Evidences that Sydney Carton proves the most dynamic character in A Tale of Two Cities.
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Answer:
Sydney Carton is the most dynamic character in Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities. Readers, critics, and Dickens fans offer a multitude of words on the subject of Sydney Carton. Some view him as the most heroic of heroes. Others see him as a miserable drunkard, welcoming the guillotine as a way to escape from an unhappy existence. He is a complex character, evolving as the novel progresses. The changes effected in Carton between his first appearance and his procession to the guillotine establish his status as a hero.
“Careless and slovenly if not debauched” – that is Dickens’ initial description of Sydney Carton’s appearance. It is hardly the description of a conventional hero. At this point in the novel, Carton is not at all a hero. He is merely a man, and, moreover, a significantly flawed man. He frequently alludes to the fact that his life has been wasted, stating that he “care[s] for no man on earth and no man on earth cares for [him]”. Shown frequently indulging in alcohol, Carton is a drunkard. He is depicted as wasting his cleverness and youth on drink and laziness. However, Carton is not flawed to a point where he is dislikable. He has an affinity for alcohol, true, but he is never violent or profane. In fact, Carton’s faults make him a more compelling and relatable hero. Dickens’ early establishment of Carton’s imperfections sets the stage for his protagonist’s later actions and proves that faults do not hinder heroism.
Carton is softened and changed by his love for the beautiful Lucie Manette. He becomes acquainted with Lucie and Doctor Manette at the trial of Charles Darnay in London, and is soon a familiar face at the Manette home. Though in love with her, Carton fully realizes that he is not worthy of her. Many men so violently in love would pursue the woman whom they loved, regardless of anything but their own feelings. Carton is different in this respect. Yet he is still in love with her, and before he departs, he demonstrates his love clearly. It is here that Carton demonstrates some of his first heroic gestures. Heroism prompts him to let his rival marry the girl he loves, because he knows it is best for her. Heroism prevents him from leaving Lucie's life as a spurned lover, and instead enables him to remain a caring friend. Heroism allows him to know Lucie with a “blameless though an unchanged mind' after her marriage. Through his ardent love for Lucie, Carton grows in strength of heart and begins to demonstrate heroism. Through several minor events, Dickens further develops Carton’s character and demonstrates his growing heroism. Charles Darnay, Lucie’s husband and Carton’s lookalike, is a French aristocrat sentenced to the guillotine. From the moment Carton hears of Darnay’s imminent execution, he determines to save the entire family – Darnay, Lucie, and their child – from terrible heartbreak. After Darnay’s second arrest, Carton arranges a visit to the prison in which Darnay is incarcerated. After making this arrangement, Carton spends the night wandering the streets of Paris, collecting his thoughts and aiding a young mother across the street.
It is Carton’s love for Lucie which leads to his final act of heroism. He switches place with Darnay, remaining in the cell as Darnay is carried away to safety. Soon Carton is making the trying journey through a throng of bloodthirsty Revolutionaries. Next to him stands a poor young seamstress who has turned to him for comfort. Carton’s last moments are spent comforting this girl. Not only is he dying to save the life of another, but his final actions are those of kindness to a frightened fellow human being. Before the blade of the guillotine crashes down upon Sydney Carton, he reflects upon his existence. His final thoughts are some of Dickens’ most immortal lines: “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 known”. This is the end destined for Sydney Carton. He has grown in courage and valor, from a drunk dissatisfied with life to a hero finding his calling on the bloodstained steps to the guillotine.
Upon studying Dickens’ novel, Carton’s heroism becomes indisputably clear. Dickens’ establishment of Carton as a flawed man merely elevates Carton as a hero, demonstrating how an ordinary, struggling human being can become extraordinary. Dickens gradually details Carton’s character growth as Carton’s love for Lucie Manette spurs him to acts of greatness. Far from the inebriated lawyer, he now “hold[s] a sanctuary in [the] hearts” of many. He is “honored and held sacred” by the woman he loves (Ibid). He has laid down his life for “a life [she] love[s]”. He is still Sydney Carton, but now, undoubtedly, he is a hero.
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Sydney Carton dynamic character sketch from A Tale of Two Cities
Explanation:
- An unconcerned, indifferent, and intoxicated lawyer who works with Striver.
- There is neither a good prospect in his life nor she was interested in the employment.
- However, he is in love with Lucy, and his feelings for her eventually turn him into a man of profound
- At first Darnay polar opposite, in the end, Carton is morally overtaken by the man to whom he carries a striking biological resemblance.