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Darnay ended up being acquitted for his presumed crime. Darnay and Carton
both fall in love with Lucie and want to marry her. Carton, an alcoholic at the
time, realizes that a relationship with Lucie is impossible, but he still tells
her that he loves her and would do anything for her. Darnay and Lucie marry each
other on the premises of the two promises between Dr. Manette and Darnay. Right
after the marriage, while the newlyweds are on their honeymoon, Dr. Manette has
a relapse and cobbles shoes for nine days straight. France's citizens arm
themselves for a revolution and, led by the Defarges, start the revolution by
raiding the Bastille. Shortly before the start of the revolution, the Marquis
runs over a child in the streets of Paris. He is assassinated soon after by
Gaspard, the child's father, who is also a part of the revolution. Three years
later, right in the middle of the revolution, Darnay is called to France to help
Gabelle, an old friend. As soon as he goes down what seems to be a one-way
street to France, he is arrested (in France) for being an enemy of the state.
Dr. Manette, Lucie, and the Darnay's daughter go shortly after to Paris to see
if they can be of any help to Charles. When the delayed trial finally takes
place, Dr. Manette, who is in the people's favor, uses his influence to free
Charles. The same day, Charles is re-arrested on charges set forth by the
Defarges and one other mystery person. The next day, at a trial that had
absolutely no delay, Charles is convicted and sentenced to death. Because of the
despondent situation, Dr. Manette has a relapse and cobbles shoes.
Sydney Carton
overhears plot to kill Lucie, her daughter, and Dr. Manette and has them
immediately get ready to leave the country. Carton, having spy contacts, gets
into the prison in which Darnay is being held, drugs him and switches places
with him. Lucie, Charles, and their daughter successfully leave the country.
Sydney Carton, making the ultimate sacrifice, partly for Lucie, goes to the
guillotine in place of Charles. Just before he dies, Carton has a vision in
which society is greatly improved and the Darnays have a son named after him.
This dramatic plot revolves around several central themes. One theme involves
revenge. One's bad side is brought out by the evil effects of revenge. Madame
Defarge is the main subject of this implicit theme. She turns into a killing
machine because she must get revenge. An example of this is when she finds out
Charles Darnay is an Evermonde and is going to marry Lucie Manette. She knits
Darnay's name into the death register. Another key theme in the novel has to do
with courage and sacrifice. There were many sacrifices in this novel by many
different characters. The ultimate sacrifice was made by Sydney Carton. Because
of his love for Lucie and his friendship with Darnay, Carton is the example of
one of the most important themes implied in this book. Carton helps others, and
does not think so much of himself. Right before going to the guillotine, Carton
sees a better world, a world where he gave to others, not thinking of himself.
These themes help outline an interesting story.
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