Student Activities for A Tale of Two Cities
Essential Questions for A Tale of Two Cities
- What responsibilities do leaders have to their people?
- Why is equality such an important concept to people?
- How can sacrifice make a person feel whole?
- How can power and money corrupt people?
- Why is seeking revenge sometimes more destructive than the original crime?
- What are some things that can corrupt the original idealistic intentions of a revolution?
- Can a person ever truly renounce their family name and history?
The French Revolution
In order to best understand this novel and the motivations of the characters, students should have a solid understanding of the causes and effects of the French Revolution, especially the tensions between the aristocracy and the peasants. While the French Revolution was inspired by many of the Enlightenment ideals that inspired the American Revolution, things didn’t go quite as well for the French citizens and there are important reasons why. Luckily, our Storyboard That history teachers have crafted a complete teacher’s guide for the French Revolution that has some handy activities for getting students thinking about the important aspects of this time period.
Some important causes of the Revolution to review with students include:
- Poor harvests and food shortages
- Extreme debt caused by French involvement in wars, including the American Revolution
- The success of the American Revolution
- The ideals of the Enlightenment, including the rights of citizens and men
- The caste system that perpetuated the poverty and exploitation of those not in the aristocracy
- The absolutist monarchies which were quickly losing power and influence in other parts of Europe as well
The Bastille
The Bastille was a symbol of oppression and abuse of power, as many of those who were imprisoned there never went to trial. Instead, they spent years in dark cells, alone with their thoughts - and many lost their minds in that isolation, like Dr. Manette. The Bastille was a fortress dating back to the 14th century, and it became the focus of the revolutionaries’ ire with the Storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789.
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How Tos about A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
Engage students with a historical debate about justice and revolution
Initiate a lively classroom debate on justice during the French Revolution. Divide students into groups to represent different social classes from the era, like aristocrats, peasants, and revolutionaries. Each group presents arguments on whether the revolution delivered true justice or simply replaced one form of oppression with another. This activity sparks critical thinking and helps students understand multiple perspectives.
Assign roles for a mock French Revolution town hall
Give each student a historical persona such as a noble, a merchant, or a farmer. Set the scene for a town hall meeting where citizens discuss grievances and propose changes. Encourage respectful dialogue and evidence-based arguments. This simulation brings history to life and deepens empathy for the era’s struggles.
Guide students to research real-life figures from the Revolution
Assign students a famous or lesser-known individual from the French Revolution, like Robespierre, Olympe de Gouges, or Dr. Manette (fictional). Have them summarize their chosen figure’s role and impact on justice and social change. Sharing findings as short presentations helps students connect literature with actual history.
Facilitate connections between novel themes and modern events
Lead a discussion where students compare themes of justice, sacrifice, and revolution in A Tale of Two Cities to current events or social movements. Encourage students to find news articles or personal stories that echo the novel’s key questions. This step makes learning relevant and supports critical citizenship skills.
Frequently Asked Questions about A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
What are effective lesson plan ideas for teaching A Tale of Two Cities in middle or high school?
Effective lesson plan ideas for A Tale of Two Cities include exploring themes like sacrifice, revenge, and resurrection, analyzing character motivations, comparing the French Revolution to other revolutions, and engaging students with creative activities such as storyboards, debates, and historical context research.
How can I connect A Tale of Two Cities to lessons about the French Revolution?
Connect A Tale of Two Cities to French Revolution lessons by discussing the causes and effects of the revolution, the struggle between aristocracy and peasants, and how historical events influenced the novel’s plot and characters. Use resources like timelines, primary sources, and interactive activities to deepen understanding.
What are the main themes to focus on when teaching A Tale of Two Cities?
Main themes to highlight include justice, revenge, sacrifice, resurrection, and the corrupting influence of power and money. These themes help students analyze character choices and the social critique Dickens presents.
Why is the Bastille an important symbol in A Tale of Two Cities?
The Bastille symbolizes oppression and the abuse of power in A Tale of Two Cities. Its storming marks a turning point in the French Revolution and deeply impacts characters like Dr. Manette, making it a powerful teaching moment about justice and historical change.
What strategies help students understand the historical context behind A Tale of Two Cities?
Strategies include using historical guides, reviewing causes of the French Revolution, comparing with the American Revolution, and incorporating Enlightenment ideals. Encourage students to research, discuss, and create visual projects to connect literature with real events.
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