How do you understand the beginning?

[Sandy]

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair…

Why I didn't see "it was the best of times" "it was the season of Light" "it was the spring of hope"?

[Will]

This book is written as an historical novel about the time of before and during the French Revolution. Their is real hope for the 3rd estate and for change. The time of absolute monarchy and clerical oppression could be at an end. It is similar to the rhetoric of the American Revolution, but instead of fighting an outside foe, they are faced with an enemy that cannot retreat to its homeland. Dickens is an English writer that would have been extremely familiar with the fear the English had of going through a similar revolution, which is why the "season of Light" may be harder to see.

[Sandy]

Will wrote: "This book is written as an historical novel about the time of before and during the French Revolution. Their is real hope for the 3rd estate and for change. The time of absolute monarchy and cleric..."

Makes sense, thanks for sharing. :)

[Nocturn]

The french revolution was a good thing and a bad thing
simple as that!

[Sandy]

Thanks Conan and Benjamin, I understand the French revolution itself was a good and bad thing, I mean I didn't see many good things of that society in the book. :)

[Nocturn]

Well the good of the people is those few people that help other. Not that there are many of 'em.

(have you finish the book? Or just begun?)

[Sandy]

Conan wrote: "Well the good of the people is those few people that help other. Not that there are many of 'em.

(have you finish the book? Or just begun?)"

Thanks Conan. Yes, I have finished. :)
Somehow I think good people will always help others, not much related to the times.
Before and during revolutions, how can it be "the best of times"? It could, in my humble opinion, at most however, "the season of light" or "the spring of hope". :p