What are the major themes in “A Tale of Two Cities”?

What are the major themes in “A Tale of Two Cities”? 

Or 

Resurrection and renunciation are the major themes of the novel “A Tale of Two Cities”.

 Answer:

The main themes of 

“A Tale of Two Cities”

are resurrection and renunciation. Originally resurrection is taken in religious terms as the resurrection of Jesus Christ. But here, it is taken in various forms and this main theme is illustrated again and again as it overshadows the social, political and love themes in the novel.

Resurrection in Various Forms:

Resurrection is found in various forms through various characters. All three men in Lucie’s life are resurrected in some form or other. While her father is resurrected physically and mentally, Charles is resurrected physically and Sydney is resurrected spiritually. Besides physical and spiritual resurrection, various characters in the novel are resurrected in a comic way. Various characters are recalled to life in some way or other. While Charles and Dr. Manette’s life is restored, Sydney loses his life and is spiritually resurrected.

Mental Resurrection:

Initially, Dickens had planned to call his novel “Buried Alive”, as this was the main idea behind the novel. The novel starts with the release or recall to life of Dr. Manette who was buried alive for eighteen years in the Bastille. His daughter Lucie, who had always thought that he was dead, is shocked to find that he her father is not dead but had been imprisoned for such a long time. She promises to bring him back to life. With love and care she resurrects him to life mentally and intellectually. Every time he faces a problem, he goes back into his past but is resurrected and emerges mentally stronger.

Physical Resurrection:

Charles Darnay, Marquis Evermonde’s nephew atones for the sins of his ancestors and disowns his legacy and country. He comes to England to lead a decent and simple life. Thus he is resurrected as he atones for the bloodshed caused by his ancestors. Later on, in England he is accused of being a spy but at the last minute he escapes the gallows due to his resemblance with Sydney. This too is a form of resurrection. History is repeated once again when Charles goes to France to help his former servant, Gabelle. There he is arrested by the revolutionaries and is condemned to death. Though, he is released by Dr. Manett’s efforts but he is rearrested arrested because of a letter written by the doctor when he had been in prison. This letter is used against Charles and he is condemned to death. At the last moment, he is saved by Sydney Carton who dies for him.

Spiritual Resurrection:

Though Charles is resurrected from death, again and again, it is Sydney who is actually resurrected spiritually. Though an intelligent man, he is a wastrel, who is totally demoralized with life. His love for Lucie inspires him with courage, faith and humanity and he promises to repay the compassion she has shown to him. Thus, when Charles is condemned to death, he planes to die for him. He remembers his father’s funeral, where the priest had said,

“I am the Resurrection and the life”.

He planes to bring life to Charles and makes a plane for his ultimate sacrifice. He drugs Charles, exchanges clothes with him and sent him in a carriage to Lucie, Jarvis Lorry and Dr. Manette. Sydney, thus, becomes Christ like figure full of love and compassion. Before dying he has a vision of the entire city and its people rising from chaos and gaining freedom. In fact, he visualizes the resurrection of the city and the masses. His sacrifice makes him to achieve ultimate resurrection.

Grotesque Resurrection:

Roger Cly and Foul on are resurrected in a grotesque way. While Cly fakes death to escape the anger of his animies, Foul on fakes death to escape the fury of the revolutionaries as he once told the people to eat grass, when they were dying with hunger. Thus their resurrection is comical. Miss Pross’ brother’s resurrection is also comical.

Political Resurrection:

Besides the resurrection of characters, there is social and political resurrection. The oppressed French masses revolt against their exploiters so that they can face a better life. Though, they aim for social and political regeneration, they are so overcome by emotions that they go for violence. Stability might take time but the resurrection is seen through Sydney’s ultimate vision.

 A Warning to England:

Another theme closely related to the resurrection theme is that revolution can happen anywhere. The cruel and heartless ruling class in France compelled the people to revolt. Dickens seems to be saying that this can happen in England too.

 A Meaningless Horror:

Another underlying theme is Dickens’ view that Revolution is monstrous by its activities. He intends to point out the meaningless horrors of the Revolution, the bloodshed and butcheries.

Renunciation:

Another theme is renunciation. While Charles renounces his legacy, Sydney renounces his life. Charles’ act of renunciation raises him in high esteem as it is an illustration of his generosity and humanity. Sydney’s renunciation of his life makes him achiever of tragic dignity. He dies for humanity thus his renunciation is Christ like.

The Theme of Love:

Related to these is the theme of love, which is major theme in the novel. Lucie’s love comforts Dr. Manette, Charles, Miss Prose, Jarvis Lorry and Sydney. Lucie’s love transforms Sydney into a Christ like figure. While love regenerates all these characters, hatred degenerate evil characters like Madam Defarge. Ultimately, Sydney’s act of sacrifice symbolizes the triumph of love over hatred.

Conclusion:

To sum up, we may say that “A Tale of Two Cities” have multiple themes which are interwoven artistically. The various themes are expressed through a group of private individuals who are swept into the whirlpool of public event like the Revolution.