Tale Of Two Cities Foil

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In the realm of literature, authors often employ the literary device of foil in order to illustrate effective contrasts and deliver the unique motivations, personalities, and ideologies of dissimilar characters. Through the juxtaposition of two characters possessing similarities and yet embodying contrasting qualities, the author encourages readers to derive deeper into the complexities of human nature and societal dynamics. Similarly, in Charles Dickens’ timeless novel, A Tale of Two Cities, his masterful manipulation of foil, deployed on Sydney Carton and Miss Pross, two estranged souls intertwined by fate, reflects vividly the attitude and manners of individuals while dealing with dilemmas that intricately shape their destinies and ultimately …show more content…
Similarly, Sydney Carton, while directly applying the nickname, the Jackal, indubitably exhibits similar traits that align with its disposition. He is cynical, resigned to fate, indulgent, yet surprisingly keen on his thinking. As he struggles in the judgmental and unaccepting society, he finds himself working for a reputed lawyer, Mr. Stryver. Despite the latter's exuberant appearance, he proved himself to be truly arrogant and hypocritical. Throughout Chapter 5 in the novel’s Second Book, Mr. Stryver would continuously criticize and scoff Carton for his submissive nature, stating that “your [Carton] way is, and always was, a lame way. You summon no energy and purpose. Look at me” (Dickens 78). By comparing himself to Carton and asserting his superiority over the latter, Stryver reveals his inflated ego and lack of empathy over others. However, Carton’s self-deprecation, on the other hand, contrasts sharply with his brilliance and potential, suggesting his inner turmoil and perhaps a history of failure or …show more content…
Altogether, his journey from anguish to magnanimous sacrifice embodies the profound influence of love and its ability to transcend the limitations of compassion and rigor of the human spirit. Succeedingly, Miss Pross’ significance and her brave nature, too, grows greatly towards the finale of the novel. Her inadvertent yet vital role in completing Sydney Carton’s redemption masterplan ties the two seemingly negligible characters together once again. As her resilient manner perpetuates, her bravery is displayed once more in her act of defending the escapees against Madame Defarge, who had turned on the Manetts and pursued Lucie and her children, completing both’s wish to safeguard those in love as the final step of their vindication. Despite Madame Defarge being portrayed as a formidable and threatening character throughout the novel, Mrs. Pross puts herself in the crisis to buy time for the Manettes to
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