Sacrifice In Charles Dicken's A Tale Of Two Cities

“For you, and for any dear to you, I would do anything” (Dickens 117). Sydney Carton says these words in Charles Dicken’s novel, A Tale of Two Cities. He, along with other characters, makes sacrifices for the people he loves. These actions show that it is in a human’s instinct to be kind. Many sacrifices executed in the name of love exhibit the intrinsic goodness of human nature, as seen in the actions of Dr. Manette, Miss Pross, and Sydney Carton. Though it is difficult for him to do so, Dr. Manette sacrifices his shoemaking tools to prevent him from relapsing for Lucie’s sake. After nine days of delirious shoemaking, Doctor Manette recovers and asks Mr. Lorry, “You spoke of his daughter. Does his daughter know of the relapse?” (154). He

Earlier in the book, after he professes his love for her, he promises, “For you, and for any dear to you, I would do anything” (117). Carton keeps his promise by later giving his life to save Darnay’s. His plans are foreshadowed when he whispers, “A life you love” (260) to Lucie and kisses her while she is unconcious. He is referring to Darnay’s life, whom he plans to save by trading places with him since they are doppelgangers. Carton loves Lucie dearly and cannot stand to see her in so much pain because of Darnay’s impending death. After he is executed, a woman asks for some paper to write down her sudden inspiration before her beheading. If he had gotten the chance to do so, Carton would have written, “I see the lives for which I lay down my life, peaceful, useful, prosperous, and happy, in that England which I shall see no more” (292). He sees Lucie, Little Lucie, Mr. Lorry, Darnay, Doctor Manette, Miss Pross, and everyone else he loves. Though he is not remembered in Paris other than as another head on a pike, in the hearts of Lucie and her future generations, he is cherished for his noble and truly kind action. Carton’s sacrifice for Lucie and her family exhibits the natural kindness within all