Sydney Carton has been a difficult character to comprehend since the first prosecution of Charles Darnay. We have seen his lowest lows, and now his highest highs. I believe that Carton is the most symbolic characters of Dickens', A Tale of Two Cities.
As Carton first describes himself, "I am a disappointed drudge, sir I care for no man on earth, and no man on earth cares for me" (Dickens 89). This first personality of Sydney Carton portrays as having little affect on the world, with no value to life. From the first scene of prosecution of Charles Darnay, Carton has been my favorite character. To me he has shown secretive intelligence, which was very underground, and to me, cool. He was able to save Darnay's life twice, but a different person both times.
By Chapter Eleven of Dickens' A Tale of Two Cities, the Grimm reality of death has sunk into the Darnay/Manette Family. Lucie fainted on the floor, Dr. Manette in peril and despair, which Phoenix can raise from the ashes but Sydney Carton. "'his life was thrown away or wasted' ... 'Yes. He will perish; there is no real hope" (Dickens 350). When first reading this passage I thought that Carton was grieving about the inevitable fate of Charles Darnay with the others. But to my great surprise Carton was speaking of himself and unveiling one of his new master plans.
The difference between the reasoning for Carton's Savior- like actions are changed. I believe the change in Carton's motives for helping Charles Darnay is Lucie. Referring back to the ironic chapter titled, "The Fellow of No Delicacy" Carton states, "... think now and then there is a man who would give his life, to keep a life you love beside you" (Dickens 159).
From this passage we are able to conclude that Carton really does care about Lucie Manette and he finds his value in life by saving hers.
Matt:
ReplyDeleteI like your thoughts on Carton, particualarly when you write, "He was able to save Darnay's life twice, but a different person both times."
I had completely forgotten about how Carton, did, in fact, save Darnay twice.
Here's my suggestion: reflect more on that quote from page 159 -- there's a lot to think about!
And get your homework done on time!