This is confirmed as it is learned that the family tortured by the Evrémonde family is Madame Defarge's family, which not only explains her behavior in the Revolution, but creates a feeling of empathy towards her. ... When Madame Defarge's past is revealed, the feeling of empathy towards her connects the reader to the novel, making the Revolution and the mind-state of the French people more understandable to a modern-day reader. Her personal story correlates with the broader story of mistreatment of the French people by their government, sparking the French Revolution. Throu...

• Word Count: 844
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: Undergraduate