In “A Tale of Two Cities” we see so much
betrayal, pain, and suffering that we sometimes forget the great examples
of love and trust that Charles Dickens displayed in this book. We see so many moments of people giving up their
life for someone they truly love, or standing strong by someone even though they could lose their own life. A Tale of Two Cities displays what we seem to lack in society these days. No, not revolution, or murder of the innocent, but the underlying layer of love, honor, and trust.
When it comes to a great personal sacrifice for some else there is one man who really does stand out in my mind. Sydney Carton. Throughout the novel I think we see many ups and downs for him. He is a messy, jealous drunk who seems to not have a future but a grave, when we first meet him. But as the novel goes on, and as we learn more about the man that is Sydney Carton, we fall in love with him. His erratic behavior, his love for Lucie and his willingness to do one thing in life he thinks is worth something. In the end, Carton gives up his life for Lucie and Charles Darnay, and utters the most important words of his life “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”.
Another hero that stands out for me is Dr. Manette. I view him as an honorable man because of what he went through, how much he was able to forgive, and just how loyal he really turned out to be. Even before the book began, there was a story for Dr. Manette. Two rich brothers, the Evremondes, rape and torture a young girl, he is un able to save her and gets sent to jail a short time later. Out of jail, his daughter marries a great man, Charles Darnay. What Manette did not know, is that Charles Darnay is directly related to the Evremondes. What stood out for me and made Dr. Manette a hero in my eyes, is the way he stood by Darnay when he was accused and arrested for treason. His work to fight for Darnay and his daughter, showed just how good of a person Dr. Manette was.
The last, but most certainly not least, is Charles Darnay himself. A man who could have all the money in the world, all of the estates and all of the power, gives it all up because he is on the side of the people. This, in itself, makes Darnay an honorable man, but there is one instance that proves him loyal. During the revolution, a faithful servant of his uncle’s, The Marquis, is arrested because. Darnay runs back to France, even though he is in a lot of danger because of his relation to the cruel, but now dead, Marquis. He goes there to save his servant and ends up in jail. In the end he gets out with the help of Dr. Manette and then the crucial help of Sydney Carton.
In conclusion, all of the heroes tie together because of what they have done for each other. This book shows the true meaning of loyalty and honor. All of these characters portray something that is so meaningful and something that was so needed in those days. The days of revolution and turmoil needed a few breaks of love, honesty and good people.