A Tale of Two Cities Darnay vs. Carton Essay Sample

Two men, strikingly similar in physical appearance, seem to be vastly different, but upon further examination, are they so different after all? In Charles Dickens’ book, A Tale of Two Cities, written in 1859 we are introduced to two such characters. This book is historical fiction based on the French Revolution and takes place in England and France. The book is like one big metaphor comparing the peasants to the nobles, France to England, and Charles Darnay to Sydney Carton. There are five main characters, Dr. Mannete, Jarvis Lorry, Lucie Manette Madame Defarge, Charles Darnay, and Sydney Carton, but we are going to be focusing on Darnay and Carton At first, Charles Darnay and Sydney Carton seem like opposites because of their status, their actions, and their appearances, but given a closer look, we find they have similarities within them.

Darnay and Carton share a similar appearance, and throughout the book, they get each other out of trouble because of this fact. The only thing that distinguishes the two men from each other is their hair. Carton’s hair is shaggy and messed up while Darnay’s hair is in order. Perhaps Dickens used this as a way to show their differences. The messy hair could represent Carton’s messy life that readers learn about throughout the book. Dickens first introduces the characters in court noting their similar appearance. In book two chapter three, Stryver, Darnay’s lawyer, points out the similarities between Darnay and Carton’s appearances and then casts doubt on Barsad’s ability to determine whether he saw Darnay, or rather someone that looked like him. “He would ask the witness to tell him whether what happened once, might happen twice; whether he would have been so confident if he had seen this illustration of his rashness sooner, whether he would be so confident, having seen [Darnay].” (Page 82). This is the first of a few examples of how the two characters’ similar appearances get each other out of trouble, a recurring theme in this book. These two men looked so similar it was used as evidence to refute accusations in court. Afterward, Carton and Darnay have a meal together after the trial, which highlights some of the stark contrasts in their personalities. “Feeling his being there with this double of coarse deportment, to be like a dream, Charles Darnay was at a loss how to answer; finally, answered not at all.” (Page 92). By referring to Carton as “a Double of coarse.” Dickens shows that Carton is the reverse of everything good about Darnay and reversing it. Darnay was at “a loss” on how to respond, and the reader can sense he is uncomfortable. Just a few pages earlier, we find Mr. Jarvis Lorry speaking to Carton comparing his indifference to Darnay’s dedication. This is the first point in the book where we see a contrast between their similarities in appearance, and differences in personality, background, and behavior. Dickens uses appearance very interestingly. For most of this book, He highlights society’s emphasis on appearance at a surface level. Dickens seems to want leaders to learn to look beyond appearances. For Example, in the latter portion of the book, the appearance becomes a way to show the growth of the two characters. Both Darnay and Carton pushed each other to grow as human beings at the end of the book. In book three chapters thirteen, Carton takes Darnay’s place in the execution so that he and Lucie can continue to live happily ever after. Carton taking Darnay’s place shows that they are now almost interchangeable. They still look the same, but this time, their looks aren’t all they share. Carton pushed Darnay to act for others more, and Darnay pushed Carton to get his act together. These men may have looked nearly identical, but their status didn’t quite match up as well.

Darnay and Carton came from opposite sides when it came to status, but they both seemed to treat status the same way. Carton lives in a small one-room apartment. “ Climbing to a high chamber in a well of houses, he threw himself down in his clothes on a neglected bed, and its pillow was wet with wasted tears.” (Page 101). Although it isn’t stated, it’s implied by the way it’s described that the apartment isn’t the nicest and is depicted as just enough room for his bed. This paints a picture of low means or status. On the other hand, Darnay comes from a rich family. On page 138, we see Darnay talking to the Marquis. '''My nephew,’ said the Marquis''. This reveals that Darnay comes from a noble French family, which contrasts with Carton’s lowly one-bedroom apartment indicating a likely peasant status. A few pages later, Darnay renounces the noble life.``‘this property and France are lost to me,’ said the nephew, sadly; ‘I renounce them.’” Darnay’s denouncing of his inheritance shows that, even though he hails from a rich and noble family, he doesn’t approve of their actions, nor seems to have a sense of self-righteousness and superiority. He is aware of his high status, but disregards it, dying to himself. As for Carton, he is a poor man, but still has the heroics and character of a richer and higher class Darnay. Dickens uses examples like this to disprove the idea that status determines character. In this book, we have two men who come from opposite sides of societal status, yet they both die to themselves and take self-sacrificing actions. Character, not status, determines the heart of a man. What else does character determine? Our Actions.

Sydney Carton and Charles Darnay not only live differently but also act differently. For example, Carton is often passive while Darnay is active. In an earlier chapter of the book, we find Carton dreaming about what could be, instead of acting on what is. “[Carton] saw for a moment a mirage of honorable ambition, self-denial, and perseverance…. A moment, and it was gone.” Carton cannot escape the prison he has created for himself. Despite his best efforts, he cannot overcome his drinking problem or take action toward a better life. Though he knows he has potential, he slowly fades away. Darnay, however, is proactive and leaps into action when necessary. When Darnay learns that someone he cares about is in trouble, he heads out right away to offer aid. “He left his two letters with a thirsty porter to be delivered half an hour before midnight, and no sooner; took horse for Dover; began his journey.” (page 280) Darnay is quick to action. For example, in this case, he is going to rescue his former servant. While Carton is slow to act in his own life, he does act on behalf of others, presenting a similarity between him and Darnay. In book three chapter fifteen, Carton says “it is a 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 known.” Here Carton is reciting a short prayer before he is executed, In place of Darnay, laying his life down for Lucie and love. Here, Dickens shows that both a respectable man and a drunk can act powerfully on behalf of others. Darnay and Carton may approach their own lives differently but they both act bravely for the sake of others.

These two characters are interwoven throughout Dickens' book. To compare and contrast them, he uses their appearance and status, as well as their actions. Even though both men resembled each other, their circumstances and reactions to them were quite different. Darnay was rich, Carton was poor. Carton was a drunk, and Darnay was a respectable man. However, Dickens challenges readers to push past looks and reminds them that anyone can have a hero within. This is true no matter how they look, how they act, or how much money they have. For example, Carton fulfilled the dream of his ideal self. He made sure Lucie would be happy like he had promised. His sacrifice enabled Lucie and Charles to have a happy life together. Carton was finally at peace. The French stopped coming for Darnay because they thought he was dead. Jesus said that the greatest love is to lay down your life for one another. Darnay and Carton both extended beyond their status and circumstances to help others. Carton and Darnay were initially judged by their appearance, but they had more to offer in their hearts and characters. Is there someone you are writing off because of the way they appear or because of their circumstances? Dickens challenges readers to look at people beyond appearances and stereotypes and asks the question. What does a hero really look like?