Serialization in A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens :: Charles Dickens

      In Charles Dickens A Tale of Two Cities, serialization is an important and effective tool that divides the literary work into episodes, creating a suspensive plot. In addition, serialization also creates a soap opera effect on the novels readers, leaving them with a cliff-hanger scenario at the end of each episode.         A study effect of serialization is the change it renders in character development. Sydney Carton would be a prime example. In the novels beginning, he is portrayed as a drunk, a loser with no purpose to his life. However, as the readers go on, they find that Carton is, indeed, not what he seems to be. Ultimately, our reprobate saves Charles Darnays life from certain death and is instrumental in having him escape to England with his beloved Lucie, their daughter, and his father-in-law, Dr. Manette.         Charles Dickens uses an unusual method of serialization that resembles th at used by daytime soaps. After covering several plot developments of several characters, ordinarily primary ones, he switches to a series of subplots involving other characters, usually secondary ones. For example, after Dickens covers the adventure of the Marquis St. Evremonde, he jumps back to Darnay. The effect is a narrative hook that encourages the readers to go on. This leads to suspense and, of course, a successful tale.         A final, and obvious, effect of serialization is the steady advancement of plot development. As the novel is dual-lane into thematic parts, it gives the readers a definite feeling for the plot and causes them to think about possible outcomes.