convienient coincidence

In literature, coincidence often adds to the plot when it's used to reveal irony or hidden meaning reveal to the reader. The Oxford English Dictionary defines coincidence as "a notable concurrence of events having no apparent causal connection." Indeed, this idea is highly important in Charles Dickens' plot which is brought together through the power of coincidence. Dickens uses the coincidence literary element in his novel, A Tale of Two Cities. He presents this literary element through the coincidence of Sydney Carton and Charles Darnay's physical resemblance, Darnay being the nephew of the Marquis St. Evremonde, and Dr. Manette's condemning the Evremonde family, without the future knowledge of his daughter's marriage to a descendent of the Evremonde family.

One of the first major coincidences in A Tale of Two Cities was Sydney Carton and Charles Darnay's physical resemblance. Their physical similarity is shown when Dickens writes, “ “Something especially reckless in his demeanour, not only gave him a disreputable look, but so diminished the strong resemblance he undoubtedly bore to the prisoner, that many of the lookers-on, taking note of him now, said to one another they would hardly have thought the two were so alike (Dickens 73).” Their resemblance saves Darnay' life at one point. In the beginning of the book, Sydney uses his appearance to help acquit Darnay on charges of treason. After the trial, it is revealed that Carton is envious of Darnay because he feels that he could have been just as successful as Darnay if he had just had a different attitude. Dickens may have used the physical resemblance to show that all Carton did need was an attitude change and he could be just like Darnay, since he already looked like him. In ...

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...cidental meeting is crucial to the plot of the novel. Soon after this episode, Carton learns of the double identity of Barsad. Since it is highly dangerous for Barsad to be found out by the French, he is now partially under the power of Carton. Carton's power over Barsad enables him to enlist the dubious man's services when he changes places with Darnay in the French prison. Without the help of Barsad, the switch at the end would have been impossible.

Dickens uses coincidences, even far-fetched ones, to show that all elements of society are linked, even if people are not aware of the links. Dickens’s coincidences reinforce his belief that all members of society, rich and poor, powerful and weak, have responsibilities towards each other. Dickens introduces coincidence when it is of the utmost importance to the plot in order to tie characters and events together.