Stereotypes and Stereotyping in A Tale of Two Cities

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Stereotypes in A Tale of Two Cities

Charles Dickens stereotypes many of his Characters in A Tale of Two Cities. Among these stereotyped characters are The Marquis D' Evremond,

Lucy, and Miss Pross. These particular stereotypes were probably intentional,

for Dicken's was not a skilled writer.

The Marquis d' Evremond was probably intentionally stereotyped. His

character is basically used to represent the French Military of the time, so he

was as cruel, ignorant, and pompous as the French citizens were at that time.

His actions when his carriage runs over a child clearly show Dickens's

motive: to portray the French Military of the era as kind and generous

citizens, and to sort of justify the French Revolution. His dialogue with Miss

Pross early in the story also shows his contempt for the proletariat; furthering

his role as the stereotype of the Military. Just as he symbolizes the blood

spilled in the revolution, his birth symbolizes the fall of the Monarchy to

come.

Lucy'...

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