Times of Yore

Worksheet Description

The “Times of Yore – A Dickensian Exploration” worksheet features the iconic opening passage from Charles Dickens’ “A Tale of Two Cities It presents the dichotomous beginning lines of the novel, which contrast various states of human experience, setting a stage of turmoil and duality. Students are tasked with reading the passage and then reflecting on Dickens’ commentary on nostalgia. The goal is to understand the complex emotions and thoughts that the concept of nostalgia can evoke, as described in this timeless literary work.

This worksheet is designed to teach students about the intricacies of interpreting themes in classic literature, focusing on nostalgia. It asks them to think critically about how Dickens uses contrasts to paint a picture of the period he describes and to consider his perspective on looking back at the past. The exercise encourages students to analyze how nostalgia can be represented through language that conveys both fondness and criticism for times gone by. This activity aids in developing students’ literary analysis skills, deepening their understanding of how historical context can influence an author’s viewpoint on nostalgia.