Abstract

 

In English modern literature, the position of Charles Dickens is second only to Shakespeare. Not only in English literature but also in world literature, Dickens has made significant contribution. A Tale of Two Cities is one of his most representative works, which was based on the French Revolution. Dickens found that the situation of England society at that time was very similar to that of the French Revolution, so he wanted to use the French Revolution to warn bourgeois in Britain. In the novel, Dickens criticized the tyranny of feudal aristocracy and showed sympathy to the masses. Firstly, based on the previous studies, this paper will begin with the introduction of the writing background, then introduce the causes of Dickens' humanitarianism and discuss the representation of humanitarianism in A Tale of Two Cities. Finally, the humanitarianism that embodied by Dickens himself will be presented. This research will help readers to acknowledge Dickens' works better.

 

Key words: A Tale of Two Cities; humanitarianism; benevolence 

 

Contents

中文摘要

Abstract

1. Introduction.......................................................................................................1

2. The Background of A Tale of Two Cities..........................................................2

3. The Causes of Dickens' Humanitarian Spirit................................................2

3.1 Personal experiences..........................................................................................3

3.2 Influence of the era............................................................................................3

3.3 Christian spirit...................................................................................................3

4. The Representation of Humanitarianism in A Tale of Two Cities.................4

4.1 Humanitarianism in the theme..........................................................................5

4.2 Humanitarianism in the main characters...........................................................6

4.3 Humanitarianism in the ending mode...............................................................7

5. The Representation of Humanitarianism in Dickens.....................................8

5.1 The concept of Dickens' humanitarianism........................................................8

5.2 Humanitarianism in the creation of his works...................................................9

5.3 Humanitarianism in his life experience.............................................................9

5.3.1 His view on benevolence.................................................................................9

5.3.2 The way of getting along with others............................................................10

6. Conclusion…………………………………………………………………..10

References………………………………………………………………………..11