Tale Of Two Cities: Recall To Life

Charles Dickens repeats the idea of being “recalled to life” in order to show the development of principal characters, in both a concrete and an abstract form. These characters are in some way revigorated with hope and desire for a better life. The transition from an imprisonment of some sorts to an almost reincarnation is evident in the lives of Dr. Manette and Sydney Carton. Both of which are imprisoned, one in a jail and the other in a dreary, lifeless soul, but recalled to life by their new love for Lucie. Charles Dickens draws parallels between the lives of two dissimilar characters in the novel A Tale of Two Cities using the motif of “recalled to life” in order to show how love can instill a new desire to live as with Dr. Manette and Sydney Carton. Dr. …show more content…
Manette is weak and mentally ill after his imprisonment and Lucie nurses him back to health. Carton has a spiritual epiphany as he gets to know and care for Lucie and he alters his previous lifestyle in order to be remembered as a good person to Lucie and her family. Had the idea of recalled to life been removed from the novel, Carton would be perceived to be emotionless and wishing for an end to life. Also, the understanding of Carton being recalled to life directly relies on Doctor Manette, because the actual words “recalled to life” are used to describe the freedom of the doctor. The direct correlation of the motif with love and new beginnings clearly implies that Carton was acting in a selfless manner with the sacrifice. As stated before, they are both changed by their love for Lucie making the work “recalled” appropriate in both situations. The motif of “recalled to love” exemplifies love’s effect on the outlook of life and how it can change people for the better both physically, mentally, and