Quotes from A Tale of Two Cities
18 notable lines from Charles Dickens · 1859
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness…
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way.
Opening lines, Book I, ch. 1 It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to than I have ever known.
Sydney Carton's final words, Book the Third, Chapter 15 Recalled to life.
Mr. Lorry's coded message about Dr. Manette, Book I, ch. 2 I see a beautiful city and a brilliant people rising from this abyss.
Sydney Carton at the scaffold I see a beautiful city and a brilliant people rising from this abyss, and, in their struggles to be truly free, in their triumphs and defeats, through long years to come, I see the evil of this time and of the previous time of which this is the natural birth, gradually making expiation for itself and wearing out.
Sydney Carton's imagined final vision, Book III, ch. 15 Liberty, Equality, Fraternity, or Death;—the last, much the easiest to bestow, O Guillotine!
Narrator on the Revolution's motto, Book III, ch. 5 I am the Resurrection and the Life, saith the Lord: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.
The words Sydney Carton repeats to himself before the guillotine, Book III, ch. 9 & 15 (John 11:25–26) Buried how long?" "Almost eighteen years." "You had abandoned all hope of being dug out?" "Long ago." "You know that you are recalled to life?" "They tell me so.
Mr. Lorry's imagined dialogue with Dr. Manette, Book I, ch. 3 Then tell Wind and Fire where to stop," returned madame; "but don't tell me.
Madame Defarge, Book III, ch. 12 I see that I hold a sanctuary in their hearts, and in the hearts of their descendants, generations hence.
Sydney Carton's imagined final vision, Book III, ch. 15 A wonderful fact to reflect upon, that every human creature is constituted to be that profound secret and mystery to every other.
Narrator, "The Night Shadows," Book I, ch. 3 It is extraordinary to me," said he, "that you people cannot take care of yourselves and your children. One or the other of you is forever in the way. How do I know what injury you have done my horses?
The Marquis St. Evrémonde, after his carriage kills a child, Book II, ch. 7 Repression is the only lasting philosophy. The dark deference of fear and slavery, my friend," observed the Marquis, "will keep the dogs obedient to the whip, as long as this roof," looking up to it, "shuts out the sky.
The Marquis St. Evrémonde, Book II, ch. 9 The time was to come, when that wine too would be spilled on the street-stones, and when the stain of it would be red upon many there.
Narrator, the spilled wine-cask scene, Book I, ch. 5 If my career were of that better kind that there was any opportunity or capacity of sacrifice in it, I would embrace any sacrifice for you and for those dear to you.
Sydney Carton to Lucie Manette, Book II, ch. 13 O Miss Manette, when the little picture of a happy father's face looks up in yours, when you see your own bright beauty springing up anew at your feet, think now and then that there is a man who would give his life, to keep a life you love beside you!
Sydney Carton to Lucie Manette, Book II, ch. 13 Knitted, in her own stitches and her own symbols, it will always be as plain to her as the sun.
Defarge on Madame Defarge's register of the condemned, Book II, ch. 15