Satire: An Unlikely Light in Darkness (A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens Book Review)

Satire? Darkness? A deadly mistake? Or a vital nous? Indeed, satire has been a part of literature dating back to Mesopotamia when the Epic of Gilgamesh was written, and darkness is no uncommon theme in ancient and modern literature. Where do we see the theme of darkness and the device of satire being used together? An excellent example is A Tale of Two Cities. This essay will discuss how Charles Dickens unites both satire and darkness to create a candid novel on human nature and the effects of a society that no longer values human life.

Before being able to fully delve into the union of satire and darkness, it’s noteworthy to recognize the kinds of darkness present in the novel. Darkness takes several forms in A Tale of Two Cities, including spiritual darkness and images of darkness. Spiritual darkness is portrayed in several of the characters, “I would ride over any of you very willingly, and exterminate you from the earth,’ said the Marquis.” The marquis shows a complete lack of moral responsibility and respect for life. Dickens even points out that death was an entertainment for some in Paris, “Funerals had at all times a remarkable attraction for Mr. Cruncher; he always pricked up his senses, and became excited, when a funeral passed Tellson’s.” Both of these examples lend insight into the general spiritual state of Paris leading into the The Revolution. 

Along with spiritual darkness comes darkness itself. A Tale of Two Cities is copious with references to “shadows”, darkened rooms, etc... “But the shadow of the manner of these Defarges was dark upon himself, for all that, and in his secret mind it troubled him greatly.” and towards the end of the book: “In the black prison of the Concierge, the doomed of the day awaited their fate.” Dickens' brilliant use of dark imagery gives the novel a mysterious and gloomy aura.

The union of satire and dark imagery act as a mirror to expose spiritual darkness, “Under the guidance of her Christian pastors, she entertained herself besides, with such humane achievements as sentencing a youth to have his hands cut off, his tongue torn out with pincers, and his body burned alive…” This line employs irony, (a form of satire). The government of France abused its people under the guidance of “Christian” pastors. Dickens points out that these pastors condoning the killing of a youth because he did not bow to a procession of monks is the opposite of Christianity.   

A powerful example of this unity of satire and darkness relates to Sydney Carton.  When Dickens first introduces Sydney Carton he seems to be too caught up in drinking and his own feelings to live a useful, happy life. “You have had your bottle, I perceive, Sydney.” “‘The old seesaw Sydney. Up one minute and down the next; now in spirits and now in despondency,’ said Stryver.”  “‘Carton, ' said his friend, 'your way is and always was a lame way. You summon no energy and purpose. Look at me.’ ‘Oh, botheration!’ returned Sydney.”  Throughout the novel, Dickens uses seemingly “humorous” scenes such as these to shed light on a very dark subject, depression. However, it’s evident that Dickens is not laughing at Carton. Instead, he recognizes that Carton needs help just like Doctor Manette. “Sadly, sadly, the sun rose; it rose upon no sadder sight than the man of good abilities and good emotions, incapable of their directed exercise, incapable of his own help and his own happiness…  

The union of satire and darkness in A Tale of Two Cities  has many uses.  Some of the reasons Dickens unites satire and darkness in the novel is to expose hypocrisy, mock the current systems at the time of The Revolution, make the book interesting,  and to act as a door by which we might enter into the mind of someone else. Indeed, satire unites with the darkness so that it may expose the darkness. “‘I may find a use for it one day. If I do well,’ said madame."