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It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness (Dickens 13). Two men, from two different cities, striving to earn the affection of one woman. The characters of Sydney Carton and Charles Darnay in the book A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens, are two very different people. They do, however, show many similar characteristics. Carton brought up the idea that he and Darnay had a striking similarity of features during the treason trial in England. My lord being prayed to bid my learned friend lay aside his wig, and giving no very gracious consent, the likeness became much more remarkable (82).
This similarity helps the accused traitor, Darnay, out of a tough situation. Carton and Darnay have similar physical features, though they do not always look the same. The main difference in the characters appearance is that Darnay is well kept, his clothes and hair are always neatly arranged. However, Carton, being drunk half of the time, is not usually quite as presentable. These men share more than appearance, however. The basic beliefs of these men are similar as well.
Darnay always is trying to make the most of his life by working for what he wants and keeping his honor white. Carton too, worked for what he wants, but not always in such a noble manor as Darnay. He uses blackmail and trickery to obtain the cooperation he desires. Because these characters are both, in some ways, noble, they could be quite the matches for each other. However, Carton believes that he has wasted a good part of his life because of his lack of ambition. He quotes himself as being, self-flung away, wasted, drunken, poor creature of misuse as you know him to be (154).
He believes himself to be a burden to all around him, as well as a disgrace, but that is not to say that his actions are the least bit disgraceful. The two characters, Carton and Darnay, both perform some very heroic actions in the course of this story. The first act of heroism is given to Darnay, who, upon receiving a letter, goes back to France to help his servant and friend, Gabelle. Carton, however, is usually credited with the most, and final, heroic act.
He goes to France to help Lucie's husband, Darnay. To do so, Carton has to switch places with the prisoner Everyone, and die in his place. He does this in order that his one true friend, Lucie, wouldnt suffer the burden of her husbands death. This act is considered to be the most selfless act in the novel, because he gave the ultimate sacrifice, his life. His words when faced with the guillotine, It is a far far better thing I do, than I have ever done, it is a far better rest I go to than I have ever known (367), show just how strongly he felt for his friend. Through the actions and beliefs of both characters, they have become great heroes.
Darnay's heroism brought him back into a country that hated him to help a friend, and Cartons heroism ended up claiming his life for his friends happiness. Together, Carton and Darnay paint a picture of pure heroism in the book A Tale of Two Cities. Bibliography Dickens, Charles. A Tale of Two Cities. New York: Penguin Books, 1980.
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Research essay sample on Tale Of Two Cities Carton And Darnay Characters
