Examples Of Foreshadowing In A Tale Of Two Cities

Foreshadowing is a tool commonly utilized by writers, often used to add dramatic tension to a story and build anticipation for the future of the plot. Sometimes foreshadowing will be clear and direct, while other times further analysis is needed to recognize this literary device. Multiple examples of foreshadowing are evident in A Tale of Two Cities. Though readers are already aware of the elements of the French Revolution, Dickens is still able to create suspense by giving insight into the future of the characters readers have become personally attached to. Throughout A Tale of Two Cities, Dickens utilizes foreshadowing to create a suspenseful and complex story.
One prominent example of foreshadowing adding suspense involves the spilling

of wine. When a cask of wine outside of the Defarge’s shop breaks open and wine pours through the streets, “people within reach [suspend] their business, or their idleness to run to the spot and drink the wine” (60).

The townspeople greedily dive at the wine, trying to scoop it up and even attempt to soak up more with their clothing. Some people are so barbaric they “[devote] themselves to the sodden and lee-dyed pieces of the cask, licking, and even champing the moister wine-rotted fragments with eager relish” (61). This greed and inhumane behavior adds to the suspicion and fear of readers as to what else these characters are capable of. Furthermore, the dark wine stains the streets as to symbolize the blood soon to cover the city when the revolution commences. The wine stained the people as well, as “those who had been greedy with the staves of the cask, had acquired a tigerish smear around the mouth” (63). Eventually, readers realize this event is foreshadowing of the actions of the bloodthirsty members of the French Revolution. One man even “scrawled upon a wall with his finger dipped in muddy wine-lees—‘blood’” (63); a direct moment of foreshadowing. Therefore, the spilling of wine indicates ruthless future chaos, adding suspense and

anticipation to Dickens’ story. As a whole, this instance of foreshadowing sets the scene for the revolution and hints at the motives and desires of it’s participants. Similarly, the use of the sound of footsteps also denotes the nearing of the revolution and increases suspense in the plot. The footsteps are mentioned several times throughout the story at varying sounds to foreshadow the chaos. As the revolution grows near, “the footsteps [are] incessant, and the hurry of them [becomes] more rapid” (210). Evidently, these footsteps are another way Dicken’s indirectly communicates the coming of the revolution, while also engaging the reader through building suspense.
Furthermore, the similarity between Charles Darnay and Sydney Carton is a perfect example in which foreshadowing is utilized to deepen the complexity of the story.

When these two men are first introduced, Dickens makes a clear effort to point out the similar appearance they share. When Darnay is having his hearing in court and is accused of participating is suspicious activities with American colonists, his lawyer points out Darnay has a lookalike named Sydney Carton. The court marvels at their similarity, as “if not debauched, they were sufficiently like each other to surprise, not only the witness, but everybody present” (150). Their resemblance of each other saves Darnay, and foreshadows another instance in which their similarities will work to their benefit. This example of foreshadowing makes the plot more complex by forcing readers to wonder what else the resemblance of the two men might endure. Later on in the story when Darnay is to be beheaded, Carton takes his place as a prisoner saving him once more. Additionally the knitting of Madame Defarge is another instance of foreshadowing which makes the plot more elaborate. Towards the beginning of the story, Maadame Defarge is seen knitting what seemed to be random names multiple times. It is later revealed what seemed to be an innocent act is not so innocent after all. Readers soon discover Defarge is actually composing a list of those she seeks revenge against and plans to kill. This instance of foreshadowing adds

complexity to the plot by turning such a simple act into a meaningful and intense one. Defarge’s knitting also further affirms the hatred she has for those on her list.
In essence, Dickens’ use of foreshadowing engages readers by deepening the plot and provoking anticipation. Dickens includes several instances of foreshadowing throughout his writing to give major clues as to the future of his plot. A few of his prime examples include the spilling of wine, footsteps, similarities between Darnay and Carton, and Madame Defarge’s knitting. As a whole, these examples help set the story and are cleverly weaved throughout. Foreshadowing will always be a unique and creative part of literature, and Charles Dickens is one of several to fulfill its entities.