How Does Dickens Use Metaphors In A Tale Of Two Cities

Opposing Forces
If a person were to go on any social media platform online and type into the search bar “#notmypresident”, millions of results would appear on screen. This trending media topic is a negative response of Donald Trump’s recent exaltation to Presidential Elect, which has caused an obvious divide among the people of the United States. While some citizens are celebrating over Trump’s victory online and off, people who are unhappy with the election results are afraid of devastating effects it could have on people of color, Muslims, and the general population of women. These outraged individuals are taking to the streets, to political offices, and to the press to protest his presidency. As average citizens challenge government authority

A recurring metaphor in the novel is the comparison of natural elements to both sides of the French Revolution, “In such risings of fire and risings of sea- the firm earth shaken by the rushes of the angry ocean which had now no ebb, but was always on the flow, higher and higher, to the terror and wonder of the beholders on the shore” (180). Dickens manifests the uncontrollable rise of the Revolution, as he compares it to sea, swallowing the mighty fire, which reflects the aristocracy. Using a metaphor of opposing elements further develops the idea that a nation with people who conflict with one another will only wreak havoc on itself. Fire and water cannot coexist. In the presence of each other, water evaporates and fire extinguishes. Likewise, the people of France could not coexist because classism that put people against each other, causing death, devastation and terror. Even after a duration of the Revolution had played out, classism continued to deteriorate the country during Great Terror. The common people had overthrown their oppressive monarch, failed to stop any political unrest. This is seen through Madame Defarge’s discrimination of the higher-born people of France, “‘Then tell the Wind and Fire where to stop,’ returned the madame; but don’t tell me!”” (265). Dickens again employs elements to make a point about the forces of the revolution. Previously, fire had been used as a reflection of the aristocracy, wind is often an aid of fire. However, Madame Defarge is her own force, she is the driving influence for the new republic to ruthlessly and unjustly kill aristocrats, and those that are “suspected” of the going against the government. This behavior is similar to the previous oppressive regime that ruled France before the Revolution. The sole difference between the two political eras is the kind people that are being