Sydney Carton And Dr. Manette's Redemption In A Tale Of Two Cities

Love, loyalty, and the need for redemption are the major forces that drive Sydney Carton and Dr. Manette’s transformations. Charles Dickens A Tale of Two Cities focuses heavily on the concept of redemption and transformation. These transformations take place not only for personal redemption, but also so they can be who they need to be for their loved ones. Sydney Carton and Dr. Manette not only want redemption for themselves, but for their relationships with others as well. Sydney Carton and Dr. Manette’s transformations brings focus to a major theme in A tale of Two Cities, that of relationships and their impact on one’s life.

Sydney Carton is a character of many distinct character traits. Carton is a jackal. He performs menial or lowly

He still serves others, however he does this with purpose. Carton becomes determined, caring, loyal, and incredibly brave. This all occurs because Carton allows himself to feel and embrace his love for Lucie. Carton visits Lucie alone and expresses to her how he is hopeless and it is too late for him to change. Lucie, however, disagrees and assures him that the best part of his life may still be yet to come and desperately asks him if she can save him. Carton expresses to Lucie that his love for her is unselfish. He does not expect her to return his love, but he will remain loyal to her and do everything in his power to help her. Carton declares, “For you, and for any dear to you, I would do anything. If my career of sacrifice in it, I would embrace any sacrifice for you and for those dear to you.” (117) Carton holds true to this vow when he takes Darnay’s place in the prison. By sacrificing his life for Lucie’s happiness Carton shows that he is determined to stay true to his vow. Carton’s love and loyalty towards Lucie transforms him. When Darnay is imprisoned and sentenced to death Carton goes through extreme measures in order to prevent this. He becomes the lion. Carton acts with purpose, he allows himself to take charge and because of this he feels as if he was redeemed himself. Although Carton believes he has done nothing meaningful in his life he manages to rally himself and prove his love. Carton confesses to himself, “ It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done, it is a far, far better rest that I go than I have ever known.” (293) Carton feels as if this final act, this final sacrifice is able to make up for how he lived his life before. Carton has disproved Stryver’s conclusion of him having no purpose or energy. Carton may have always been the type of person who serves others, however, as the novel progresses Carton allows love to drive him. He becomes