Both the first line & the last line of this 1859 novel begin with “It”
The Final Jeopardy clue for Tuesday, May 26, 2026, appeared in the category “Famous Lines from Literature” and read: “Both the first line & the last line of this 1859 novel begin with ‘It.’” The clue points to one of the most famous novels by Charles Dickens, a book known for both its iconic opening sentence and its memorable closing words.
Contents
What Is A Tale of Two Cities?
The correct response is A Tale of Two Cities. Charles Dickens published the novel in 1859, and it remains one of his best-known works. The clue’s date is a major hint, but the reference to the first and last lines makes the answer even clearer.
The novel begins with the famous words, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” Its closing line also begins with “It,” in Sydney Carton’s final imagined statement: “It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done.” Those two lines are among the most quoted in English literature.
The Famous Opening Line
The opening of A Tale of Two Cities sets up the novel’s world of contrast and conflict. Dickens begins by presenting an age of opposites, describing a time of wisdom and foolishness, belief and disbelief, light and darkness.
That opening sentence has endured because it captures the uncertainty and division of the era. The novel is set in London and Paris before and during the French Revolution, and its opening words prepare readers for a story shaped by political unrest, social inequality, and moral choices.
The Meaning of the Final Line
The final line belongs to Sydney Carton, one of the novel’s central characters. Carton begins the story as a disappointed and self-destructive man, but his final act gives the novel its most emotional moment.
By sacrificing himself to save Charles Darnay, Carton gives meaning to a life he had considered wasted. The line beginning “It is a far, far better thing” reflects his redemption and has become one of the most famous endings in Victorian fiction.
Why the 1859 Novel Still Stands Out
A Tale of Two Cities differs from many of Dickens’ other novels because of its historical setting and tighter dramatic structure. Instead of focusing mainly on English social life, Dickens builds a story around revolution, imprisonment, revenge, and sacrifice.
The two cities in the title are London and Paris, and the contrast between them drives much of the story. London represents refuge and private life, while Paris becomes the center of revolutionary violence and public reckoning.
Why This Final Jeopardy Clue Works
This clue works because it uses a small wording detail to point toward a major literary work. Contestants needed to recognize that both the opening and closing lines of A Tale of Two Cities begin with the same word, “It.”
The correct response fits the category, the publication year, and the clue’s focus on famous lines. Dickens’ novel is remembered not only for its story, but also for the power of its first and last sentences, making it a fitting Final Jeopardy answer.
