Tale of Two Cities Pre-Search (Bradley & Missert)

Created by Stacy Kitsis, Arlington High School Librarian. Last updated: October, 2011.

Introduction: "Before reading a piece of literature as significant as A Tale of Two Cities it is important we understand the historical context in which the story takes place. A Tale of Two Cities, written by Charles Dickens in 1859, explores a time from almost 100 years earlier. This gave him a certain perspective that is very different from our view of that same time period today. In order to fully understand A Tale of Two Cities we will spend a little time researching revolutions."

See the complete assignment sheet to know which questions your group should answer. The questions for the French, American, and Arab Spring groups are the same.

Don't forget to keep track of the sources you use, which you should cite on your poster ... for information AND images!

Group One: Pre-French Revolution (up to 1789)

Try these resources:

Group Two: French Revolution (1789-1799)

Try these resources:

Group Three: American Revolution (1765-1776)

Try these resources:

Group Four: England Before (1775-1789) & During (1789-1799) the French Revolution

Try these resources:

Group Five: Arab Spring: Egypt Today

Try these resources:

    • Facts on File (password received in class)

      • Recommended: "Issues and Controversies"

    • Global Issues in Context (Gale)

      • Tip: Start by reading this overview of the Arab Spring*

    • Suggested keywords: democracy, protest, revolution (e.g., search for Egypt AND democracy)

Group Six: Arab Spring: Libya Today

Try these resources:

    • Facts on File (password received in class)

      • Recommended: "Issues and Controversies"

    • Global Issues in Context (Gale)

      • Tip: Start by reading this overview of the Arab Spring*

    • Suggested keywords: democracy, protest, revolution (e.g., search for Libya AND revolution)

*If the link doesn't work, click on the link to the Gale database first to log on, then come back to this pathfinder and click on the article.

Questions, comments, concerns? Email me at skitsis@arlington.k12.ma.us.