Sacrifice In A Tale Of Two Cities

Hyeran Park

Ms. Oliveira

Block 3

1/21/17

A Tale of Two Cities Theme Essay

In the book, A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens, the theme of sacrifice runs throughout the story. The plot streams before and during the French Revolution. Charles Darnay tries to escape his heritage as a French aristocrat in the years leading up to the storm of French Revolution. On the eve of the Revolution, he is captured and sentenced to death, but Sydney Carton, a man who resembles Darnay, takes his place and dies on the guillotine instead while Darnay returns to London safely. In A Tale of Two Cities, there are various examples of acts of sacrifice, on both a personal and national level. In each case, Dickens conveys that, while painful in the short term,

He makes his determination known well before the danger of the revolution overtakes the family when he says to Lucie: "If my career were of that better kind that there was any opportunity or capacity of sacrifice in it, I would embrace any sacrifice for you and for those dear to you" (Dickens 152). Mr. Carton was, at a young age, a promising and brilliant child. However, the death of his parents quickly shattered his life. Dickens describe him as a, “man of good abilities and good emotions” but was “incapable of his own help and happiness” (92). Though much of his brilliance had continued with him onto adulthood, he had become a drunkard who describes himself as person who, “cares for no man on earth and no man care for” (85). However, after revealing his love for Lucie, he is determined to protect her and the ones she love. He declared to Lucie that he was a man who would,” give his life to keep a life you loved besides you.” (155). In the last few moments of his life, he again said the same words to Lucie. Sydney Carton offers the gift of a lifetime, by sacrificing his life, and in turn, has guaranteed the survival of many. With his heroic actions, Sydney Catron elucidates that with every sacrifice made; the kind gesture is rewarded in some