In the final reading of A Tale of Two Cities, I discovered the theme that love conquers all. Towards the end of the novel, there was a somewhat religious aspect added. Before the central focus seemed to be on the government problems between France and England, but at the end, just like in life, love conquers all problems. While reading the last section of the novel, I was reminded of the bible verse 1 Peter 4:8 which states, “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
As I predicted, Carton did trade places with Darnay and endure death in order to keep Darnay, Lucie, and little Lucie together as one family. It comes as no surprise that Carton was able to pull off this switch almost flawlessly because it was mentioned many times the striking resemblance between him and Darnay. Darnay is surprised at the act of kindness and sacrifice that Carton is doing, but we as readers should not be surprised, because Carton himself told Lucie in the beginning of the novel that he would do anything to keep her happy, even lay down his life for her.
The sacrifice that Carton performs for Lucie and her family makes him the Christ figure of the novel. Christ figures are typically rejected by others, see things ideally, not realistically, and lay down their life in order to bring new life to others. All of these characteristics clearly pertain to Carton, as he was rejected as a child and even through his work with Stryver, and he died for Darnay so that he and Lucie could live a happy life together. Carton also saw things ideally, which was stated in his final thoughts as he was hanging in the guillotine. Looking out, Carton realized that even though this war took place, soon this will be a beautiful place to live. He sees “livesfor which [he] lays down [his] life, peaceful, useful, prosperous and happy.” Although some see death as a horrendous punishment, Carton is fully aware that he will have eternal life, for he keeps repeating, “ I am the Resurrection and the Life, saith the Lord: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.” In the last moments of his life, Carton teaches us that love truly does conquer all, and when people are willing to lay down their life for a friend, the world will be a better place.
“It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to than I have ever know.” –Sydney Carton
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