The Real-Life Inspirations behind 'A Tale of Two Cities'

05.19.2023 // By Tome Tailor

Charles Dickens’ 1859 historical novel, A Tale of Two Cities, has long been lauded for its masterful storytelling and memorable characters. Set in both London and Paris during the tumultuous years leading up to the French Revolution, the novel tells the intertwining stories of Charles Darnay, a French aristocrat who is trying to escape the Reign of Terror, and Sydney Carton, a cynical English lawyer who ultimately sacrifices himself to save others.

But how much of the historical backdrop in ‘A Tale of Two Cities’ is based on true events, and how much did Dickens draw from contemporary news articles, pamphlets, and firsthand accounts to create his compelling narrative? Read on to discover some of the real-life inspirations behind this classic work of literature.

The French Revolution

Undoubtedly, one of the key historical events that serves as the backdrop for ‘A Tale of Two Cities’ is the French Revolution. This period of radical social and political change in France lasted from 1789 to 1799 and led to the collapse of the Bourbon monarchy, the rise of radical political factions, and the brutal execution of thousands of people via the guillotine.

Dickens was heavily influenced by Thomas Carlyle’s The French Revolution: A History, a comprehensive and highly popular account of the Revolution. In fact, Dickens often referred to Carlyle’s work as his “pet book” and his “best friend” while writing ‘A Tale of Two Cities.’

The Gordon Riots

While the French Revolution forms the dramatic climax of ‘A Tale of Two Cities,’ the novel also delves into the underbelly of 18th-century London, drawing parallels between social unrest in the two cities. This unrest is encapsulated in the Gordon Riots, a weeklong series of anti-Catholic protests, riots, and violence that took place in London in 1780.

Although the Gordon Riots are not directly featured in the novel, they serve as an undercurrent of fear and distrust in the London scenes. When Dickens describes a “hot, wild night” when the “gaols were laid open” and chaos reigned in the streets, he is evoking the atmosphere of panic and lawlessness that characterized the Gordon Riots.

Resurrection Men

One of the more gruesome aspects of ‘A Tale of Two Cities’ is the character of Jerry Cruncher, a “resurrection man” who digs up corpses in the dead of night to sell them to doctors and anatomists for dissection. Although this dark and grisly occupation may seem like a figment of Dickens’ imagination, it was a very real phenomenon in 18th-century London.

The demand for corpses to dissect was high, and to source these cadavers, a shadowy underground trade in body snatching, or “resurrectionism,” emerged. This practice was eventually curtailed by the Anatomy Act of 1832, which allowed for the legal and regulated supply of human remains for medical research. However, the character of Jerry Cruncher and his grisly nighttime escapades serve as a macabre reminder of this darker side of medical history.

Dickens’ Personal Experiences

Finally, like many of his other books, ‘A Tale of Two Cities’ also contains elements of Dickens’ own life and experiences. Dickens claimed that he carried the idea of the story “in my mind for years before I undertook the actual writing of it” and that it was based on a “strong and constant” vision he had of Sydney Carton’s heroic self-sacrifice.

It is also worth noting that Dickens visited Paris during the Revolution of 1848, where he witnessed firsthand the violence and political turmoil that would become such a crucial element of his novel. In addition, his close friend and biographer John Forster believed that the character of Sydney Carton was in some ways a reflection of Dickens himself, with both men sharing a mixture of vulnerability, self-doubt, and a burning desire to redeem themselves through acts of love and sacrifice.

In conclusion, ‘A Tale of Two Cities’ is a rich and intricate tapestry of historical events, contemporary news articles, real-life characters, and Dickens’ own personal experiences. By skilfully weaving together these diverse strands of inspiration, Dickens created a story that has stood the test of time as a poignant and powerful exploration of love, redemption, and the human capacity for both nobility and brutality.

Embark on this literary journey by reading or listening to A Tale of Two Cities on Amazon now.

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