judicial Cruelty:
    • Public executions and harsh punishments were common.
    • Disparity in justice for crimes, from murder to petty theft.

Summary

  • The narrative paints a vivid picture of the chaotic and contradictory state of society during 1775.
  • Key Themes:
    • Contrasts between wisdom and foolishness, light and darkness, hope and despair.
    • The unstoppable march of fate and societal change, leading to future revolution.
  • Character and Setting Introduction: The stage is set for the unfolding of the historical events that will affect the characters in the story.