The duality of Paris (the capital city of France) and London (the capital city of England), comparing and contrasting the nature of the two cities, presents a foundational theme of the novel—order versus chaos. London is portrayed as a place of safety and peace. Its society is well-ordered and purposeful, personified in the character of Jarvis Lorry, the banker. There are rules to be followed, regardless of personal choice. Although the novel is set during the American Revolution, the war does not affect the life of the average person in London. All life goes on as usual, with the surface of society seeming to be unruffled.
In Paris, chaos is erupting on all levels. The nobility is desperately sheltering itself from the troubles of the poor, while the poor are beginning to simmer, ready to boil over. There is no peace, even though the beginning of the story depicts the people as living in their misery with no outward confrontation. This is especially personified in the characters of Monsieur and Madame Defarge as they talk of the change that is sure to come when the time is right. The breaking point is finally reached and the revolution breaks out, destroying poor and rich alike. The chaos leaks into London, but only in the sense of the nobility seeking shelter and protection. Charles Darnay and the others must willingly enter the chaos of the French Revolution, breaking through the symbolic barrier of peace separating the two cities.
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