Four Walls

Streaks of Realism in A Tale of Two Cities overview The portrayal of historical or fictional events in an unidealized or lifelike manner is called realism.  Sometimes, novelists provide a glimpse into a particular moment in history through the creative or fictional representation of significant historical incidents. In A Tale of Two Cities, the events prior to and after the French revolution have been delineated in graphic detail. For the most part, the numerous events and the characters featured in this novel appear lifelike or realistic. The Following discussion will serve to reinforce this point:

The aspect of Resurrection in Tale of Two Cities Critical Study  Definition: According to the Cambridge Dictionary, resurrection is “the act of bringing something that had disappeared or ended, back into use or existence”. Resurrection implies revival and rebirth.  (https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/resurrection)

Critical Study of Tess of D'Urbervilles Evolutionary Meliorism Instead of viewing himself as a pessimist, Hardy regarded himself as an “evolutionary meliorist” (Bailey 569). In a conversation with William Archer, Hardy claimed that his “practical philosophy had been melioristic (rather than pessimistic) and that his books had been a plea against man's inhumanity to man — to woman, and to the lower animals” (319). According to The American Heritage Dictionary, meliorism refers to “The belief that the human condition can be improved through concerted effort” (n.p). Meliorism also refers to “The belief that there is an inherent tendency toward progress or improvement in the human condition” ( https://www.yourdictionary.com/meliorism). In other words, Hardy believed that the human plight can be improved through consistent, dedicated effort.

Realism in Tess of the d’Urbervilles summary   • The novel authentically portrays the challenges, anxieties, and the social milieu or social conditions prevalent in the Victorian era. E.g – a) Tess’s plight b) Financial challenges encountered by the Durbeyfields and Izzy, Marian and Retty c) The social privileges enjoyed by the rich such as Alec. • Third-person narrative • Life-like characterization- portrays believable human behavior Credit goes to Ma'am Saima Najib .

Gender Disparity highly Evident in Victorian Society Tess of D'Urbervilles There was a wide difference between men and women in Victorian society in terms of societal expectations. Moreover, in the Victorian era, there were different moral standards for both men and women.  The term disparity refers to difference or inequality. The various forms of gender disparity in Tess of the d’Urbervilles are discussed below: 

Evolutionary Meliorism in Victorian Society  in the Tess of D'Urbervilles Instead of viewing himself as a pessimist, Hardy regarded himself as an “evolutionary meliorist” (Bailey 569). In a conversation with William Archer, Hardy claimed that his “practical philosophy had been melioristic (rather than pessimistic) and that his books had been a plea against man's inhumanity to man — to woman, and to the lower animals” (319). According to The American Heritage Dictionary, meliorism refers to “The belief that the human condition can be improved through concerted effort” (n.p). Meliorism also refers to “The belief that there is an inherent tendency toward progress or improvement in the human condition” ( https://www.yourdictionary.com/meliorism). In other words, Hardy believed that the human plight can be improved through consistent, dedicated effort.