Ashley HodowanicKearneyWorld LiteratureApril 19, 2014Sacrifice in A Tale of Two CitiesSacrifice is an important theme throughout A Tale of Two Cities, both on a personal and national level. Charles Dickens explains that sacrifice leads to future happiness and strength, even though it may be painful in the short term. Dickens shows the natural benevolence of his characters by demonstrating various acts of sacrifice; it reveals that the character's gifts ultimately bring about great changes, often changes that allow for the rebirth of those close to them. Sacrifices often strengthen the bonds between people, and no bond in this book is greater than the one shared by Lucie Manette and Dr. Manette. Lucie had to go to great lengths to create a bond with her father and make sure he remained strong. At the beginning of the book, Lucie devotes herself to trying to cure her father's madness. She focuses on him wholeheartedly, sacrificing all her personal desires. She makes a promise to Dr. Manette saying that if “…I mention to you a home that is before us, I will be faithful to you with all my duty” (46). Lucie's endless devotion to her father is an example of how one person's sacrifice can inspire life in another. Lucie, however, is not the only one making sacrifices in their relationship; As Dr. Manette recovered, he made bold sacrifices for his daughter. For example, Jarvis Lowry, who was a friend of Dr. Manette, requested permission to destroy his beloved shoe-making tools. Dr. Manette was reluctant to give up the tools that were like a security blanket for him. Doctor Manette declared: “In the name of [Lucie] therefore, let this be done; I sanction it” (207). Dr. Manette's greatest sacrifice he made for Lucie was allowing her to marry Charl...... middle of paper ...... him as a drunkard, he would be remembered as of the man who saved a family. Carton said, “It’s a much better thing I’m doing than I ever did; it is a far better rest than I ever knew” (462). Carton's actions made him an almost Christ-like figure, a generous martyr whose death enables the happiness of his beloved and guarantees his own immortality. Carton redeemed his sinful life in this final sacrifice, making his "wasted life" interesting and also giving him something to remember. Using the character's actions in the book, Dickens shows that a sacrifice of any size can drastically change another person's life. . Through the sacrifices of all the characters in the book, it is evident that even the smallest acts of sacrifice and generosity have the ability to bring happiness and renewal in great form...