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Sacrifice In Charles Dickens A Tale Of Two Cities

1430 Words6 Pages

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…” (Dickens 1). Dickens’ opens A Tale of Two Cities, with this legendary phrase to show a comparison in the superlative degree. As the story progresses the author shows how some concepts such as, sacrifice in the name of love, can have extreme sides to them. Through his wondrous moments of foreshadowing, dramatic irony, the use of parallels, and his ways of playing with suspense, Dickens shows the importance of sacrifice and the selflessness behind it. Additionally, Dickens eloquently demonstrates the irony of how self-sacrifice can actually lead to resurrection within a person. He interconnects these ideas and makes a new beginning achievable through different characters. Therefore, resurrection can be attained through sacrifice in the name of love as is portrayed in A Tale of Two Cities through Charles Darnay’s detachment from his rich inheritance, Miss Pross’ demonstration of loyalty, and Sydney Carton’s relinquishment of his …show more content…

Dickens uses many examples of sacrifice throughout A Tale of Two Cities, he shows the different kinds, and the extremes of sacrifice. From simply defending someone to sacrificing one’s life for another, A Tale of Two Cities is full of varying types of sacrifices, in which, all of the instances, as portrayed, lead to resurrection. Moreover, by connecting the two themes of sacrifice and resurrection, Dickens allows his readers to interpret the meaning of sacrifice in different ways, which allows the reader to see how sacrifice in the name of love can be a resurrection. In conclusion, sacrifice in the name of love is not easy, but the outcome of ---satisfaction gained from the experience--- makes it worth

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