A Tale of Two Cities

A Tale of Two Cities is a novel by Charles Dickens about the French Revolution. The plot constantly switches between the two cities of London and Paris, showing the contrast between the two. While London is very orderly and prosperous, Paris is in turmoil and poverty stricken. Themes reflected within this work are the need for sacrifice and the possibility for growth and rebirth. Both themes are tied together in proving that however difficult and destructive revolutions and sacrifice may be, they result in positive change for society and the individual. A strong example of this theme is Sydney Carton. At the beginning of the novel Carton is seen by others as a lazy, alcoholic attorney with no interest in his activities or life. The only interest he develops is in his love for Lucie, which leads to a dynamic transformation of character. Both Darnay and Carton are in love with Lucie; even though Lucie decides to marry Darnay, Carton still acts towards Darnay to save his life. By dressing as Darnay and essentially sacrificing his life for him proves the change in which Carton undergoes by valuing life another's life. By using Carton as well as the contrast between the two cities of Paris and France, Dickens shows his belief in rebirth being possible for everyone as well as the belief that while revolutions involve death and losses, the result of change is worth the hard times.

"'It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest I go to than I have ever known'" (293).

This passage, spoken by Carton before dying on the Guillotine, is in a way his revelation and realization of his drastic character change. Living a life of being undetermined, lazy, drunk, and many other unattractive traits, Carton's end is a drastic turnaround. Giving the ultimate sacrifice of death for another and a society is better than he has ever done. He has learned the importance of being a good person, however, unfortunately this realization has taken place at the event of his death. This realization makes it a far better rest than he has ever known. Carton was dying at the Guillotine is for Darnay, Lucie, and the good of society. Carton sees the city of Paris as a "beautiful city and a brilliant people from this abyss" and makes this one of his drives for sacrifice. This final sentence illustrates Cartons final transformation and good intentions in result of his death.

Personally, I found A Tale of Two Cities a very difficult novel to get through. I am unfortunately not accustomed to reading aged literature and find it a very trying process. While I tried very hard to understand this novel, the writing style and detail lost me at times. The many different characters being randomly introduced along with the constant change of cities also added to my confusion. With many key events occurring, the over development and description caused me to lose sight of what was going on at times. For example, the explanation of the mail getting to Mr. Lorry went on and on. Overall, I found the plot a very good one that portrayed a very good message. Had it not been for the writing style and constant detail throughout the novel, I would have most likely enjoyed this novel because of the great plot and lesson in the end.