Tale of Two cities

A detailed Summary of Tale of Two cities

Analyse the character of Sydney Carton in "A Tale of Two Cities"

A Tale of Two Cities has long been one of Charles Dickens' most favoured books. Throughout the text, one character attracts my attention. Following this, throughout the novel various characters are "recalled to life", meaning that they have had a new chance at life. The most significant instance of someone being "recalled to life" is Sydney Carton.

Sydney Carton, a young, bright lawyer, changed from a smart young man to an addictive alcoholic to drown his sorrows. This was due to his nihilism, which could have been influenced by a broken heart due to a teenage affair gone wrong or due to a nervous breakdown occurring maybe when he was a child pushed too hard in becoming a lawyer.

Carton's nihilism could have been influenced due to him being an atheist. Being an atheist means that Carton does not believe in any religion or anyone greater than he is. However compared to Charles Darnay, an altruist, Carton is the antithesis as well as selfish. Carton becomes jealous as he realises that he would have been like Darnay. This is shown at the Inn where he talks to himself in the mirror.

"Much to be regretted. You might have used your talents better

The protagonist Sydney Carton changed dominantly during the course of the novel. The sacrifice of Sydney Carton helped to weave an interesting and dramatic plot. Sydney Carton, making the ultimate sacrifice, partly for Lucie, switched places with his look alike, Darnay, and is awaiting the guillotine in place of Charles.

Another instance in which someone is "recalled to life" involves Charles Darnay. Charles Darnay was on trial for treason in England. C.J Stryver and Sydney Carton were representing Darnay in this trial. Sydney Carton saves Darnay from death in this trial with his miraculous wits. Through this Darnay is given another chance at life, and therefore was "recalled to life."

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 842
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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Tale of Two cities

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