Throughout all of history, more now then ever before, people seek past mentions of future events, whether it be through recurrence or probable conjecture. This Nostradamus Effect is sought out in books, paintings, newspapers, and even television shows (namely The Simpsons) by conspiracy theorists and teenagers with too much time on their hands. After reading A Tale of Two Cities, it should be obvious to every reader that Charles Dickens, during 17th century Britain, prophesied the 2015-2016 United States election campaign through his fictionalized rendition of the French Revolution.
While Dickens made no attempt to hint to his audience that A Tale of Two Cities was the preface to a series of "campaigns" that would occur 157 years later across the Atlantic, there is no doubt behind the striking similarities. Initially, the novel sets scenes in both England and France, remarkably aligning with the two prevalent political parties of the United States, the Democratic and Republican Party respectively. Like the novel, and history itself, the Republican Party has begun to experience a disturbance of the status quo. From the novel, the Monseigneur is evocative of the current Congress majority, far too oppressive, irrational, and authoritarian to properly govern a liberty-seeking nation. In addition, this Monseigneur is lead by none other than the Marquis St. Evremonde himself, Speaker Paul Ryan. Within France [the GOP] itself, the presence of the revolutionary aura was being spread throughout the land via word of mouth. This presence was none other than the Republican Party's debate process. As the debating went on, candidates were picked off one by one, as were the nobles on the knitted registry of Madame Dafarge. These candidates were members of the oppressive Republican Establishment, and eliminating them paved the way for an empathetic, rogue, and TRiUMPhant savior.
In the 'second city', we have a stable monarchy with fairly content citizens. They watch in awe, on edge watching the revolution in France unfold. Here is where the Democratic Party takes the place of the United Kingdom. As old and experienced as an English monarch, we have First Lady, Senator, and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. Thus far, she has many loyal followers, but as any rich and powerful politician will, also an anti-establishment riot looking to prosecute her crookedness. Like Britain watching France at the time, Hillary has been afraid of possible uprising within her party plotted against her. Securing the nomination was the key to herself and 17th century counterpart avoiding the unfortunate actions that fell upon the opposing party and nation.
The French Revolution ended after ten straight years of death and bloodshed (maybe predicting two years of campaigning, plus two four-year terms in office). The outcome of the insurgency included the abolition of the French tyranny, establishment of a more authoritarian and militaristic government, social change principled in radical liberalism, and the rise of Napoleon I. By the looks of the anti-establishment Bernie Sanders supporters decision making, the United States' election season of 2016 will play out in accordance with the French Revolution. Donald Trump will be elected to the office of Chief Executive, becoming the modern day Bonaparte. Ridding the White House of political establishment, Trump will instate a regime of liberalism and authoritarianism like the United States has never seen before. Increasing militarism both at home and abroad, New Age Napoleon will keep Americans safe and prosperous at the expenditure of nature's intended humanitarianism of neighbors close and far.
While most humans on earth advocate peace over conflict, history is truly is bound to repeat itself. Unfortunately, it is time for the United States to step up to the plate and live out The Tale of Two Cities as history (and Charles Dickens) intended it. The uncanny resemblance of both the characters and events of A Tale of Two Cities to the politicians and events of this election season bare severe apprehension in the minds of those who have seen the light. The world has been reading Dickens' novel for over a century and a half, but will we come to the realization that it is taking place as we speak before it's too late? We have been warned, but now only time will tell of the aftermath.
1 comment:
My jaw has simply been left in a perpetual state of being dropped as my mind slowly began to realize the implications which your analogies have brought into fruition. It does make sense—all of it—and has surely impacted my vote in the upcoming election of which I am ineligible to partake in. Contemplating the idea that Dickens may have predicted an American election some 150 years in the future now leads me to think that hidden prophecies may lie in the works of Milo Yiannopoulos. If a modern French Revolution occurs in these United States, does that mean that the guillotine too has a modern counterpart? Will there be wars of coalitions to try to stop America from conquering the Americas and the Middle East? The thought of it all is frightening yet somewhat aggrandizes my spirit as I realize that I will be part of something much larger than myself. Although my parents might become modern émigrés, I feel I must embrace the revolution to life or to death.
However, before that happens, I must point out a crippling flaw in your theories. England is traditionally represented by the color red, the color of the Republican Party, while France is traditionally represented by the color blue, the color of the Democratic Party. This, as you know, is the opposite in your symbolism. Knowing the significance of colors in predicting the future, this is likely to destroy any idea that a modern French Revolution might happen in this country's political scene. Nevertheless, I commend you greatly, Alex, as speculative and cynical writing such as yours is greatly needed in this art-deprived world.
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