What literary device characterizes the opening of "A Tale of Two Cities"?

The opening of "A Tale of Two Cities" by Charles Dickens is famously characterized by antithesis, a literary device that juxtaposes contrasting ideas to highlight differences. In the novel's beginning, Dickens employs this device to portray the stark contrasts of the era, encapsulated in the famous lines about the best and worst of times, wisdom and foolishness, light and darkness, and hope and despair. These opposing ideas serve to create a vivid picture of the tumultuous period in which the story is set, the French Revolution. The use of antithesis not only establishes the duality that runs throughout the novel but also reflects the complexity of the historical moments being depicted. This technique effectively engages readers right from the start, setting the stage for the exploration of contrasting themes throughout the narrative.