Examples Of Masculinity In A Tale Of Two Cities

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Dickens has a complex, multifaceted view on masculinity. In the book, he creates many male characters with differing personality traits who each serve different roles. Doctor Manette is a character who embodies strength. After being imprisoned for nearly 20 years in the Bastille, Doctor Manette’s mind was severely damaged. Once he’s released, he does manage to recover his former self with the help of his family and friends. Though on multiple occasions, Doctor Manette experiences intense stress. This causes him to relapse into a disturbed state. Despite these setbacks, Doctor Manette is always able to find himself again. This makes him arguably the strongest male character in the book.
Another character used by Dickens to define masculinity is Charles Darnay. Darnay is a French aristocrat who leaves France because he disagrees with the way that nobility treats the common people. This must have taken some amount of bravery, but this act …show more content…

Monsieur Defarge is a revolutionary disguised as a mere bartender. He communicates secretly with his fellow revolutionaries in the bar and helps to orchestrate the plot to overthrow the French aristocracy. Despite the power he holds, he is overshadowed by his ruthless wife, Mrs. Defarge. Mrs. Defarge is a very powerful woman with a lot of influence, and she is ultimately the driving force behind the revolution’s plot. She decides who to kill and knits their name into a coded list. Monsieur Defarge is cooperative and submissive to her, as seen when he agrees with every part of the story she tells without being prompted. Monsieur Defarge is a masculine character with a lot of influence, but his relationship with his wife is not reflective of what was typical during the time period of the French revolution. This is used by Dickens to show that society’s attitudes towards masculinity and femininity are

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