What is Dickens's approach to revolution in A Tale of Two Cities?

Events of the French Revolution drive the plot of Dickens's novel, establishing the central theme of political revolution and power. A Tale of Two Cities highlights the oppressive force of the French aristocracy through the character of Marquis St. Evrémonde, a wealthy estate owner who treats the commoners under his control with cruelty and a complete lack of humanity. The Marquis is a stagnant character who represents the aristocracy as a whole; thus, based on his actions, Dickens portrays his entire class as evil.
Dickens highlights the violent nature of revolution through actions of both the aristocracy and the commoners. He shows how revolutionaries use oppression in order to further their lust for power. Overall, the tone of the novel is pessimistic, demonstrating Dickens's own viewpoints on revolution. He points out contradictions between the revolution's objectives of equality and freedom and the equally tyrannical power exercised by members of the aristocracy and revolutionaries.