A Tale Of Two Cities Sacrifice Analysis

Sacrifices in the Name of Love The French Revolution was a time of great chaos, violence, and trouble during the late 1700s. Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities is organized around the events of the French Revolution. The story demonstrates how a sacrifice, no matter how big or how small, can make an impact on someone’s life. During this time, many people made sacrifices out of loyalty, morality, and love. Throughout the novel, the characters Miss Pross, Doctor Alexandré Manette, and Sydney Carton help to develop the theme of sacrifice in the name of love. Out of admiration and love for Lucie, Miss Pross makes everyday sacrifices, including her safety in a battle with Madame Defarge. Mr. Lorry demonstrates Miss Pross’ dedication to Lucie

When Charles Darnay confessed his love for Lucie to Doctor Manette, he made a promise to tell his family name to Doctor Manette on the day of Lucie and Darnay’s wedding. While talking to Darnay, Doctor Manette states, “any fancies, any reasons, any apprehensions, anything whatsoever, new or old, against the man she really loved – the direct responsibility thereof not lying on his head – they shall all be obliterated for her sake. She is everything to me; more to me than suffering, more to me than wrong, more to me” (104). In other words, Doctor Manette’s feelings towards anything said against him would not change his view on allowing Lucie to marry him. In addition, although he has years of anger and revenge built up in him from being imprisoned, he would set aside his feeling about it for Lucie to make up for the years that he had not been a part of her life. She is of his utmost importance and he does not want anything to compromise their relationship. The morning before Lucie’s wedding, Charles Darnay, her soon-to-be husband, discloses some interesting news to Doctor Manette, Lucie’s father. While describing the scene, Dickens says, “The door of the Doctor’s room opened, and he came out with Charles Darnay. He was so deadly pale – which had not been the case when they went in together – that no vestige of colour was to be seen in his face” (149). As promised, Darnay tells Doctor Manette his family name, which is Evrémonde, the same name of the man who had imprisoned him for years, yet without a trial. As Lucie and Charles Darnay go on their honeymoon, Doctor Manette relapses into a state of mental illness and begins to make shoes again. Even though he still allows Darnay to marry Lucie, Doctor Manette often reverts to this insanity caused from his imprisonment and terrible past; however, he believes that it is worth the sacrifice