Dickensian Repetition

Worksheet Description

This worksheet invites students to engage with the famous opening passage of “A Tale of Two Cities” by Charles Dickens, a passage renowned for its use of repetition. Students are instructed to read the excerpt and then discuss the effect that the repetition has on the reader, as well as to identify the type of repetition used. The exercise aims to deepen students’ analytical abilities by having them consider how repetition not only structures the passage but also sets the tone for the novel. It provides a practical example of how literary devices can be effectively employed in classical literature.

The worksheet is designed to teach students about the power of anaphora, the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses, which is abundantly used by Dickens in this passage. Through analysis, students learn how such repetition can emphasize the dichotomies present in the text and create a rhythmic cadence that mirrors the themes of the novel. The activity challenges students to think critically about how the author’s choice of structure impacts the work’s message and the reading experience. Ultimately, the worksheet serves as a means for students to understand and appreciate the stylistic choices that define classic literary works.