Analysis Of John Carton's Life

Carton has a life of extremes. He lives his life full of gloom and then later falls in love with Lucie. He begins to care for her and her family so much that he sacrifices himself for them. Carton’s growth from despising himself to giving up his life for Lucie and her family is amazing. This development occurs because Carton, while in his saddened state, finds his purpose in life which then results in Carton altering his outlook on life. Carton’s changing view of his fate leads him to sacrifice himself. Carton’s lack of self-care results in him having no faith for his future. Throughout his life, Carton views himself as inferior to the people around him. Carton mumbles, “I care for no man on earth, and no man on earth cares for me” (85).

Carton does not possess any care for himself but he does convey care for his acquaintances: “I did exercises for other boys, and seldom did my own” (89). Carton helps improve his peers rather than himself. He acts this way because he notices that his friend’s futures are more bright and full of potential unlike his own. Now Carton has a goal and a purpose for his life which is to help people achieve their greatness. Carton also helps and gives his “suit and service to Stryver” (87). Carton works feverishly and tirelessly for Stryver and he has been working with Stryver for many years. Stryver began by “shouldering and pressing” Carton to work for him (90). Once Carton joined Stryver, he could not leave him. The reason being that Stryver has a job and Carton wants Stryver to succeed. Carton as well aids Darnay during his first trial (77). While in the court-room, Carton is there defending Darnay but is also putting himself at risk. Carton’s appearance is similar to Darany’s which could lead to problems later on, but Carton dismisses those ideas. Carton positions Darnay before himself. Carton does not care for his visage but is concerned for Darnay. In the court-room, Carton does not give a good impression to the crowd: “One man sat leaning back, with his gown half off him,…and his eyes on the ceiling as they had been all day” (77). Regardless of his appearance, Carton is attentive and is the first to

Carton falls in love with Lucie, but he does not find himself to be a worthy man for her: “No, Miss Manette;…I have known myself to be quite undeserving” (153). Carton clearly situates Lucie’s care before his. Carton loves and admires Lucie greatly, but he understands that she would never be happy with him. Carton proclaims, “If it has been possible, Miss Manette, that you could have returned the love of the man…self-flung away, wasted, drunken,… he would bring you to misery” (152). Carton believes he would drag Lucie down, and since his purpose in life is to help uplift his friends, Carton will not marry Lucie. The two remain friends and Carton visits her and her family occasionally. Gradually over time, Carton develops a strong bond with both Lucie and her family. Carton helped Darnay in his first trial, and Carton becomes a key figure in Lucie’s children’s lives (213). With such a strong bond, Carton feels even more responsibility to give these people happiness. When Carton confesses to Lucie, he tells her that he will guide her to happiness: “There is a man who would give his life, to keep a life you love beside you!” (155). Early on in Carton’s relationship with Lucie, he knew his goal would be to bring her a pleasant life, and later on, his goal remains the same but his will to fight for his goal strengthens more and more. The last words Carton whispers to Lucie show his determination to give her and her