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Secrets In A Tale Of Two Cities

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Share. Dr. Jeremy Sherman from Psychology Today explains that revealing secrets is the fundamental law for all relationships; failing to communicate creates division and strife. The concept of the revelation of secrets applies to A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens. Often, secrets hold a negative connotation that cloud the positive aspects they can bring. Whether Dr. Manette’s letter from Court, Darnay’s letter before his journey to France, or Carton’s profession of love to Lucie, the revelation brings greater love, compassion, and understanding. Although secrets are seemingly dark and destructive, they always bring joy and unity. The revelation of Dr. Manette’s history brings unity between the Manettes and Darnay. In spite of the fact …show more content…

Originally, Carton is a display of servility and incompetence, yet his self-deprecating proclamation of his love to Lucie forms the strongest bond of friendship, loyalty, and bravery. Carton believes their marriage “would bring [her] to misery, bring [her] to sorrow and repentance, blight [her], disgrace [her], pull [her] down with him” (). Each phrase is glazed with pessimistic remorse and self-antipathy. Carton perceives Lucie as a superior, perfect woman whose life would be tarnished by Carton’s bad reputation. As an alternative, Carton vows to give his whole life to Lucie, an originally figurative statement that transforms into a literal act of love. Once revealing Barsad’s true identity, Carton takes the burden upon himself to protect Lucie’s family as he falls into a trance where he repetitively whispers, “‘I am the resurrection and the life… he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me, shall never die’” (). In France where anarchy and injustice thrive, Carton quotes biblical scripture and brings new hope into the bottomless despair. Although Carton seemingly repeats the phrase to assure himself of God’s presence with him, he is also unknowingly the same saving force to the Manette family. Carton achieves this devotion only through his profession of love to Lucie. From that frightful instance, he finds his path and duty. Like the Messiah who crucifies himself to save the world, Carton becomes a martyr, a symbol of ultimate friendship and

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