Do you think the title "A Tale of Two Cities" perfect or not?

[Sandy]

The book isn't much about the two cities, is it?

[Joseph]

I think it symbolically represents the 2 lead male characters and their differences. Obviously where they are each from, but also their commonalities and proximities through the course of their lives, their opposite viewpoints, their complexities, and larger than life personas at the end.

[Sandy]

Joseph wrote: "I think it symbolically represents the 2 lead male characters and their differences. Obviously where they are each from, but also their commonalities and proximities through the course of their liv..."

That's cool, good point! Thanks!

[Hannah]

I think it's good. It is about the contrast Dickens is drawing between the two cities.

[Sandy]

Benjamin wrote: "I agree that the title isn't quite right somehow. Before I knew anything at all about this book, heard the title and had been told it was to do with the French revolution, I assumed it would have b..."

Thanks for sharing.
Somehow, I think "recalled to life" makes a better title. :)

[Joseph]

Sandy wrote: "Joseph wrote: "I think it symbolically represents the 2 lead male characters and their differences. Obviously where they are each from, but also their commonalities and proximities through the cour..."

Thanks for the compliment. It was a good question.

[Joseph]

Sandy wrote: "Benjamin wrote: "I agree that the title isn't quite right somehow. Before I knew anything at all about this book, heard the title and had been told it was to do with the French revolution, I assume..."


Great idea. Yes, ‘Recalled to Life’ sounds closer to the overarching theme and the actual story.

[Sandy]

Joseph wrote: "Sandy wrote: "Benjamin wrote: "I agree that the title isn't quite right somehow. Before I knew anything at all about this book, heard the title and had been told it was to do with the French revolu..."

Thanks Joseph, in my copy of the book, it mentioned that "Recalled to life" "One of these days" "Buried alive" "The thread of gold" "The doctor of Beauvais" were the suggestions of the title, but Dickens announced he had "exactly the name for the story that is wanted", that was "A tale of two cities".

But I don't think "A tale of two cities" is the best. :p

[Joseph]

I agree. Dickens was a prolific wordsmith but not great at titles. I still don't get 'A Christmas Carol.' It's not about music:)

[Will]

Dickens plays on an older meaning of Carol, which refers to a circle dance and is part of the overall festival of Christmas in the old tradition (which died in the 1800's). Dickens was actually an expert in the history of Christmas traditions (English Christmas in the Middle Ages), which is part of why he wrote A Christmas Carol.

[Joseph]

Thanks I forgot he was writing it to a completely different audience in another time. Interesting to know.

Will wrote: "Dickens plays on an older meaning of Carol, which refers to a circle dance and is part of the overall festival of Christmas in the old tradition (which died in the 1800's). Dickens was actually an ..."

[Matthew]

The two main settings of the book are London and Paris, comparing and contrasting the conditions and situations there before and during the French Revolution. How is the title not perfect?

[Joseph]

Matthew wrote: "The two main settings of the book are London and Paris, comparing and contrasting the conditions and situations there before and during the French Revolution. How is the title not perfect?"

Good point. As historical fiction, it’s not a bad title. I just wish it had more immediacy to the center of the drama. I believe titles help steer readers to the focus of the book, which to me lay in the characters of Charles, Sydney and Lucy. The title puts more stress on the period and setting than the actual heart of the story. Just my humble opinion. Thanks