Sacrifice in A Tale of Two Cities Essay Example

Sacrifice can be used for the greed of oneself or for the good of others. It can be the gateway for great things but also the slope for a desire that demands more, poisoning the beauty of the deed. However, when utilized correctly it can overpower the negative aspects and give an act that impacts not only the person receiving but also the one giving. In Charles Dickens' novel, A Tale of Two Cities, Sydney Carton and Dr. Manette both show the positive aspects of sacrifice by helping those around them and receiving a sense of fulfillment. The motives of sacrifice both displayed in different ways show the multitude of ways sacrifice is conveyed and the benefit of those around them. Out of love for their family and friends their shared motivation provides for their loved ones while giving them a sense of fulfillment. 

Carton's sacrifice for Lucie demonstrates the positive aspects of his selfless sacrifice. Carton's death enables Lucie and Charles to “truly [be] free” (411) as he lays down his life for them to be “peaceful, useful, prosperous and happy, in England which [he] shall see no more” (411). Carton's death serves as a catalyst for the happiness of those surrounding him as he sacrifices himself for his love and her opulence. His sacrifice breaks the grips of the deadly revolution that holds Lucie and her family, pushing her and those he loves from danger. Carton willingly allowed himself to be executed granting those around him to flourish in their new life. By taking Charles' sentence, under no obligation, and allowing him to go free he provides for those around him in a selfless act of love. Instead of fighting with vengeance in his heart, turning his sacrifice into the very things that taint the revolutionaries' riots, Carton accepts his fate and wishes well to those he loves, leaving an undeniable effect on those years after his death. While a tragic loss was sustained Carton's sacrifice ultimately shows how his action impacts the lives of those around him for the better. Furthermore, through his sacrifice, Carton is able to find a purpose in his life, knowing that in his death many will live on. Moments before his death Carton knows Lucie and Charles “honored [him] in their souls ” (411) and that “[he] holds a special place in their hearts” (411).  He recognizes his sacrifice as “a far, far better thing that [he has] done, than [he has] ever done” (412). Carton is able to find peace by giving up his life for the people he loves, knowing even in death he still remains in their hearts. Through his sacrifice, Carton is resurrected, finding a purpose in his sorrowful life. He is able to not only rescue his loved ones, pushing them away from the chaos of France, but also gain a sense of fulfillment by giving his love and her family the life they deserve. His sacrifice out of love overruled the cynical and bleak situation of his death allowing for the people around him to thrive. Moreover, through the sacrifice made from affection, Carton was able to rest knowing that he had brought happiness to the people surrounding him. 

Additionally, Dr. Manette’s feelings of vengeance subsided by Lucie’s love, sacrificing his thirst for retribution for his daughter. Manette chose to give up his “desire[s] for revenge” (122) and found “consolation and restoration” (100). He abandons “the dark part of [his] life” (145) and finds a new light in his bond with Lucie. Filled with anger and despair for what could have been, Dr. Manette allows violence to fill his mind, consuming his thoughts. Soon, after meeting Lucie, these thoughts dull as her affection overpowers his need for retribution. By giving up his thirst for revenge, he is able to find happiness in his newly found family. Moreover, his sacrifice impacts Lucie as she is able to gain a loving father. Her love was enough for him to sacrifice 18 years of yearning. His sacrifice allowed for his happiness and his daughter to flourish as he relinquished his need for revenge, achieving a sense of fulfillment. Renouncing his feelings that demanded atonement, Manette was able to find a content life. Those surrounding him also thrived as his thirst subsided and in replacement, a sense of happiness was bestowed. Additionally, Dr. Manette sacrificed his special bond with Lucie in order for her happiness to continue. He promises that he “will open all [his] heart” (142) and reassures Charles “if she ever tells [him] that she loves [Charles], [he] will give her to [him]” (144). Manette sacrifices the precious bond he holds with Lucie in order for her to be happy. By doing so he not only affects Lucie’s life in a positive way, but finds a sense of comfort, knowing he was able to repay Lucie, even in a small way. He demonstrates how those around him are affected by his sacrifices in a positive light as he provides a way for Lucie to flourish. Promising to stay out of Darnay’s way, Dr. Manette casts aside his fear of losing Lucie, abandoning the thought for the sake of her happiness. He displays the positive aspect of sacrifice, creating happiness for Lucie and finding peace with his deeds. 

Sacrifice is displayed in a multitude of ways. When used for the affection of others, it can create a lasting impact on those surrounding one. A motive of love will allow for those receiving to flourish and the ones giving to find fulfillment. Sydney Carton and Dr. Manette both demonstrate the positive effects of sacrifice, overriding the violence of the revolution for their loved ones. Each keeps the thought of those they love, ultimately helping their family and themselves. The two sacrifices each show the way sacrifice based on love impacts the ones around them and supplies a sense of purpose.