Juxtaposition worksheet with literary analysis exercise from 15Worksheets.com.

Solution to the Juxtaposition Worksheet

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#### Step 1: Understand the Task
The worksheet asks you to:
1. Underline each instance of juxtaposition in the passage from *A Tale of Two Cities* by Charles Dickens.
2. Answer two questions:
- What is the effect of the juxtapositions?
- Why do you think Dickens begins the novel this way?

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Passage with Juxtapositions Underlined

> It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. It was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness. It was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity. It was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness. It was the spring of Hope, it was the winter of despair; we had everything before us, we had nothing before us; we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way – in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only.

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Step 2: Identify the Juxtapositions (Underlined Pairs)

Each pair of contrasting ideas is an example of juxtaposition:

1. the best of times / the worst of times
2. the age of wisdom / the age of foolishness
3. the epoch of belief / the epoch of incredulity
4. the season of Light / the season of Darkness
5. the spring of Hope / the winter of despair
6. everything before us / nothing before us
7. going direct to Heaven / going direct the other way

These pairs contrast positive vs. negative, hope vs. despair, and progress vs. regression, highlighting the contradictions of the time.

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Step 3: Answer the Questions

#### 1. What is the effect of the juxtapositions?

The effect of the juxtapositions is to emphasize the extreme contrasts and contradictions of the historical period—specifically the French Revolution era. By placing opposing ideas side by side, Dickens creates a powerful sense of tension, uncertainty, and duality. This technique forces the reader to reflect on the complexity of human nature and society. It shows that no single idea can define the era—there is both hope and despair, progress and chaos, faith and doubt. The repetition of “it was... it was...” reinforces the chaotic, paradoxical nature of the time, making the reader feel the instability and emotional intensity of the period.

#### 2. Why do you think Dickens begins the novel this way?

Dickens begins the novel this way to set the tone and establish the central theme of duality—especially the contrast between good and evil, freedom and oppression, and revolution and tyranny. The opening lines immediately draw attention to the complexity of history and human experience, suggesting that the story will explore conflict, sacrifice, and redemption. By starting with such dramatic contrasts, Dickens prepares the reader for a narrative filled with moral ambiguity and profound transformation. It also reflects the historical context of the French Revolution—a time of great upheaval where people experienced both liberation and horror simultaneously. This opening invites readers to think critically about how societies change and what it means to be human during times of crisis.

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✔ Final Answer Summary

- Juxtapositions underlined: All paired opposites in the passage (e.g., best/worst, wisdom/foolishness, etc.)
- Effect: Highlights contradiction and complexity, evokes tension, and provokes thought.
- Why begin this way? To set a tone of duality and prepare readers for a story about revolution, sacrifice, and moral conflict.

This powerful opening not only captures the spirit of the era but also reflects the novel’s deeper themes of resurrection, justice, and the enduring struggle between light and darkness.

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✔ Completed! You've successfully analyzed the use of juxtaposition in Dickens' famous opening.