In literature, coincidence often adds to the plot when it's used to reveal irony or hidden meaning reveal to the reader. Charles Dickens uses the coincidence literary element in his novel, A Tale of Two Cities. He presents this literary element through the coincidence of Sydney Carton and Charles Darnay's physical resemblance, Charles Darnay being the nephew of the Marquis St. Evremonde, and Dr. Manette's condemning of the Evremonde family, without the future knowledge of his daughter's marriage to a descendent of the Evremonde family.

*One of the first major coincidences that is presented in A Tale of Two Cities was Sydney Carton and Charles Darnay's physical resemblance. Dickens uses the their physical resemblance to save Charles' life. In the beginning of the book, Sydney use the his appearance to help acquit Charles on charges of treason. After the trial, it is revealed that Carton is envious of...