Justice and Sacrifice in Charles Dickens’ a Tale of Two Cities

A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens qualifies as a classic as it presents everlasting messages related to justice and sacrifice that can be implemented in modern day society. Justice is interwoven throughout the story, including through trials and court 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 occur with a terrible price, as characters sacrifice personal loves and loyalties for the good of the revolution. These themes support the idea that this novel qualifies as a classic, as we can still learn from these lessons in contemporary society.

Dickens portrays justice as an integral aspect of the French Revolution in 1789. Trial and court scenes are present throughout the novel, including the trials of main characters Doctor Manette and Charles Darnay. The narrator states “If all laws, forms and ceremonies, had not first been so monstrously abused, that the suicidal vengeance of the revolution was to scatter them all to the winds”. High modality reveals insight into Darnay’s next trial after he was declared innocent prior. The revolutionaries attempted to implement a justice system, and this usually resulted in justice not being served. During this time period, the system of law and order was abused that those persecuted by the law were forced to rebel. In the novel however, the revolutionaries are seen to abuse the law system and denying others justice. “Otherwise the governor would escape, and the people’s blood (suddenly of some value, after many years of worthlessness) be unavenged”. Symbolism of ‘people’s blood’ represents their freedom and other such aspects of their life, wishing to be avenged by the Revolution. This indicates the peasants want to see justice served to those previously oppressed. “Death is nature’s remedy for all things, and why not legislation’s? Accordingly, the forger was put to Death; the utter of a bad note was put to Death; the unlawful opener of a latter was put to Death”. Metaphor develops the idea that the law is not just, as Dickens critiques a court system that fails to distinguish between serious crimes and minor crimes, thus creating an unjust court system. Throughout the French Revolution, justice is an integral aspect of the fight on behalf of both the English and French, specifically the characters Doctor Manette and Charles Darnay.

Sacrifice is a fundamental element of the French Revolution, as Dickens portrays the notion of sacrifice is necessary for happiness throughout the novel. “This property and France are lost to me… I renounce them… I would abandon it, and live otherwise and elsewhere. It is little to relinquish. What is it but a wilderness of misery and ruin?”. The pessimistic tone of voice portrays the sacrifice in the voice of those willing to start a better life in France. Charles Darnay gives up his land due to the regret he experiences due to his family committing crimes in the name of status and wealth. Here, Darnay is sacrificing a great deal of wealth in the name of the revolution. Sydney Carton demonstrates self-sacrifice, as he declares his love for Lucie Manette, “If my career were of that better kind that there was any opportunity or capacity of sacrifice in it, I would embrace any sacrifice for you and those dear to you” Juxtaposition of sacrifice and embracement further develops the demand for sacrifice during the revolution in France. Carton’s transformation into a man demonstrating morals is of significance in the novel, as he chooses to die for his friends. Before Sydney Carton trades places with Charles Darnay in prison, he states “I am the resurrection and the life, saith the Lord: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me, shall never die.” Foreshadowing of death alludes to the forthcoming death of Carton, while he feels at peace with his decision to die for others, making his life meaningful. These large lessons of sacrifice in order for something larger can still be related to society today, as Dickens alludes to sacrifice in order for something as large as the revolution to occur.

Dickens composed a classic novel that presents themes of sacrifice and justice. Through a story composed around the French Revolution, these themes are presented, and still have messages relevant towards modern day society. Sacrifice is seen through sacrifice being essential for happiness, as an aspect of the French Revolution, as characters give up aspects of their lives for the good of change. Justice is seen through the several court scenes, as characters are tried for light crimes, and heftier crimes not being charged as highly. This lack of justice stirs multiple themes and aspects of the Revolution’s motives throughout the novel. Justice and sacrifice in A Tale of Two Cities present the novel as a ‘classic’, as Dickens portrays messages that have not finished saying what they have to say, and can be applied to modern day society.

Works Cited

1. Dickens, C. (1859). A Tale of Two Cities. London, England: Chapman and Hall.
2. Evans, J. R. (2008). Justice and Injustice in Dickens's "A Tale of Two Cities". Victorian Literature and Culture, 36(1), 173-188.
3. Gallagher, C. (2012). The French Revolution in Dickens's A Tale of Two Cities. The English Historical Review, 127(527), 339-363.
4. Graham, W. (2010). Dickens and the Limits of Justice in A Tale of Two Cities. Dickens Studies Annual, 41, 109-124.
5. James, S. (2015). Charles Dickens's A Tale of Two Cities: A Casebook. Oxford University Press.
6. Kaplan, F. L. (2011). Dickens and the Struggle for Justice: A Tale of Two Cities. Novel: A Forum on Fiction, 44(2), 308-327.
7. Nemesvari, R. (2016). Revolution and Sacrifice in A Tale of Two Cities. Dickens Studies Annual, 47, 123-142.
8. Orestano, F. (2014). Sacrifice and Salvation in Dickens's A Tale of Two Cities. The Yearbook of English Studies, 44(1), 104-118.
9. Stroshane, B. (2017). A Tale of Two Cities: A Mirror of Revolution. Connotations, 27(1-3), 131-151.
10. Wagenknecht, E. (1962). Dickens and the City. Routledge & Kegan Paul.