Tale Of Two Cities Theme Essay

387 Words2 Pages
In A Tale of Two Cities Charles Dickens declares his belief in resurrection and also transformation. The book tells us that Sydney Carton’s death ensures a peaceful, new life for Lucie Manette, Charles Darnay, and Sydney Carton as well. By bringing himself to the Guillotine Carton becomes somewhat like a hero. His life gains meaning and value now. Towards the end of the book the context says that Carton will be resurrected like Christ. Carton is much like Christ; his death was served to save the life of others. Carton is reborn, or resurrected in the hearts of those he loves and died to save. The text indicates that the death of an old leader in France prepares the way for a new and beautiful Paris that Carton is said to have envisioned. Although in the novel Carton spends majority of his life in idleness with an uncaring attitude, the selflessness of his death brings hope for humanity to change. The novel spends much time describing the outrageous acts committed by the privileged and the outraged peasants; it expresses the fact that throughout these violent actions there will be a better society. Dickens expands his theme with the character of Doctor Manette. Early on in the novel, Lorry has an imaginary conversation with him in which he says that Manette has been “recalled to life.” As this statement implies, the doctor’s eighteen-year imprisonment has formed a death of sorts. Lucie’s love enables Manette’s spiritual renewal, and her cradling of him on her breast reinforces this notion of rebirth. Along with the theme of resurrection is the notion that sacrifice is necessary to achieve happiness. For example, the Revolutionaries prove that a new republic can only come with a terrible penalty, loves and loyalties must be sacrificed. Also, when Darnay is arrested for the second time, in Book the Third, Chapter 7, the guard who seizes him reminds Manette of the

More about Tale Of Two Cities Theme Essay

Open Document