“A Tale of Two Cities” has long been one of Charles Dickens‘ most favoured books. This book opens in the year 1775 by contrasting two cities: Paris, France, and London, England. Throughout this story, various characters are “recalled to life,” meaning that they have had a new chance at life. The theme of resurrection permeates the narrative, offering deep insights into human nature and the societal upheavals of the time.
Dr. Manette is clearly mad after being in prison for eighteen years. When Lucie, the doctor’s daughter, and Mr. Lorry eventually nurse the doctor back to a healthy state and out of his insane state, they had “recalled him to life.” Dr. Manette was nursed from an insane state with no real life to a sane one with a very functional life. In doing this, Lucie and Mr. Lorry, in a way, gave Dr. Manette’s life back to him or “recalled him to life.”
This transformation of Dr. Manette can be analyzed through the lens of psychoanalytic theory, particularly Freud’s concepts of trauma and recovery. Dr. Manette’s obsessive shoemaking represents his coping mechanism for the trauma he endured. Lucie’s nurturing role can be seen as facilitating his psychological healing, much like a therapeutic process that reconnects an individual with their sense of self and reality.
Another instance in which someone is “recalled to life” involves Charles Darnay. Charles Darnay is on trial for treason in England (Book 2, Ch.2-4). C.J. Stryver and Sydney Carton are representing Darnay in this trial. Sydney Carton saves Darnay from death in this trial with his miraculous wits. Through this, Darnay is given another chance at life and therefore was “recalled to life.”
Darnay’s escape from execution not only highlights the themes of justice and mercy but also resonates with existentialist themes. Jean-Paul Sartre’s philosophy, which emphasizes the creation of one’s essence through actions, can be applied here. Darnay’s reprieve allows him to redefine his identity away from his aristocratic lineage, choosing a life of personal integrity and love with Lucie.
The last and most significant instance of someone being “recalled to life” is found in the last chapters of this book. Sydney Carton has recently switched places with his lookalike, Darnay, and is awaiting the guillotine. While Sydney awaits his death, he thinks, “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.” Through these words, Sydney recognizes that by sacrificing his life for Darnay, a loved one of Lucie, he will be doing the best thing that he has ever done and can do. Sydney is finally satisfied with himself; he is no longer a drunken fool, but a hero who now can live or die with himself. By dying and saving Darnay for Lucie, Sydney Carton is “recalled to life.”
Carton’s sacrifice can be examined through Christian theological concepts of redemption and salvation. His selfless act of taking Darnay’s place can be likened to the Christ-like figure of a redeemer, embodying themes of self-sacrifice and moral resurrection. This parallels the Christian notion of agape, or selfless love, which redeems and purifies the individual.
Throughout this book, “recalled to life” has been the most important theme. Almost all of the main characters in this novel were “recalled to life.” This theme was the most important because it allowed us, the readers, to see the characters’ traits being used by them and to understand how much a character would do for another. When Carton represented Darnay on trial and saved his life, we saw how smart Carton was. In the last instance of “recalled to life,” we saw how much Carton really felt for Lucie when he saved Lucie’s husband’s life in return for his own. The theme “recalled to life” is seen throughout this novel and should be recognized as one of the most important.
The French Revolution itself, the backdrop of the story, can be seen as a broader application of the “recalled to life” theme. The revolution aimed to recall an entire nation to life from the oppressive regime of the aristocracy. Dickens portrays this societal resurrection with both its brutal and hopeful aspects. The revolution’s capacity for regeneration is mirrored in the personal transformations of the characters, emphasizing the interconnectedness of personal and political rebirth.
Dickens’ narrative style and thematic focus also reflect contemporary social and political theories. The resurrection theme aligns with the period’s burgeoning interest in social reform and human rights, reflecting Enlightenment ideals. The novel critiques the injustices of the old regime while advocating for the transformative power of compassion and sacrifice.
Moreover, the characters’ journeys of resurrection can be paralleled with literary traditions of the Byronic hero and Romanticism. Sydney Carton’s brooding, self-sacrificial nature bears similarities to the Byronic hero, characterized by a troubled past and a capacity for profound self-transformation. This adds a layer of literary richness, connecting Dickens’ work with broader literary movements.
In conclusion, “A Tale of Two Cities” masterfully intertwines the personal and political, using the theme of being “recalled to life” to explore profound human experiences and societal transformations. Through the stories of Dr. Manette, Charles Darnay, and Sydney Carton, Dickens illuminates the power of love, sacrifice, and redemption. By keeping the original content and expanding on these themes with academic theories and broader societal implications, we gain a deeper understanding of Dickens’ exploration of the human condition and the enduring power of hope and resilience.