What are some examples of ethos and pathos in book 2 of A Tale of Two Cities?
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Ethos refers to making a pursuasive argument using the character of a person. Dickens uses ethos effectively to show the evil nature of the French Aristocracy. He compares the generous, honest, and hard working Darney to the greedy, unfeeling Marquis Evremond. He also uses character to show that the hardworking and caring Darnay is superior to the drinking, callous Sidney Carton. He further uses the coarse character of Madame Defarge and her companions to show us the evil present in the chaos of the French Revolution.
Pathos refers to use of emotion to sway an audience to a particular point of view. Dickens uses pathos well in telling the story of the boy run over by the Marquis. This emotional story leads the reader to immediately dislike the French Aristocrats. He also uses Pathos effectively when Dr. Manette goes back to his shoemaking after Lucy's marriage. With his use of pathos and ethos, Dickens gives us a powerful picture of the evil in France at the time of the revolution.
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