* "The shadow": This refers to the French Revolution, a period of immense violence and upheaval. Using "shadow" instead of directly naming the revolution creates a sense of ominousness and impending doom, while simultaneously avoiding directly addressing the societal upheaval and political instability.
* "The wine-shop": This is a euphemism for a place of political discussion and agitation. While wine shops were real places in 18th century France, they were also used as meeting points for revolutionaries and were thus associated with political dissent.
* "The guillotine": The guillotine, the instrument of execution used during the French Revolution, is often referred to indirectly, using phrases like "the machine" or "the instrument of justice". This avoidance of the term itself creates a sense of distance and allows the reader to contemplate the brutality of the revolution without being directly confronted with the gruesome reality of the execution device.
* "The Terror": This refers to the period of extreme violence and political repression during the French Revolution. By using "terror" instead of a more descriptive term like "Reign of Terror", Dickens avoids directly mentioning the specific acts of violence and instead uses a more abstract term that evokes a sense of fear and uncertainty.
It's important to note that the use of these euphemisms in "A Tale of Two Cities" reflects the social and political context of the time. Dickens uses them to create a sense of unease and to subtly critique the violence and injustice of the French Revolution. He avoids direct confrontation with these topics, instead using language that allows the reader to engage with them on a deeper, more emotional level.