House of Notes

Q 4:  Give a character sketch of Dinah Morris.   Answer:   To most of the readers sweet pity of  Dinah seems distasteful. It seems like too much of a good thing. But this reaction is based on an unhistorical view of the character, it is not valid . Dinah Morris’s style of speech seems quite odd to the modern reader but this was a fact that such type of speech was common in 18 th century. The reader of 21 st century finds it unnatural but George Eliot was creating a historically accurate picture and this should be kept in mind while judging her characters. On the other hand, this wrong reaction to Dinah’s character is quite valid. Most critics of the world urge that Dinah  is not a realistic character. She is an ideal and a perfect woman who has no fault. Perhaps she is the personification of abstract goal of Eliot’s ethical system. There are perfect no women in the world, nor there likely to be. Dinah is rather clearly inhuman in her piety. Without any doubt Din

Is swift a misanthrope? Swift is not a misanthrope rather he is a philanthrope. It is the misconception of those who think Swift as a misanthrope. Swift only wants to reform mankind out of their follies and stupidities. He says that the chief end of all his labour is: “to vex the world rather than divert it”. Secondly, he declares that: “I have ever hated all nations, professions, and communities and all his love is towards individuals.” Thirdly, though Swift does not believe that: “Man is a rational animal”. Yet he believes that: “Man is capable of becoming rational if he makes the necessary efforts.” But we see that Swift is notorious for being misanthrope. He was subjected to this allegation during his lifetime because the critics, identifying Gulliver with Swift, attributed Gulliver’s blunders to Swift. That Gulliver, in the last voyage, becomes a misanthrope is undeniable and indisputable. Prima facie, it appears that

“A Tale of Two Cities” is a historical novel . Discuss. Or  “A Tale of Two Cities” is related to a most influential incident of history, but it is not complete historical book. Comment.  Answer: “A tale of two cities” is a historical novel related to the period before and all through the French Revolution. Previously, Dickens had written one historical novel, Barnaby Rudge, which dealt with a period of English history. When he wrote “A Tale of Two Cities” he was feeling great interest in history. However, “A Tale of Two Cities” is not a complete story of French Revolution. As a historical novel, “ A Tale of Two Cities” has obvious limitations. It does not give a complete picture of either the English or the French political world of those critical years (1775-1793). In this novel, Dickens describe the beginning of discontent in France, the rising dissatisfaction of people with the aristocrats and the turmoil caused by the public fury and the cruelties committ

What are the major themes in “A Tale of Two Cities”?  Or  Resurrection and renunciation are the major themes of the novel “A Tale of Two Cities”.  Answer: The main themes of  “A Tale of Two Cities” are resurrection and renunciation. Originally resurrection is taken in religious terms as the resurrection of Jesus Christ. But here, it is taken in various forms and this main theme is illustrated again and again as it overshadows the social, political and love themes in the novel. Resurrection in Various Forms: Resurrection is found in various forms through various characters. All three men in Lucie’s life are resurrected in some form or other. While her father is resurrected physically and mentally, Charles is resurrected physically and Sydney is resurrected spiritually. Besides physical and spiritual resurrection, various characters in the novel are resurrected in a comic way. Various characters are recalled to life in some way or other. While Charles and Dr. Manet

                       A   Tale of Two Cities                                      By Charles Dickens Plot Summary: It is the year 1775, and England and France are undergoing a period of social violent disturbance and turmoil. Lucie Manette is a young woman who has been raised as an orphan and a ward of Tellson's bank. She learns that her father is alive and has recently been released from prison after eighteen years of unjust imprisonment. She travels to the French suburb of Saint Antoine with Mr. Jarvis Lorry. Mr. Lorry is a longtime Tellson's employee and had managed her father's affairs before his imprisonment. They find her father at the home of Ernest Defarge, who has housed the doctor since his release. Though her father is on the brink of insanity, she solemnly vows that she will recover him. The family returns to London. After time, the doctor begins to recover and resumes his practice. Though, he occasionally returns back to his trance-like state,