Help: A tale of two cities

[tomfyhr]

I wonder if someone can provide insight into Charles Dicken´s novel "A tale of two cities". I attempted to read the first five chapters, but I couldn´t understand the language. In comparision to "A tale of two cities", the literary works "The Crucible", "Purple Hibiscus" and "A doll´s house" are much easier to comprehend. Does anyone have any tips for understanding the language in "A tale of two cities"?

Could someone second whether the actual themes are as easy to grasp as the aforementioned works above?

[Danik 2016]

Maybe your problem is the 19th Century English. If you are reading the book for school or university perhaps you could find a student´s edition with explanations and footnotes. There might also be simplified versions of the book.
As to the contents there is the historical background of the French Revolution as seen though Dickens English perspective.
There is the story of Dr. Manette.
There is the love story of Charles Darnay and Lucy Manette.
And the greater story of Sydney Carton´s unrequited love.

[tomfyhr]

Wouldn´t the simplified versions detach from the actual novel in terms of its execution?
Do you believe the modern version on this website, does the original work justice?
www.sparknotes.com/nofear/lit/a-tale-of-two-cities/book-1-chapter-1-the-period/

Do the contrasts in the work, emphasize the theme of morality?

Do you need to have thoroughly read the work in its original language, to be able to answer a research question with max 4000 words, or will it be enough to acquire information from external sources?

[Danik 2016]

I had a look at the first page of the modern version you found. I think it will help you to understand the original but, of course, Dickens style (which is the most important thing in my opinion) is not preserved in it. The ideal would be to read both versions together, specially if you are not native in English. The abridged version will help you to follow the narrative, the original one will introduce to Dickens manner of writing. It will take more time, but from a literary point of view it will be much more rewarding.
As a former literature teacher, I always recomend the reading of the original. With the great writers IMO the important thing is not the story in itself, but how the story is presented.
There are several themes bound up in the story, including moral ones. I should say there is the contrast between different kinds of love, of love x hatred in the confrontation of social classes.

[Pompey Bum]

Tomfyre: Burn the simplified version! Spit on the pages first just to make them crackle in the flames! Then take a deep breath, get a grip of whatever lies at hand, and prepare to do something meaningful even though it's hard. Prepare to grow as an English user. Prepare to grow as a human being. Prepare to hear the voice of a dead man who actually thought he had something to say to you. You and he have to make that voice together: his words and your mind. But falling back on a dumb down is a cynical abandonment of that partnership. Honestly it's nothing more than wasting time to get an assignment behind you. And you know you're better than that.

Yes, get a copy with footnotes if that helps. You probably don't even need that, but suit yourself. Then read the book. Read the whole thing. After that come back here if you want and I'll be happy to talk to you about it. But you go and do your bit. Courage. Go ahead. Read it.

[prendrelemick]

The opening is a bit confusing. Perhaps if you start by reading each scene as a very short story in itself and don't worry about its place in the book. They will soon connect and make sense. It is well worth the effort.

[wordeater]

The 1958 film adaptation is an easy way to get into the story. After that you might be more motivated to read the complete novel.