Many individuals base their lives on their religious beliefs, and Charles Dickens explains his religious beliefs in A Tale of Two Cities. Dickens uses spiritual allusions in his novel as evidence by James Weigal's commentary "If the terrors of the revolution take a political form, the hope that Dickens holds out in this novel have distinct religious qualities" (16). Charles Dickens manifests his religious views through symbolism, references to sacraments, and the themes of resurrection and personal sacrifice.

First, Dickens uses many symbols throughout the novel to explore his religious views. His belief in traditional Christianity is characterized by many references. Dickens refers to many characters throughout the novel as allusions to Jesus Christ. "In London, Jerry Cruncher, a 'resurrection man' with the same initials of Jesus Christ, performs a parody of the Easter story when he digs up Cly's grave only to find the tomb empty" (Davis 380). Through his account of Cruncher's actions, Dickens affirms his belief in Christ's victory over death by rising from the tomb after his crucifixion. A second reference to Jesus Christ is displayed through Sydney Carton. There are in

disfigurement--and I hear him tell the child my story,

pointedly, no bread of life- no body of Christ -

bore my name, a man winning his way up in that path

Rauzi, Robin. "Revolutionary Concept." Los Angeles Times. 30 Apr. 1998, Valley ed: 50. 2 Feb, 2000. .

Dickens, Charles. A Tale of Two Cities. New York: Simon and Schuster Inc. 1996.

Brown, James B. Dickens: Novelist in the Market-Place. New Jersey: Barnes and Noble Books, 1982.

all never die" (Davis 380). When Carton dies he is "re-enacting figuratively the expiatory death of Christ" (Weigal 16). because the themes of the two stories (Christ's crucifixion and Carton's execution) are so similar. Another symbol used in the novel is the guillotine. The revolutionaries believe that the "guillotine-the symbol of unpitying vengeance - replaces the cross - the symbol of redeeming love - on every breast" (Alter 19). Both the guillotine and cross were gruesome symbols of inhumane cruelty and the premature deaths of innocent men. However, these ghastly symbols became a basis for hope and happiness for Jesus's followers and Carton's dearest friends. Dickens utilizes these symbols throughout the novel to express his religious views about Christianity.

visit a happier place. "The spirit of optimism in his prophecy arises not out of a faith in God but from a faith in the best that man can do" (Marcus 29). "Sydney Carton, who possesses the greatest love, to lay down his life for his friend" (Alter 19) sacrificed himself for the good of others. In the Bible scripture John 15:13 says "Greater love hath no man this, that he lay down his life for his friends." The scriptures refer, of course, to Jesus's sacrifice for the sins of all men so that they may have eternal life. Although Carton's sacrifice is only for Charles and Lucie's happiness, Carton gave his life in the same spirit as Jesus did.

Kiran-Raw, Meltem. "France and England in A Tale of Two Cities." 10 Feb. 2000. .

I see that child who lay

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1419
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)