Examples Of Foreshadowing In A Tale Of Two Cities

Charles Dickens is regarded by many as the greatest writer of the nineteenth century. The use of literary techniques and elements are dispersed throughout his novels and makes his work extraordinary to read. Foreshadowing was prevalent in Book Ⅱ of A Tale of Two Cities. Foreshadowing adds to the suspense and strengthens the plot of the novel.

One example of foreshadowing is found when Sydney Carton professes his love for Lucie Manette. Although Carton knows that he’ll never been able to marry Lucie, he says how “I would embrace any sacrifice for you and for those dear to you” (Dickens 188). Carton says this because he feels that his life can’t be changed for the better and that he would do anything for Lucie’s happiness. This foreshadows that

Carton may sacrifice himself for Lucie or anyone dear to Lucie later in the novel. The use of this foreshadowing is important in that it makes the reader question oneself. It hints that Carton might eventually sacrifice himself, but when and who would he do it for? These questions that build in our minds make the novel more enjoyable because it increases anticipation while hinting future events.
When John Barsad and Madame Defarge talk about knitting, there is an instance of foreshadowing.

John Barsad, a spy, is registered into Madame Defarge’s knitting. Barsad notices Madame Defarge’s knitting and asks her if she’ll it for more than just a pastime. Madame Defarge responds with “‘That depends. I may find a use for it one day. If I do---well…..I’ll use it!’” (Dickens 222) This foreshadows that during the revolution, Madame Defarge will use her “knitlist” to target and kill the names mentioned on it. The foreshadowing is used with an instance of dramatic irony because the reader knows the fate of Barsad but the character is oblivious to the real meaning of Madame Defarge’s knitting. This example of foreshadowing is integral to the overall plot because it helps the reader understand that the French Revolution is going to happen soon. The novel’s plot revolves around the revolution, so it prepares the reader that something important is

approaching.
Another occurrence of foreshadowing is found when Mr.

Lorry and Miss. Pross get rid of Dr. Manette’s shoemaking bench and tools. It was stated how “So wicked do destruction and secrecy appear to honest minds, that Mr. Lorry and Miss Pross, while engaged in the commission of their deed and in the removal of its traces, almost felt, and almost looked, like accomplices in a horrible crime” (Dickens 251). This foreshadows the violence of the upcoming revolution. Dickens achieves this by comparing the destruction of the shoemaking bench and disposal of the tools to a murder scene. Dickens even refers to the shoemaking bench as a “body.” The use of foreshadowing is important because it gives a suspenseful feel to the scene. The meaning of this foreshadowing can be interpreted in many ways but it still hints to the reader that nothing good is to come later in the

novel.
Finally, when the footsteps were described during a cliffhanger, an instance of foreshadowing was found. The repetition of the echoing footsteps was a point of interest in the novel. Additionally, at the end of the chapter, it stated how the footsteps were “headlong, mad and dangerous; and in the years so long after the breaking of the cask at Defarge’s wine-shop door, they are not easily purified when once stained red” (Dickens 270). This foreshadows that the revolution is just around the corner. Dickens references the breaking of the wine cask, which reinforces the foreshadowing even more. In addition, the footsteps are now portrayed as “headlong, mad and dangerous” to represent the anger of the third estate. The purpose of the foreshadowing is to make the novel more enjoyable to the reader while hinting that the revolution has basically begun. It also creates a feeling of tension with the approaching footsteps.
In conclusion, the various examples of foreshadowing adds to the suspense and strengthens the plot of the novel. It’s main purpose is to hint future events, but it also built tension and made the novel more pleasurable for the reader. All in all, the strategic use of foreshadowing keeps the reader wanting to know more.