Madame Defarge Character Analysis

Although created many centuries ago, “an eye for an eye” (Hammurabi’s code) is a commonly used phrase in the modern era. The idea of revenge is a reciprocity justified by most people and is often used in stories and through archetypes. As Carl Jung, the creator of archetypes, states, “ Archetypes are based on the observation of differing but repeating patterns of thought and action that re-appear time and again across people, countries and continents.” (Changing Minds). Tale of two cities, a story that embodies his theory, is about a woman who seeks revenge to a family that is related to a previous aristocrat that mistreated the lower class. To exemplify this concept, Dickens uses Madame Defarge, a hostile revolutionist that aims to annihilate all aristocrats, through the
Although she seemed harmless while knitting, it served as a metaphorical and literal representation of her malicious and vengeful desires, as she secretly inscripted her victims to death. Additionally, she instilled the flight of the hero, Sydney Carton. Had it not been for Madame Defarge and her aspirations to have “the Evremonde people (are to be) exterminated” (Dickens 343) Carton would not have had to die for Darnay and his family. As the antagonist of the story, Defarge serves as a worthy opponent for the protagonist, Darnay along with his family. She has no intentions of being stopped, regardless of what's in her way, even if it’s someone she is close to. “my husband has not my reason for pursuing this family to annihilation… I must act for myself” (Dickens 344). Furthemore, Dickens uses the symbolism of shadow and darkness throughout the story, primarily with Madame Defarge. It creates a mood of thick obscurity and represents the evil that madame defarge brings with her. Although only stating a few words to the doctor, her presence is easily noticeable “like a shadow over the white road” (Dickens