In today’s reading, the prevalent motif of “recalled to life” once again rose in the plot. Darnay has been held in captivity for one year and three months, all the while Lucie and little Lucie stay in a nearby apartment. Doctor Manette holds to responsibility to guard the prison that Darnay is in, and because of this, Manette will be informed of anything that is to happen to Darnay. When Doctor Manette was imprisoned for 18 years, it was his daughter Lucie that was able to recall him to life. Now that Lucie’s husband has in a sense, lost his life, Manette is doing anything in his power to “recall [Darnay] to life.”
Throughout these chapters, I saw a common theme of loyalty within the family. In present day culture, family is a place of trust, love, and loyalty, and the Manette/Darnay family is a prime example of how families should bond together. Although Darnay has a bloodline that was responsible for Manette’s imprisonment, when it comes down to Darnay’s life being saved, and Lucie’s happiness, Manette is willing to sacrifice anything. Loyalty is also shown when Lucie returns to the same street corner every day for two hours, rain or shine, in order for her husband to get a quick glace of her. Lucie wasn’t sure if her husband was always able to see her, but her loyalty to him overpowered anything else. Not even prison would keep the two apart. The window is a symbol of how life is seen through certain people’s eyes. For example, Darnay can see out the window and look at the world beneath him, but it is impossible for Lucie to see into his world and envision his struggles.
When Darnay goes on trial, he is deemed a free man. Although this seems like a positive thing for the family because they are reunited, there is still bad to come. As Darnay walks home, the streets are “covered in snow.” Seasons of the year represent the circle of life, and winter is the part of the cycle that represents death. Since Darnay was released from captivity, how will his life actually come to an end?
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