Essay: Response To Robert Alter's Literary Criticism
In response to Robert Alter’s literary criticism of A Tale of Two Cities, I ultimately agree to his claims for the most part. He covers many insightful ideals, especially his connection with darkness and light throughout the novel. Alter provides substantial evidence from different literary aspects as seen through his correlating statements to darkness and light being a prevalent element throughout the novel. Symbolically, he demonstrates evidence through utilizing figures to represent the concept of light versus darkness. For example, he compares France’s savagery to England’s composed state, aristocratic oppression to the innocence of French peasants, and Madame Defarge’s vengeful ambitions to Miss Pross’s proper image as a morally-compassed
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He provides much intuition and insight in the counteracting forces within the novel, displaying a new depth of how it played a role in the novel as a whole. He gives substantial support by use of various connections and textual evidence. Most notably, Hamilton chooses to embody light and darkness through the characters of Lucie Manette and Madame Defarge, which differs greatly to Robert Alter’s interpretation. Symbolically, he exemplifies their vast differences, yet ultimate likeness to the countries of France and England. JF Hamilton offers extensive description of Manette and Defarge to uphold his claim. He furnishes parallels and key differences in the comparison between both characters, strengthening his position. He associates many commonalities between the characters, such as their transcending roles and expectations as females, as well as their drive for moral completion. Hamilton as well provides very analytical comparison, distinguishing Lucie Manette's’ representation of light, warmth, and spirituality to Madame Defarge’s demonic and apocalyptic portrayal. He incorporates symbolism to demonstrate the complex yet formidable relationship between Defarge and Manette to add a new depth of interpretation. This is evident through the effective incorporation of symbolic disconnection between weaving and knitting. Weaving, which corresponds to Lucie Manette, demonstrates salvation and virtue, whereas knitting respectively exhibits Defarge and her satanic and unforgiving
He provides much intuition and insight in the counteracting forces within the novel, displaying a new depth of how it played a role in the novel as a whole. He gives substantial support by use of various connections and textual evidence. Most notably, Hamilton chooses to embody light and darkness through the characters of Lucie Manette and Madame Defarge, which differs greatly to Robert Alter’s interpretation. Symbolically, he exemplifies their vast differences, yet ultimate likeness to the countries of France and England. JF Hamilton offers extensive description of Manette and Defarge to uphold his claim. He furnishes parallels and key differences in the comparison between both characters, strengthening his position. He associates many commonalities between the characters, such as their transcending roles and expectations as females, as well as their drive for moral completion. Hamilton as well provides very analytical comparison, distinguishing Lucie Manette's’ representation of light, warmth, and spirituality to Madame Defarge’s demonic and apocalyptic portrayal. He incorporates symbolism to demonstrate the complex yet formidable relationship between Defarge and Manette to add a new depth of interpretation. This is evident through the effective incorporation of symbolic disconnection between weaving and knitting. Weaving, which corresponds to Lucie Manette, demonstrates salvation and virtue, whereas knitting respectively exhibits Defarge and her satanic and unforgiving