A Tale of Two Cities Allusions & Cultural References

When authors refer to other great works, people, and events, it’s usually not accidental. Put on your super-sleuth hat and figure out why.

Literary and Philosophical References

  • The Bible (3.9.89)
  • Thomas Carlyle, The French Revolution (note to the reader)
  • Wilkie Collins, The Frozen Deep (note to the reader)

Historical References

  • French Revolution
  • The Storming of the Bastille

Pop Culture References

  • None. Sorry, guys. This is a good ol’ tale from the 1780s. There wasn’t much pop back then. According to Dickens, there wasn’t much culture, either—at least, as far as the French were concerned.