Serialization and A Tale of Two Cities In Charles Dickensâ A Tale of Two Cities, serialization is an important and effective tool that divides the literary work into episodes, creating a suspenseful plot. In addition, serialization also creates a ãsoap operaä effect on the novelâs readers, leaving them with a cliff-hanger scenario at the end of each episode.
A major effect of serialization is the change it renders in character development. Sydney Carton would be a prime example. In the novelâs beginning, he is portrayed as a drunk, a loser with no purpose to his life. However, as the readers go on, they find that Carton is, indeed, not what he seems to be. Ultimately, our reprobate saves Charles Darnayâs life from certain death and is instrumental in having him escape to England with his beloved Lucie, their daughter, and his father-in-law, Dr. Manette.
Charles Dickens uses an unusual method of serialization that resembles that used by daytime soaps. After covering several plot developments of several characters, usually primary ones, he switches to a series of subplots involving other characters, usually secondary ones. For example, after Dickens covers the adventure of the Marquis St. Evremonde, he jumps back to Darnay. The effect is a narrative hook that encourages the readers to go on. This leads to suspense and, of course, a successful tale.
A final, and obvious, effect of serialization is the steady advancement of plot development. As the novel is divided into thematic parts, it gives the readers a definite feeling for the plot and causes them to think about possible outcomes. This , in turn, will allow the readers to make their own judgments about characters and meaning, making the readers very involved and anxious. Again, this causes suspense and that ãsoap operaä effect and, above all, an enjoyable novel.
© Essay by: Stephen Braak, Sophomore
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