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Essay / Justice and Sacrifice in A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens is considered a classic because it presents eternal messages related to justice and sacrifice that can be implemented in modern society. Justice is woven throughout the story, including through trials and legal systems, as well as the lengthy trial of a main character, Doctor Manette. Sacrifice can be seen throughout the novel through the idea that an improved French Republic can only come about at a terrible cost, as characters sacrifice their personal loves and loyalties for the sake of the revolution. These themes support the idea that this novel can be called a classic, as we can still learn from these lessons in contemporary society.Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on 'Why violent video games should not be banned'? Get the original essay Dickens describes justice as an integral aspect of the French Revolution of 1789. Trial and court scenes are present throughout of the novel, including the trials of the main characters Doctor Manette and Charles Darnay. The narrator states: "If all laws, forms and ceremonies had not at first been so monstrously abused, that the suicidal vengeance of the revolution would have been to scatter them all to the four winds." The high modality reveals a glimpse of Darnay's upcoming trial after he was previously found innocent. Revolutionaries attempted to establish a system of justice, but this usually resulted in justice not being served. During this period, the law and order system was abused and people persecuted by the law were forced to rebel. However, in the novel, revolutionaries abuse the legal system and deny justice to others. “Otherwise the governor would escape and the blood of the people (suddenly taking on a certain value, after many years of uselessness) would not be avenged.” The symbolism of "blood of the people" represents their freedom and other aspects of their lives, wishing to be avenged by the Revolution. This indicates that the peasants want justice for those who were previously oppressed. “Death is nature’s remedy for all things, and why not that of legislation? Consequently, the forger was put to death; the issue of a bad note was put to death; the illegal opening of a last one was put to death.” The metaphor develops the idea that the law is not just, as Dickens criticizes a justice system that fails to distinguish between serious crimes and minor offenses, thus creating an unjust justice system. Throughout the French Revolution, justice was an integral part of the fight on behalf of the English and French, particularly the characters of Doctor Manette and Charles Darnay. Sacrifice is a fundamental element of the French Revolution, as Dickens describes it, the notion of sacrifice is necessary. for happiness throughout the novel. “This property and France are lost to me... I renounce it... I would abandon it and I would live differently and elsewhere. That's a small thing to give up. What is it but a desert of misery and ruin? The pessimistic tone of voice describes the sacrifice of those who want to start a better life in France. Charles Darnay abandons his land due to the regret he feels over the crimes his family committed in the name of status and wealth. Here, Darnay sacrifices a lot of wealth in the name of revolution. Sydney Carton shows self-sacrifice by declaring his love for Lucie Manette: “If my career were so better that it included an opportunity or capacity for sacrifice, I would accept any sacrifice.