Madame Defarge is a complex and multifaceted character in Charles Dickens' novel, "A Tale of Two Cities." She is a central figure in the novel, and her actions and motivations play a crucial role in the events that unfold.
Madame Defarge is introduced as a woman who is driven by a deep sense of anger and resentment towards the aristocracy, particularly towards the Evrémonde family. She is a member of the Saint Antoine neighborhood in Paris, which is known for its poverty and unrest, and she has witnessed firsthand the suffering and injustice inflicted upon the lower classes by the wealthy and powerful. As a result, she becomes a fervent supporter of the French Revolution and is determined to see the downfall of the aristocracy.
Despite her fierce dedication to the cause, Madame Defarge is not a one-dimensional character. She is also a wife and mother, and her relationships with her husband and son reveal a softer side to her personality. She is fiercely protective of her family and is willing to go to great lengths to ensure their safety and well-being.
Despite her strong beliefs and determination, Madame Defarge is not without her flaws. She is vengeful and ruthless, and her pursuit of justice often leads her to act with extreme cruelty. She is a key figure in the Reign of Terror, and is known for her role in the execution of countless aristocrats and perceived enemies of the revolution. Her thirst for revenge knows no bounds, and she is willing to sacrifice anyone and anything in the pursuit of her goals.
Overall, Madame Defarge is a complex and deeply layered character, driven by a mix of passion, anger, and a desire for justice. Her actions and motivations have a significant impact on the events of "A Tale of Two Cities," and she remains a memorable and significant character in the novel.
Madame Defarge in A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
Defarge retorts that is takes a long time for an earthquake, yet it comes. Penn State University Press. She believes that in order to get back at Darnay, she must inflict the same pain she felt upon him. There are several different themes that are represented through the many various levels of Madame Defarge. After he leaves, she often goes to Madame Lebrun's home to look at Robert's baby pictures. Pontellier is first seen with a man named Robert coming from the beach and when she gets back, Mr. His novels and short stories enjoy lasting popularity.
Madame Defarge Character Analysis in A Tale of Two Cities
Lucie falls on her knees, begging for mercy on behalf of her child. In relation to Madame Defarge, the fate of many aristocrats, and even those related to them, were literally and symbolically thread in Madame Defarge's hands, much like fates of the ancient Greeks in the old women's hands. In each case, Dickens suggests that human destinies are either predetermined by the force of history or they are tied into a larger pattern than we as individuals realize. Getting 19 innocent people killed can be the heartless thing she has done. Napoleon Bonaparte was ascending through France and quickly dominating surrounding territory.
Defarge often has been dismissed as a one-dimensional embodiment of 'the Terror'; however, some scholars argue that her character is much more complex than this association implies. She is one of the main villains of the novel, obsessed with revenge against the Evrémondes. Madame Defarge has clearly seen suffering amongst her people, this is demonstrated throughout the novel when Dickens depicts moving scenes in which the lower-class drink wine off of the ground, are neglected as human beings, and unjustly killed and mistreated. In the Paper, The Crucible quotations and analysis, we see that Mrs. The handkerchief in this context plays a key role because of its normalcy and common use in daily life, especially during this time period. Role as a Victim Even though she is the antagonist in the novel, Madame Defarge is also a victim in that she's lost her entire family to the Evremonde brothers. At the beginning of the book, Sydney constantly reminds those around him he cares for nothing along with the thought Humanism Through criticism toward cruel rule of aristocrats and bloody revolution of people and praise humanity, A Tale of Two Cities by Dickens demonstrates his humanistic thinking perfectly.
Her entire drive is to destroy the Evremonde. His best known work in America, A Tale of Two Cities, is an in-depth analysis of more than a love triangle. She says that he expressed great gentleness and kindness towards Dr. The next day, Barsad, the spy, comes into the wine-shop looking to glean a little information from the Defarges. As the revolution breaks into full force, Madame Defarge reveals her true viciousness. Other company were there: two playing cards, two playing dominoes, three standing by the counter lengthening out a short supply of wine. Irony In Desiree's Baby 1293 Words 6 Pages The natural attraction between the young couple seems too good to be true at first.
He primarily believes that Dickens attempts to convey a strong sense of emotion by Tale Of Two Cities Class And Revolution of society. The record describes why Dr. The revolution may take a very long time to begin, but when it does, it would be unstoppable. Lesson at a Glance The antagonist in Charles Dickens's novel, A Tale of Two Cities, is named Madame Defarge, who is a bitter knitter and wine shop owner. Evremonde intercepted his letter and sent him to the Bastille in retaliation. This is a character fueled by determination, anger, and most importantly revenge, which are constant ideas shown throughout the book. When Miss Pross, Lucie's servant, confronts Madame Defarge, she says, 'You might, from your appearance, be the wife of Lucifer.
No Fear Literature: A Tale of Two Cities: Book 1, Chapter 5: The Wine Shop Page 4
Madame Defarge goes in search of Lucie, Darnay's wife, in hopes of catching her in the act of lamenting for a prisoner. The Defarges admit to nothing and feign indifference. This is their fate. While most of the blame can be put onto Armand, we must take note that the unjust hierarchy set in time weighs down upon her husband, almost forcing him to make such a rash and irresponsibly decision. So much the worse! She is blinded by vengeance and breaths off of this belief that she owes her family righteousness. Its almost like she enjoys to see others sad and down.
This animal was no longer considered any bit of a human. Pontellier was beginning to realize her position in the universe as a human being, and to recognize her relations as an individual to the world within and about her. Vengeance consumes Madame Defarge and ultimately leads her to her death. In …show more content… She likes to intensify scenarios, keep a stern face, and contribute to the revolts. As they notice, customers start to trickle out of the store. Her knitting also reminds us of the Greek Fates in ancient Greek mythology, three old women who spin, measure, and then cut thread, which symbolized the creating and ending of a person's lifespan.
Defarge moves from group to group, the agent of fate, as darkness surrounds them. She is bent on seeking revenge for her family by killing all members of the Evremonde family. Her knitting also reminds us of the Greek Fates in ancient Greek mythology, three old women who spin, measure, and then cut thread, which symbolized the creating and ending of a person's lifespan. When the revolution breaks out, she pulls out all the blankets and scarves and hats and reads them off like a written list - and when the public recognizes what she was really doing when she glowered at them while knitting, nobles work to flee France and the knitting needles of Madame Defarge. Because of the way Miss Strangeworth is, all horrible actions must have a consequence and she finds out the truth of that statement when her vintage old self turns into the evil lady that no one has seen before, and she realizes that she wants more control than she has, basically a god complex. Pontellier Outward Conformity In Kate Chopin's The Awakening 825 Words 4 Pages Edna fully understands that society would brand her as a terrible woman, but she does not view herself as a bad person.
Maybe with Lucie he could be better since she represents hope. Tell me how long it takes to prepare the earthquake? Here, Dickens tells us because she was imbued from her childhood with a brooding sense of wrong, and an inveterate hatred of a class, opportunity had developed her into a tigress. Madame Defarge learned of the fate of her family in a hidden document from Dr. The meeting between Lucie and Madame Defarge makes it absolutely clear that she has lost all ability to feel sympathy or empathy. All aristocrats must die.
