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A Tale Of Two Cities Recalled To Life

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A Tale of Two Cities, a novel by Charles Dickens, is a tale throughout the years leading up to the French Revolution and the French Revolution itself. It is a story of love and loss during the late 1700’s when the Revolution was taking place. In the novel Dickens exemplifies what life would have been like for people living in two prominent cities of the time: London and Paris. The theme recalled to life appears many times throughout the novel and is shown through the lives of many characters. Recalled to life is when a character experiences some sort of change and is given a second chance. In the novel A Tale of Two Cities, Dr. Manette, Charles Darnay, and Sydney Carton are all recalled to life. The theme of recalled to life is first elucidated …show more content…

Sydney Carton had a rough life and childhood. He was brought up as an orphan, and he matured into a drunken adult. Although he is very smart (as seen with his behind-the-scenes work with Mr. Stryver), he does not ever blossom into his full potential until the end of the book. It is Lucie Manette, the love of his life, who helps him to develop into the person he should be through his love for her. Sydney loves Lucie so much and would do anything for her like he says in this quote: “O Miss Manette, when the little picture of a happy father’s face looks up in yours, when you see your own bright beauty springing up anew at your feet, think now and then that there is a man who would give his life, to keep a life you love beside you” (Dickens 173). In this quote, Carton explains that because of his deep love for Lucie, he would do anything to keep her happy, including giving up his life. This quote comes into fulfillment at the end of the novel when Carton trades places with Darnay for the guillotine so that Lucie can be with the man she loves. In this way, Carton shows his Christ-like self and portrays the “savior” archetype in literature. By this, Carton has, in a sense, “completed his mission,” and he finally shows the redeemable qualities he has inside with the help of sweet Lucie Manette. These reasons show that Sydney Carton is recalled to

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