Tale of Two Cities

A detailed Summary of Tale of Two Cities

The theme of rebirth is common in Charles Dickens's A Tale of Two Cities. Many characters are re-born or resurrected as they grow emotionally. They find meaning in their lives and become better people through love. The love that makes this rebirth possible comes through the character of Lucie Manette. Lucie Manette, the female heroine of this book, is the source of the resurrections of Dr. Manette, Mr. Lorry, Charles Darnay, and Sydney Carton.

Lucie Manette is a compassionate and benevolent young lady who, at the beginning of the book, is only seventeen. Though her age would suggest the girl to still be a child, it is revealed that her wisdom goes far beyond her years. Lucie could be seen as an old soul who is wise enough to be able to find the good in everyone. Or Lucie could be seen as naive and unsuspecting. We are unsure of this when Lucie is first introduced in her meeting with Mr. Lorry, as she seems to be over taken by emotion and fear. Yet Mr. Lorry takes note of her mature nature through the way she contains herself as he describes the perils of her father. "You speak collectedly, and you - are collected. That's good!" (Tale of Two Cities, 33). Lucie Manette, after being r

It is Lucie who is the central figure of rebirth and resurrection in Charles Dickens's A Tale of Two Cities. All of these characters, as they reform, have a heavy impact on one another's lives. Resurrection is prominent theme throughout the book. Lucie resurrects her father, marries Charles, and inspires Sydney to change his life. It is because of Sydney's rebirth that Charles' life is spared. Through Lucie's unconditional love and non-judgmental nature, hope is sparred in this otherwise dismal setting.

Sydney Carton was the man who was responsible for Charles' escape from his death sentence of being convicted of treason. He is inspired to live a meaningful life through Lucie's belief in him. As the jackal, Sydney was a drunk who believed his life was worthless. He is a clerk for C.J. Stryver, the lawyer. Though he is labeled as the clerk, it is actually Sydney who does all the work for Stryver, yet Stryver receives all the credit. Though Sydney has no inspiration, he longs for a life with meaning. He wants to have served a purpose, yet he is convinced that existence holds nothing for him. When he professes his love for Lucie Manette he describes himself as a "self-flung away, wasted, drunken, poor creature of misuse." (154). He is convinced that his life will never get better, but Lucie discloses her faith in him and says that he is capable of better things. As he leaves Lucie that night, he says he will do anything for her. After this conversation with Lucie Manette, Sydney changes his life. He believes in himself now that he knows the woman he loves has faith in him. He endeavors to become the lion. He stops getting drunk and becomes a better person. It is because of Lucie that Sydney begins a new life. Her love gave him the strength to start over.

eunited with her father, devotes her life to restoring is mental and physical health. She finds a purpose and satisfaction in their mutual bond of unconditional love for one another. Lucie is reborn through her new relationship with her fath

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Approximate Word count = 1368
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: Novels