"A Tale of Two Cities"

In life, people tend to forget how lucky they are to have all that they have been given. This includes food, water, shelter, freedom, and life itself. Victims of Nazi Germany realized the importance and value of the above, after many years without them. They never forgot the hardships they faced in the concentration camps and Ghettos. They appreciated all the little things in life much more after what they had been through. In "A Tale of Two Cities," many characters have these necessities taken from them as well. They must endure hardships and challenges, and overcome them until they too return to their past life. Two prominent themes are seen throughout the novel; death and resurrection, and self-sacrifice.

"A Tale of Two Cities" illustrates these themes clearly through its characters. Each theme applies to numerous different characters throughout the novel, as they play a major role in the story.

Charles Dickens, a former resident of Lant Street.

English: Cover of serial "Tale of Two Cities" by C...

English: A photograph of an engraving in The Writi...

Both themes, applies to numerous characters in different manners. The theme of death and resurrection was clearly shown in the first chapter "Recalled to Life."(A Tale of Two Cities. Chp.1) Mr. Lorry gave Dr. Manette, who was assumed to be dead, a second chance at life by reuniting him with his daughter. Dr. Manette had been imprisoned for 18 years, and after such a long time, he had forgotten everything about the wholesome life he left behind, until that one day where he was brought back. We see the ultimate self-sacrifice at the end of the novel when Sydney Carton gives his life, for the contentment of the woman he loves.

Sydney Carton changes drastically throughout the novel. When we first encounter Sydney we discover that while he is a brilliant man, he lacked the needed ambition to become a great lawyer. He holds himself very low,