A Tale of Two Cities is largely an illustration of the theme of resurrection. In this novel resurrection has also been related to renunciation. The Resurrection theme is developed through the lives of Dr. Manette, Darnay, Carton, Roger Cly, Old Foulon, Solomon (or Barsad) and Jerry Cruncher. These characters in the novel are resurrected in one way or the other.
“A Tale of Two Cities” a Novel about Rebirth:
The theme of
resurrection is introduced at the very beginning of the novel, when Lorry uses
the code words "Recalled to life". Dr. Manette was called in by the
Evremondes to offer medical aid to a married girl, raped and assaulted by the
younger Evremonde. He comes there to find that the girl is dying, her younger
brother is mortally wounded, and the husband and father are already dead. Dr.
Manette refuses to keep his lips sealed. He writes a letter of complaint to the
minister of Justice. The so-called Minister of Justice informs the Evremonde
brothers, as a result the honest and just Dr. Manette is sent to the Bastille
to stay there for eighteen years. He is buried alive to be recalled to life. He
comes out of prison and is resurrected by the loving and tender care of his
daughter Lucie.
Then there is Charles
Darnay who is resurrected from an impending death thrice. Each time this rescue
scene takes place, it is a kind of resurrection or rebirth for Darnay. His
first trial at Bailey where he had been charged with treason against England
but he is released after trial. His second resurrection takes place when he is
in France; he lives in the
prison of La Force but is rescued through the good influence and efforts of Dr.
Manette. His third resurrection is more important. He is re-arrested, tried and
sentenced to death. But it is Sydney Carton who impersonates himself as Darnay
and is replaced by him. Thus his life is saved for the third time.
Sydney Carton becomes the symbol of resurrection initially for Darnay, Lucie and her children. He replaces Darnay and saves him by courting death for himself. Carton becomes a Christ-figure, and dies like Christ, for the good of mankind. Even at the hour of execution, he gives strength and courage to a poor seamstress to face death to have life eternal.
There are some
grotesque and comic resurrections in the novel. Both Roger Cly and Foulon fake
death to escape the wrath and fury of their enemies but both are discovered by
their enemies. Thus their resurrection is comical. Solomon's resurrection is
also comical as his sister Miss Pross thought that he was dead. Jerry Cruncher
who digs dead bodies is ultimately resurrected as he regrets his past actions
and wishes to atone for his sins. Finally, the resurrection is the life of the
people of France as a whole is suggested by the political and social
regeneration through the French Revolution.
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