Here's why:
* Symbolic Meaning: The knitting is not just a mundane activity. It represents the ongoing tally of executions during the French Revolution, with each stitch signifying a condemned life. The red wool represents the bloodshed and violence.
* Hidden Significance: On the surface, the knitting appears simple, but it carries a deeper meaning that only the reader gradually uncovers.
* Connection to the Theme: Madame Defarge's knitting reflects the themes of vengeance, revolution, and the destructive power of hatred.
Let me know if you'd like more information about symbolism in literature!