Tale Of Two Cities Analys Essay, Research Paper

Government has been an essential part to any civilization for

as long as human kind has existed. People who disagree with the

government have also existed for just as long. Whether the the

government was so simple that the leader was the strongest in

the tribe, or whether the government was so complex that it

involved thousands of people to make one decision, it always

was challenged and eventually changed. The means of change are

quite diverse. Assassination, protests, war, petitions, and

more are amongst the large list of means for governmental

reform. Revolution has also been a frequent method to try to

achieve the desired change. Revolutions have made profound

impacts in history, for both the better and for the worse.

Charles Dickens is among those who believe revolution is not a

efficient means for change of government, or social reform. His

classic novel, A Tale Of Two Cities, clearly and profoundly

shows the negative impacts of revolting against the government,

to the ! reader. He also shows the reader that there is a

better way to improve the government. That better way is illustrated

through Sydney Carton. He not only becomes an unexpected hero in A Tale

Of Two Cities, but he also symbolizes Charles Dickens solution to

achieving social reform.

Sydney Carton first entered the story as a lonely man.

Appearing rather insecure and having low self esteem, his role

in the story was unknown to the reader. He seemed to only be

focused on helping others. One late night with his colleague,

Mr. Stryver, Cartons basically pathetic demeanor was

confronted, ^Carton, addressed his friend… ^your way is, and

always was, a lame way. You summon no energy and purpose.

(Dickens, A Tale Of Two Cities, 95). Then later that night ,

Climbing into a high chamber in a well of houses, he threw

himself down in his clothes on a neglected bed, and its pillow

was wet with wasted tears (97). Both are examples of Cartons

character. Most view him as a loser. Mr. Stryver, with the

assistance of a little alcohol, clearly made that point, and

sadly enough Carton realized it. At that moment he finally

realized who he was becoming, and it depressed him beyond

words. At that moment a new Carton emerged. This new Carton was

someone who cared! for others. He wanted people to think that

his actions were motivated by simply wanting to make a difference in

the lives of those he cared for. One person he deeply cared for was

Lucie Manette. She eventually became his motivation to change and

renew his own life.

As the story progressed Carton obviously changed, and

consequently became the hero. At the beginning of the book he

was angry at the world and quite lonely too. Life for him

revolved around his work, and everything else did not really

matter. Until Lucie Manette entered his life. Immediately after

meeting Lucie his was a changed man. Thinking only of her, he

made it very clear that he loved her and cared for her, For

you, and for any dear to you, I would do anything (156).

Professing that he would do anything for her, or for those she

loved, one could almost say that he was resurrected through

her. Another example of the new Carton was seen many years

later. Walking through France, he begins to quote a biblical

passage, I am the resurrection and the life, saith the Lord;

he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he

live; and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die,

(308). This not only was comfort for him in a rather dark, and

evil environment,! but it was Dickens way of reminding the

reader that one could become changed, or resurrected. In this case

that one person being Carton. Dickens finally reveals the heroic

Carton, and the last step of change, at the end of the story. Through

Cartons love for Lucie that evolved throughout the story, he

sacrifices his life to save another’s. Carton trades places with

Darnay, who is soon to be executed, resulting in Darnay becoming free,

and Carton being killed. This act was symbolic for Dickens idea on how

to achieve true reform.

In the nineteenth century, literature was a way to share your

ideas. Dickens took full advantage of that. A Tale Of Two

Cities was his method to share with the reader his ideas about

government, and social reform. He first addressed that

revolution was not a way to change. Time and time again Dickens

revisited the horrifying, yet true consequences of the French

Revolution. The guillotine was a prime example of the horrors

revolution brought. Imposed by the people to gain vengeance on

the aristocracy, it became more of a symbol of death than a

symbol of revenge, … eleven hundred defenseless prisoners of

both sexes and all ages had been killed by the populace…

(267). Eleven hundred innocent people killed in a revolution

that was meant to punish a few, and to change a country.

Dickens saw this evil, and more in the French Revolution.

However Dickens did have a better solution for governmental

change, and that was seen through Sydney Carton. As problems

arose Carton solved ! them through self sacrifice. At the end

of the book, he saw the predicament that Darnay, and his family, were

in. Darnay was finally sentenced to be beheaded, and there was no more

escaping it. Remembering his promise to Lucie, years before, Carton

realized that sacrificing his life, in place of Darnays, was the only

solution. Revealed as Carton and Darnay were swapping places, Carton

dictates a letter for Darnay to write, If you remember, the words that

passed between us, long ago, you will readily comprehend this when you

see it…… the time has come, when I can prove them. That I do so is

no subject for regret or grief (344) This, nonetheless, was the pure

essence of what Dickens believed caused change. Dickens thought the

flaw in society was their greed and selfishness. And to change this he

knew that the opposite characteristics needed to be present. People

needed to have so much love for something that they were willing to

make sacrifices for it, just like Carton an! d his love for Lucie. In

essence Dickens wanted to share that self sacrifice for the greater

good was the true solution to social and governmental reform.

Sydney Carton had many roles in A Tale Of Two Cities. He first

was the character that seemed to be left out, and forgotten.

Then because of a variety of exterior motives, he began to

change. Slowly at first, realizing who he was, and making the

conscious choice to change. Then he changed unmistakable, and

rather incredibly to become the indisputable hero. In the end

he made the ultimate sacrifice, his life, for a better future

for the ones he cared for. Dickens used Carton to show how

change could be achieved. He knew that change would never be

accomplished through revolution. In the book, Dickens clearly

showed that revolution only lead to more problems. Dickens knew

that change would only be accomplished if those wanting change

were willing sacrifice personal gain to achieve their goals. If

not, change would never be fully attained, and greed and

corruption would flourish placing reform into a realm where it

could never be grasped.