The Prevalence of The Theme of Sacrifice and Selflessness Throughout ‘Tale of Two Cities’ By Charles Dickens
Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens is a dramatic tale following many characters of both English and French descent as they struggle to survive the era of the French Revolution and grapple with the burdens of their decisions. To many, this may seem to be a simple narrative depicting the daily struggle peasants and aristocrats alike confronted during the late 1800’s, yet it is truly is an intricately woven novel which, both subtly and unsubtly, tackles many heavy themes including violence, imprisonment, warfare; even the more pressing topics of sacrifice and the personal quality of selflessness. To sacrifice, pertaining to Tale …show more content…
Mr. Carton comes off as arrogant and emotionless at the start of the book, yet as we delve deeper into his character, we see that he is incredibly selfless and gives up lots for others. "I am like one who died young. All my life might have been" (Dickens, Book 2 Ch. 13) Through this quote, we can really see how much he has given up. Throughout the novel, we see Carton giving up his life to help others with their deeds for the purpose of pleasing others because it seems that he is incapable of pleasing himself. He resorts to helping others time and time again, as he has done his whole life, which clearly shows how selfless he is. "I am a disappointed drudge, sir. I care for no man on earth, and no man on earth cares for me" (Dickens, Book 2 Ch. 4). As we can see, Carton is the one who sacrifices the most for others throughout the novel, and even commits to the ultimate sacrifice, giving up one’s life for the happiness of another. Carton loved Lucie and gave up his life so that her husband, Charles Darnay who looks just like Carton, could live and be with Lucie to keep her happy. Carton is extremely selfless and sacrifices many things close to him, including his life, for the gain and happiness of
Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens is a dramatic tale following many characters of both English and French descent as they struggle to survive the era of the French Revolution and grapple with the burdens of their decisions. To many, this may seem to be a simple narrative depicting the daily struggle peasants and aristocrats alike confronted during the late 1800’s, yet it is truly is an intricately woven novel which, both subtly and unsubtly, tackles many heavy themes including violence, imprisonment, warfare; even the more pressing topics of sacrifice and the personal quality of selflessness. To sacrifice, pertaining to Tale …show more content…
Mr. Carton comes off as arrogant and emotionless at the start of the book, yet as we delve deeper into his character, we see that he is incredibly selfless and gives up lots for others. "I am like one who died young. All my life might have been" (Dickens, Book 2 Ch. 13) Through this quote, we can really see how much he has given up. Throughout the novel, we see Carton giving up his life to help others with their deeds for the purpose of pleasing others because it seems that he is incapable of pleasing himself. He resorts to helping others time and time again, as he has done his whole life, which clearly shows how selfless he is. "I am a disappointed drudge, sir. I care for no man on earth, and no man on earth cares for me" (Dickens, Book 2 Ch. 4). As we can see, Carton is the one who sacrifices the most for others throughout the novel, and even commits to the ultimate sacrifice, giving up one’s life for the happiness of another. Carton loved Lucie and gave up his life so that her husband, Charles Darnay who looks just like Carton, could live and be with Lucie to keep her happy. Carton is extremely selfless and sacrifices many things close to him, including his life, for the gain and happiness of