Social Criticism in A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens: From the Perspective of Genetic Structuralism

Abstract

Social criticism is the analysis and evaluation of societal structures, norms, and practices to identify and challenge injustices, inequalities, and oppressive systems. Therefore, this study aims to determine social issues transformed into social criticism in the novel A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens. The process was based on the collection of data from the novel through the application of a qualitative descriptive method in order to analyze the themes, characters, and text. Social issues were also analyzed from two aspects, which included social condition in the novel and the subsequent impact, through the theory of genetic structuralism proposed by Lucien Goldman. The results showed that the condition and social issues were vividly presented through the theme, character, and text of the novel. This was observed from the illustration of extreme wealth and poverty as well as the cycle of violence that ensued from unchecked inequality which made the novel a powerful reflection on the need for empathy, social reform, and justice. Moreover, Dickens used the novel to invite readers to consider the long-lasting effects of social structures and how societal change could lead to destruction and redemption through the vivid portrayal of the tumultuous political landscape.

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