Sacrifice In A Tale Of Two Cities

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In Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities, the idea of sacrifice is portrayed as a divine and honorable feat. Hence why it is through the use of characters who are depicted as godlike that the motif of sacrifice is represented throughout the novel. This proves to be true when regarding the character of Sydney Carton. Carton is a man who describes himself as being a worthless dog who will never do any good in the world. However, through his love for Lucie, he is able to transcend this definition and rise up as one of the most heroic characters in the story. Although it is not displayed throughout the novel, in the end, Carton is able to show his true character by sacrificing his life in order to save Darnay’s, while developing an important theme …show more content…
The most significant of which being when he dies at the hand of the guillotine in order to spare Darnay’s life. As he goes to his death, Carton leaves with his final words speaking fondly of the sacrifice which he has committed. This is shown when Carton states, “I see a beautiful city and a brilliant people rising from this abyss; I see the lives for which I lay down my life, peaceful, useful, prosperous and happy, in that England which I shall see no more” (Dickens 320). This quote is significant because it speaks about the resurrection of the country of France along with the resurrection of Carton’s name and Darnay’s life, which will all come about due to Carton’s sacrifice. This quote helps to develop the theme that sacrifice leads to renewal and resurrection seeing as as it is through sacrifice in which Darnay and Carton are able to be recalled in both a literal and figurative sense. Darnay is recalled in a literal sense seeing as he is saved from death and is granted the gift of life. Carton, on the other hand, is recalled in a figurative sense seeing as he is recalled through giving up his life in order to save those he loves. Overall, this quote is significant due to the fact that it proves the thesis seeing as the motif of sacrifice, which is represented through Carton giving his life for Darnay, helps to develop the theme that sacrifice leads to renewal and
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