Tale of Two Cities: Ernest Defarge
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens explores the general theme of loyalty through Ernest Defarge’s character. Defarge shows levels of loyalty and obedience toward his wife, to France, and most importantly to himself and his beliefs. Unfortunately, his loyalty toward his wife and the people of France not only affect him, but also Dr. Alexandre Manette, Lucie, and Charles Darnay causing almost disastrous events.
Defarge is nothing but a calm man and owner of a wine shop in Saint Antoine, Paris. His actions, bravery, and thoughts change throughout the book; however, his loyalty does not! His loyalty is what makes him the man he is. Although he is viewed as a man in the beginning of A Tale of Two Cities; he is viewed differently toward the end. Defarge is viewed not as the husband in the relationship but as the woman. This is related to how Ernest Defarge was extremely loyal, obedient and submissive to his wife, Theresa Defarge to the point where she was able to break free from her “cocoon” of being the recessive one in the relationship and becoming the dominant spouse. The setting of this novel is during the French Revolution, which was not only a war between the first and third estate, as well as a turning point for women like Madam Defarge to speak up or to have control. Madam Defarge started off early in the book loyal to her husband and was viewed as the woman in the marriage, “Madam Defarge said nothing when her lord came in, but coughed…” (47) This quote represents that Madam Defarge did in fact see her husband as a man of power and strength that she addressed him as “her lord.” Defarge and Madame Defarge both disliked the first and second estate. However, Madame Defarge had a stronger hatred toward the aristocrats due to her childhood when they killed her family. Defarge was the one who encouraged his wife to execute the idea of having vengeance on the aristocrats. “The Chateau all the race, returned Defarge, Extermination” (229). Here Defarge first
Defarge is nothing but a calm man and owner of a wine shop in Saint Antoine, Paris. His actions, bravery, and thoughts change throughout the book; however, his loyalty does not! His loyalty is what makes him the man he is. Although he is viewed as a man in the beginning of A Tale of Two Cities; he is viewed differently toward the end. Defarge is viewed not as the husband in the relationship but as the woman. This is related to how Ernest Defarge was extremely loyal, obedient and submissive to his wife, Theresa Defarge to the point where she was able to break free from her “cocoon” of being the recessive one in the relationship and becoming the dominant spouse. The setting of this novel is during the French Revolution, which was not only a war between the first and third estate, as well as a turning point for women like Madam Defarge to speak up or to have control. Madam Defarge started off early in the book loyal to her husband and was viewed as the woman in the marriage, “Madam Defarge said nothing when her lord came in, but coughed…” (47) This quote represents that Madam Defarge did in fact see her husband as a man of power and strength that she addressed him as “her lord.” Defarge and Madame Defarge both disliked the first and second estate. However, Madame Defarge had a stronger hatred toward the aristocrats due to her childhood when they killed her family. Defarge was the one who encouraged his wife to execute the idea of having vengeance on the aristocrats. “The Chateau all the race, returned Defarge, Extermination” (229). Here Defarge first