Tale Of Two Cities Sacrifice Essay

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Recommended: Critical analysis of a TALE OF TWO CITIES

Charles Dickens is a well-known author who has written many stories and novels including A Tale of Two Cities, which was written in 1859. Because the chapters of this story were originally written in a series, Dickens uses several settings and cliffhangers to increase the suspense and mystify the reader. Dickens was also able to use many of his life experiences to make the story more interesting and personal. Several themes mentioned throughout the story include sacrifices, man’s inhumanity to man, revenge, and fate. Dickens conveys to the reader that sacrifices are made in the name of love to maintain happiness, help people live better lives, and protect those whom people greatly care about. Dr. Manette gives up his freedom for Lucie to allow …show more content…

From the beginning, the reader is led to believe that Carton’s life is a waste when he states that “It is too late for that. I shall never be better than I am. I shall sink lower, and be worse” (115). However, Carton and the reader learn that he can redeem himself by making the ultimate sacrifice that will hopefully allow him to be remembered after he has left the earth. Even though Charles Darnay “never once thought of him,” Carton has Charles and his entire family in mind as he prepares to make a sacrifice that can never be reversed (270). Carton begins to carry out his well thought-out plan to help Charles escape when he tells him, “ You have no time to ask me why I bring it, or what it means; I have no time to tell you. You must comply with-- take off those boots you wear, and draw on these of mine” (272). Carton has ultimately realized that his sacrifice has been made in the name of love for Lucie and her family, He also realizes that his sacrifice will recall him to life in the future when Dickens writes “It is far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to than I have ever known”

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