Resurrection And Redemption In A Tale Of Two Cities

Resurrection, the act of rising from the dead, can be taken in both a literal sense, for example a person dying then coming back to life, or a figurative sense. Many authors during the 1800’s used figurative language and imagery to convey scenes and characters to their readers. Charles Dickens was no different; he loved to use the themes of resurrection and redemption, which people can especially see in his novel A Tale of Two Cities. Characters such as Dr. Manette, Sydney Carton, and Darney were “recalled to life” at some point in their time on earth. After their resurrection and redemption, readers see a great change in both characters.

Throughout his novel, Charles Dickens accentuates his personal beliefs that the possibility of redemption

He was in prison for eighteen years, representing a more literal meaning of resurrection. Delighted that Lucy found love, Manette forgets about his imprisonment. It is not until after he learns about Darney’s identity that he starts to worry about her and her mental health. He feels that once Darnay dies, his life will fall apart, much like his life in prison. Furthermore, Carton’s sacrifice for Darnay also reminds him that he would have been the cause of Darnay’s death. Dr. Manette is redeemed because of this. The parallels of these three characters’ stories go hand-in-hand with the state of France at the time. Carton and Darnay, redeeming one another at the end of Carton's life, contrats Manette’s double redemption. Also, the French Revolution, paving the way for the country’s freedom and redemption, changed beliefs and customs of all citizens. Dickens demonstrates through redemption the possibility of change in both societal and human levels. Sydney Carton’s last words also demonstrate the theme of redemption when he says, “ It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is far, far better rest I go to than I have ever known” (Dickens,