Love Equals Sacrifice

Charles Dickens, an English writer of the 19th century, remains to be one of the most distinguished authors of all time. A Tale of Two Cities, a novel set during the French Revolution, is one of Dickens’ most famous works. Sacrifice for others is one of the repeated, central themes in the novel. With good character development and precise details, Dickens emphasizes the importance of this theme throughout the story. Jarvis Lorry’s, Lucie Manette’s, and Sydney Carton’s actions throughout the novel exemplify the importance of the theme of sacrifice, and show how these sacrificial actions never go unrewarded.

Jarvis Lorry, an English banker at Tellson’s Bank, is the first character introduced in A Tale of Two Cities to make a sacrifice for the sake of another person. At the beginning of the novel, Mr. Lorry says he is “‘going to Paris on business’” (Dickens 6), but he is not the seemingly emotionless banker he pretends to be. Though he insists his mission is strictly business, Mr. Lorry is actually making the journey from London to Paris out of the goodness of his heart. He has plans to reunite Dr. Manette, who has been imprisoned for 18 years, and his daughter, Lucie Manette. Lorry has emotional ties to the Manettes because when Lucie was just a toddler, he carried her across the English Channel as her escort. Throughout the novel, Lorry remains a faithful friend to the family, during and after the doctor’s recovery from being in prison. He visits the two as often as he can. When Dr. Manette becomes ill on Lucie’s wedding day, “...Mr. Lorry resolved to watch him attentively, with as little appearance as possible of doing so.” (Dickens 151), not wanting Lucie to worry over the relapse on her special day. Jarvis Lorry truly loves t...

... middle of paper ...

...done. He has no regrets, because he knows he will live forever in the hearts of those who know his story. Sydney Carton’s dying is the ultimate example of how salvation can be achieved through sacrifice.

The theme of sacrifice for others is very well exemplified by Dickens’ characters. Lorry’s dedication to the Manettes, Lucie’s care for her father, and Carton’s love all prove that these kinds of sacrifices are important and extremely influential. Dickens develops the theme of sacrifice throughout the novel, which begins with Mr. Lorry giving his time to reunite Lucie with her father, and ends with Carton giving his life so someone else can keep theirs. Though these other sacrifices are important, Carton’s is the ultimate and most memorable. In A Tale of Two Cities, Dickens shows his readers that the best way to show and spread love is through personal sacrifice.