Charles Dickens' novel A Tale of Two Cities explores the French Revolution through the lens of class distinctions and mob mentality. Dickens condemns both the oppression of the French aristocracy towards the poor, which led to revolution, and the violence of the revolutionaries themselves. While the peasants' reasons for revolting are understandable, Dickens believes fighting cruelty with cruelty will only breed more violence. The novel suggests that revolutions often fail to deliver justice and equality, as those in power, whether nobles or commoners, tend to oppress others and forget the original reasons for change.