Tale of Two Cities Pre-Search (Cochrane)

Created by Stacy Kitsis, Arlington High School Librarian. Last updated: January 4, 2013.

Assignment 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.

Trouble Accessing an Article?

If the direct link to a Gale article doesn't work, click on this link to our Gale databases first to log on, then close the window to come back to this pathfinder and click on the article.

Citing Sources

It's important to keep track of all sources used as you go, rather than waiting until the end. If you can't identify your source, you won't be able to use that information in your final product! You might want to create a shared Google Doc or works cited slide now, while you're just getting started. This goes for images as well as information!

Tip: Work smarter, not harder! Database articles provide citations at the bottom of each article. Just be sure it's in MLA format before copying and pasting into your works cited list.

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

Try these resources:

Group Two: American Revolution (1765-1776)

Try these resources:

Group Three: Arab Spring – Egypt

Try these resources:

Group Four: Arab Spring – Libya

Try these resources:

Group Five: Arab Spring – Tunisia

Try these resources:

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

Try these resources:

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