This is a place for us to discuss openly and honestly the literature we are reading. Here we are all just communicating our thoughts on what we are reading. There are no right and wrong answers. However, you are expected to be polite, mature, and on topic.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
It was the best of times...
As you begin A Tale of Two Cities, what are your thoughts about the novel and Dickens's writing style? What part of Book the First has intrigued you most? Why? (This post closes a midnight on Sunday, November 15, 2009).
So far, I have only read the first four chapters of Book the First, but I already love A TALE OF TWO CITIES. Dickens's writing style is a little difficult to understand because he uses more advanced vocabulary and sentence structure than what I usually read. However, I really like the way he is able to effectively juxtapose humor and suspense while creating a mystery. For example, one of my favorite scenes is in chapter 2 when the guard tells the stranger in the fog, "For I'm a devil at a quick mistake, and when I make one it takes the form of Lead"(16). I really enjoy this scene because it makes me laugh while I try to unravel the mystery behind the identity and intent of the stranger. However, I am currently most intrigued by Ms. Manette's mysterious connection to Tellson's Bank and Mr. Jarvis Lorry.
After reading the first five chapters of Dickens's novel A TALE OF TWO CITIES, I find myself enjoying the novel more and more as I become accustomed to its style. While some parts of the novel are difficult to comprehend, I really like the overall story. Dickens sometimes phrases things in a way that is very different from what I am used to. However, by taking the extra time to figure out what he is saying, I feel as if I am getting more out of the story. The most intriguing part of the story so far has been the character of Monsieur Defarge. At first, I thought he was a little shady, but after finishing the fifth chapter, I think there is much more depth to his character. I also like the fact that his character is shrouded in mystery. I enjoy gradually piecing together the story.
In all honesty, A TALE OF TWO CITIES by Charles Dickens is probably one of my least favorite novels that I have studied in class. I appreciate its position among literature, but I have never been very fond of Dickens's writing style. However, I enjoyed the suspense that was created during the scene with the fog. The ominous tone was almost tangible in the description.
A TALE OF TWO CITIES has numerous comparisons of the two countries. As Charles Dickens writes, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…” The title of the novel clearly presents the novel’s placement. As the novel proceeds, many comparisons are found. Dickens’s writing style causes a sense of suspense. Through the reading of the novel, the reader must analyze the different scenes in order to understand what is really happening. The details of the people depict them as poor and famished. It intrigues me how the men talk in code names, so they can remain disguised. Their secrecy arouses a great degree of suspense. Also, it is quite interesting that Mr. Lorry refuses to refer to anything with emotions, other than “business”. A TALE OF TWO CITIES seems to become more interesting with the more I read into it. GG-0
I am very excited to be reading A Tale of Two Cities. At first, I was mainly excited because the story of revolution reminded me of Les Miserables, but after reading Book the First, I am fully wrapped up in this story by itself. Already, Charles Dickens has introduced several endearing characters to his intriguing tale of mystery, suspense, and conspiracy. Dickens weaves humor into the telling of some serious events, while also leaving others as solemn as they come. I love the way that the story reads. While Dickens uses long sentences and language from an older time, it is generally not hard to follow his plotline. In Book the First, the most interesting parts to me are the introductions of all the characters, especially Monsieur Manette. My favorite parts of books are always the characters and their interactions, and I drink in their first impressions. Monsieur Manette is especially intriguing, for he is surrounded with mystery; his character fills me with hope that he can learn to love his daughter again and eventually rise up against his former oppressors. I cannot wait to read what Dickens has written next for these characters of A Tale of Two Cities!
6 comments:
So far, I have only read the first four chapters of Book the First, but I already love A TALE OF TWO CITIES. Dickens's writing style is a little difficult to understand because he uses more advanced vocabulary and sentence structure than what I usually read. However, I really like the way he is able to effectively juxtapose humor and suspense while creating a mystery. For example, one of my favorite scenes is in chapter 2 when the guard tells the stranger in the fog, "For I'm a devil at a quick mistake, and when I make one it takes the form of Lead"(16). I really enjoy this scene because it makes me laugh while I try to unravel the mystery behind the identity and intent of the stranger. However, I am currently most intrigued by Ms. Manette's mysterious connection to Tellson's Bank and Mr. Jarvis Lorry.
BS-0
After reading the first five chapters of Dickens's novel A TALE OF TWO CITIES, I find myself enjoying the novel more and more as I become accustomed to its style. While some parts of the novel are difficult to comprehend, I really like the overall story. Dickens sometimes phrases things in a way that is very different from what I am used to. However, by taking the extra time to figure out what he is saying, I feel as if I am getting more out of the story. The most intriguing part of the story so far has been the character of Monsieur Defarge. At first, I thought he was a little shady, but after finishing the fifth chapter, I think there is much more depth to his character. I also like the fact that his character is shrouded in mystery. I enjoy gradually piecing together the story.
LS-0
In all honesty, A TALE OF TWO CITIES by Charles Dickens is probably one of my least favorite novels that I have studied in class. I appreciate its position among literature, but I have never been very fond of Dickens's writing style. However, I enjoyed the suspense that was created during the scene with the fog. The ominous tone was almost tangible in the description.
BK-0
A TALE OF TWO CITIES has numerous comparisons of the two countries. As Charles Dickens writes, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…” The title of the novel clearly presents the novel’s placement. As the novel proceeds, many comparisons are found. Dickens’s writing style causes a sense of suspense. Through the reading of the novel, the reader must analyze the different scenes in order to understand what is really happening. The details of the people depict them as poor and famished. It intrigues me how the men talk in code names, so they can remain disguised. Their secrecy arouses a great degree of suspense. Also, it is quite interesting that Mr. Lorry refuses to refer to anything with emotions, other than “business”. A TALE OF TWO CITIES seems to become more interesting with the more I read into it.
GG-0
P.S. This is Gineca because I had to use another person's internet.
GG-0
I am very excited to be reading A Tale of Two Cities. At first, I was mainly excited because the story of revolution reminded me of Les Miserables, but after reading Book the First, I am fully wrapped up in this story by itself. Already, Charles Dickens has introduced several endearing characters to his intriguing tale of mystery, suspense, and conspiracy. Dickens weaves humor into the telling of some serious events, while also leaving others as solemn as they come. I love the way that the story reads. While Dickens uses long sentences and language from an older time, it is generally not hard to follow his plotline. In Book the First, the most interesting parts to me are the introductions of all the characters, especially Monsieur Manette. My favorite parts of books are always the characters and their interactions, and I drink in their first impressions. Monsieur Manette is especially intriguing, for he is surrounded with mystery; his character fills me with hope that he can learn to love his daughter again and eventually rise up against his former oppressors. I cannot wait to read what Dickens has written next for these characters of A Tale of Two Cities!
JJ-0
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