A Tale of Two Cities Essay
It is far, far better thing that I do than I have ever done; it is far far better rest that I go to than I have ever known (Dickens 374) This is Sydney Carton speaking to Charles Darney, explaining to him how it is best for him to die rather than Mr. Darnay to die. Mr. Carton knowing Lucie Manettes husband, Charles Darnay whom will be killed by the guillotine, willingly gives his life for the happiness of Lucie. La Guillotine, in Charles Dickens A Tale of Two Cities, is a symbol which represents sacrifice, through the life of Sydney Carton, and gives the themes of love and resurrection.
To display the theme of love , Charles Dickens shows it through the unconditional love that Mr. Carton has for Lucie Manette. For you and any dear to you, I would do anything. If my career were of that better kind there was any opportunity or capacity of sacrifice in it, I would embrace any sacrifice for you and for those dear to you(Dickens). This is Sydney Carton talking to Lucie, telling her how if he can ever help her in any way, just call upon him for help. Because Carton knows Lucie will never love him the way he loves for her, he offers to save Darnay. When Carton is talking to Lucie, he tells her that when he dies he will think of the last time he talked to her, because it made him very happy. "'The time will come, the time will not be long in coming, when new ties will be formed about you--ties that will bind you yet more tenderly and strongly to the home you so adorn--the dearest ties that will ever grace and gladden you. O Miss Manette, when the little picture of a happy father's face looks up in yours, when you see your own bright beauty springing up anew at your feet, think now and then that there is a man who would give his life, to keep a life you love beside you!'"(Dickens 156) Again Cartons love is clear. This theme of love throughout Dickens A Tale of Two Cities shows how unconditionally and willingly Carton gave his life.
Charles Dickens display of resurrection is shown through the memories of Sydney Cartons after life, and Charles Darnays resurrection with the trading of his life with Mr. Cartons.
". . . Charles Darnay seemed to stand in a company of the dead. Ghosts all! The ghost of beauty, the ghost of stateliness, the ghost of elegance, the ghost of pride, the ghost of frivolity, the ghost of wit, the ghost of youth, the ghost of age, all waiting their dismissal from the desolate shore, all turning on him eyes that were changed by the death they had died in coming there"(Dickens). I am the resurrection and the life, saith the Lord; he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall never die: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me, shall never die"(Dickens 311). This is said by Sydney Carton right before his death.
CONCLUSION:
And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country (Inaugural Address by John F. Kennedy - January 20th 1961). As sacrifice was the symbol of La Guillotine, in Charles Dickens A Tale of Two Cities the quote above tells other Americans to try to sacrifice a value of this to help a greater unifying cause. Charles Dickens A Tale of Two Cities human sacrifice of Mr. Sydney Carton, through the themes of love and resurrection, gives his life for the unifying cause of death for happiness.
Already have an account? Log In Now
5543