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Tale Of Two Cities Sacrifice Essay

Decent Essays

There is a false yet common belief that sacrifice is destined to be a somber event. In A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens, the time of turmoil forces characters to yield comforts for the greater benefit. A theme that remains prevalent is that sacrifices made for the prosperity of other people are also rewarding to the person that makes the sacrifice. The idea of sacrifice being mutually helpful is popular not only in the novel, but also in real life situations. Lucie Manette realizes her father is worth sacrificing her time and devotion early on in the novel. When Lucie hears the news that her father may be alive, she halts her life in England to retrieve him from his solitude in France. She forfeits her own well-being to fortify a stronger bond with her father, who she comes to love above all else. Lucie is greatly responsible for the Doctor’s …show more content…

Sydney Carton is a miserable drunk, but in his heart he finds tenderness for Lucie. Though he knows unworthy of being a prospect companion, Carton wishes her “a life [she] love[s]” (156). Keeping true to his promise, Carton knows nothing is more important to her than being reunited with her husband, Charles Darnay. Sydney has a reputation of being bitter and inhospitable, and feels that in dying he has a chance at redeeming himself. Alive, he has hurt people he loves, including himself- in death he is a hero in the eyes of himself and his friends. Though his willingness to die in the name of Lucie is unimaginable, it is clear that he is content with his decision, believing it is “‘a far better rest that [he goes] to than [he] has ever known’” (367). In nights past, Carton has fallen asleep miserable and unfulfilled, knowing that he is not an asset to the life of anyone. Sydney Carton uncharacteristically makes dying serene because he regrets no part of his decision; he feels utterly

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