Nature and Charles Dickens
Charles Dickens method of using nature to mirror human emotions is effective and gives the reader a better understanding. For example, in Chapter five, Book the Second, Dickens describes what Sydney Carton looks like and what the room looks like when he finishes his work after a long night. Another example is when there is a summer thunderstorm at the Manettes.
First, Charles Dickens uses nature to describe Sydney Carton after a long night of work. Dickens describes it as “When he got out of the house, the air was cold and sad, the dull sky overcast, the river dark and dim, the whole scene like a lifeless desert. And wreaths of dust were spinning round and round before the morning blast, as if the desert-sand had risen away” (91). Dickens is setting a gloomy, dry, and lifeless mood. Sydney Carton must have been tired when he was coming home because he had just finished a night of work. Also, Dickens portrays Cartons life as he doesn’t like it very much, or he’s depressed. This quote from the book sets a tired, lifeless mood. This method of saying it was more effective than saying ‘Carton was tired’ because it gives you a feel of how he felt instead of coming right out and saying it.
Second, is when Madame Defarge talks about storing lightning. She says; “How long," demanded Madame, composedly, "does it take to make and store the lightning? Tell me." (180). Nature is controlled by a higher being. Dickens is using nature to emphasize how Madame Defarge thinks she is sublime to other people. Also, the fact that he uses lighting adds to it because mostly, when people think of lighting you think of madness, or anger. Madame Defarge is angry and mad, especially at the richer, upper class, and wealthier people.