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Sydney Carton’s Final Act

In the novel A Tale of Two Cities, written by Charles Dickens, Sydney Carton made an ultimate sacrifice for his love, Lucie Manette by giving up his life. Sacrifice is the action of giving something up for the sake of something else. In this case, Carton gave his life up for Lucie for the benefit of her happiness. Sydney Carton was an English lawyer and a depressed and frustrated alcoholic. However, he was very noble in selfless in actions, if not in appearance. This is shown when Carton would work for his friends, but not himself in school. Additionally his selflessness is demonstrated throughout the novel by his undying dedication to Lucie Manette. Coincidentally, Carton looked very similar to Charles Darnay in appearance, almost a perfect double, which aided him in his endeavors. Sydney Carton’s final act showed his true character, how purpose was given to a seemingly aimless man, and how good triumphed over evil.

Carton’s true being was shown as he prepared to sacrifice his life for Lucie. Early in the novel, he was portrayed as a man who was unsatisfied and frustrated with himself. However, when firsts sees Lucie during Charles Darnay’s trial, he falls in love with her. Later, he professes his love for her, but by then has been beaten to it by Darnay. Even if he could not have her love, Sydney tells Lucie he would do anything for her and thus dedicated his life to her. When he hears of Darnay’s execution sentence, Carton immediately thinks of how Lucie would be heartbroken and maybe even lose the will to live if her love, Darnay, would be taken away from her. A few days before the execution, Sydney drugs Darnay in his cell, and switches places with him. This is possible because of their physical similarity. Carton does this to preserve Lucie’s family and her happiness, which he thinks is a good use of his life. If Carton couldn’t be with her, he would at least make her happy during her life.
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