Humanism - 1439 Words

Through criticism toward cruel rule of aristocrats and bloody revolution of people and praise humanity, A Tale of Two Cities by Dickens demonstrates his humanistic thinking perfectly. Main figures’ experiences and analysis of their characters is an important aspect to understand the theme this novel reveals. Key words: Dickens A Tale of Two Cities Humanism Humanity Humanism is an important subject in Charles Dickens’ works. Among his many famous works, A Tale of Two Cities is the most outstanding one which vividly expresses the author’s humanistic thinking. A Tale of Two Cities, based on the background of the French Revolution, shows brutal social reality and sharp conflicts between classes in France and England at that time.†¦show more content†¦Lucie, Manatee’s daughter and Darnay’s wife, is embodiment of love. She tried her best to take care of her fragile father. Owing to her deep love, Dr. Manette could forget agony past and return to normal life. She is also a virtuous wife. She loves her husband so much that when knowing him in great trouble in France, she gave up peaceful life in London and left for terrible Paris immediately. She did everything she could to rescue her husband, and even begged Madame Defarge for pardon. Out of the belief that Darnay might see her, she insisted on standing on the opposite of the prison for two hours everyday no matter it was fair weather or bad one. Lucie not only held deep love to her family and friends, but also showed her compassion and sympathy to surrounding people. When Darnay was still a stranger for her, she showed deep concern to him, as said in the book, â€Å"Her forehead had been strikingly expressive of an engrossing terror and compassion that saw nothing but the peril of the accused. This had been so very noticeable, so very powerfully and naturally shown, that starers who had had no pity for him were touched by her†(â‘  p54). To Carton, Lucie also expressed genuine concern and love and swept for his despair and depression. As she told her new-married husband, â€Å"He has a heart he very, very seldom reveal, and that there are deep wounds in it†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦I’m sure he is capable ofShow MoreRelatedHumanism Essay464 Words   |  2 PagesHumanism Encarta Dictionary says that Humanism is a system of thought that centers on human beings and their values, capacities and worth. Encarta also goes on the say that, in philosophy, humanism is an attitude that emphasizes the dignity and worth of an individual. A basic premise of humanism is that people are rational beings who possess within themselves the capacity for truth and goodness. I see myself as a being a humanist through everyday life. I always try to see the good in a personRead MoreThe Philosophical Point Of Humanism1733 Words   |  7 Pages intellect.gif (9933 bytes) Renaissance Humanism Humanism is the term generally applied to the predominant social philosophy and intellectual and literary currents of the period from 1400 to 1650. The return to favor of the pagan classics stimulated the philosophy of secularism, the appreciation of worldly pleasures, and above all intensified the assertion of personal independence and individual expression. Zeal for the classics was a result as well as a cause of the growing secular view of lifeRead MoreHumanism and the Renaissance Arts1289 Words   |  5 Pageschanged, religion could no longer control their lives and Allowed advancements in all characteristics of life to virtually improved. Through the period of the Renaissance, ideas and beliefs changed greatly. Humanism played a significant role in the advancements of the Renaissance. Humanism, stressed secular ideas and beliefs; as well as the importance of advocating human’s ideas and values. The movement drew inspirations from the ancient Greek and Roman people. Therefore, classical education beganRead MoreDante And The Road Of Humanism1347 Words   |  6 PagesDante and the Road to Humanism During the Renaissance, the ideology of humanism became extremely popular. After the black plague people presumed that God had abandoned them. As a result, they began to search for their own answers through observation and experimentation; this method was called empiricism. Through this, man began to place himself at the center of the universe instead of God. Individuals began to embrace their own talents and spend less time worrying about the next life and moreRead MoreHumanism and the Renaissance Essay2019 Words   |  9 PagesHumanism and Renaissance Humanism brought MAN to the forefront causing a veritable cultural revolution. Reason and the will to better understand the world fomented progress in the scientific fields. Intellectuals throughout Europe came under the influence of humanism which was disseminated with the invention of the printing press and the guidance of princes. Finally, humanism had a religious impact as well with the protestant reformation and bringing religious pluralismRead MoreSecular Humanism Essay1521 Words   |  7 PagesThe fall 1986 Tennessee court decision on alleged secular humanism in Holt, Rinehart, Winston textbooks illustrates the continuing controversy over that term. The term secular humanism is used today to castigate a wide spectrum of our populous. The derision with which the term is used suggests images of horrid, grotesque monsters. In reality, however, the term merely consists of two sorely misunderstood words. In combination they suggest a virus, though singly they are innocuous, if not healthyRead MoreRenaissance Humanism : The Renaissance1209 Words   |  5 PagesRenaissance Humanism The renaissance is by its definition a rebirth of the classical methods of the ancients (Dictionary.) Through the study of the text and the artwork that defined this period we are able to see the transition from a dark, apocalyptic world, to a reinvigorated and bright new era which was dominated by titan of artistry such as Donatello. Because Italy was so well situated in a land that was formally the Roman Empire, and its economic links to lands of heavy Greek influence RenaissanceRead More The Renaissance and Humanism Essay1795 Words   |  8 PagesThe Renaissance and Humanism You may wonder about, The Renaissance and its relationship to another term, humanism which fits into the same time period. If you check the dictionary, you will find that both terms can be used in a broad sense or more specifically. Humanism refers generally to a devotion to the humanities: literary culture. (My definitions come from Websters Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary). According to that definition we should all be humanists. The other general meaningRead MoreHumanism: Renaissance and Merchant Class1743 Words   |  7 PagesEssay on Humanism The Renaissance is the label we put upon the emergence of a new perspective and set of ideals in Europe. This does not mean that it was sudden, neat and clean. It was gradual, inconsistent, and variable from place to place. The Renaissance had its origins in Italy because a powerful merchant class arose in its cities that replaced the landed aristocracy and clergy as the leaders of society. This new class, along with many aristocrats and clergy, embraced humanistRead MoreRenaissance Humanism Essay816 Words   |  4 Pagesimpact on the world. Humanism is a worldview and a moral philosophy that considers humans to be of primary importance. The aspect of humanism first thrived in 14th century Italy, and later spread north in the 15th century. Initially humanistic ideas about education were quickly adopted by the Italian upper class. The Italian ideas and attitudes towards life and learning impacted nobility in other parts of Europe. They were able to accept and adapt to th is new lifestyle. Humanism during the Renaissance