Mrs. Hartmann
Period 4 Honors English 9
October 12, 2009
SSR Quarter 1: A Tale of Two Cities A Tale of Two Cities is a classic novel written by Charles Dickens. It is a historical/realistic-fiction novel with many well developed characters, settings, themes, and plot. Interestingly, the book has many main characters. They are all developed throughout the entire story- some are flat and some are round. However, to many of the readers, one character seems to be very special and moving. The character, Sydney Carton, is probably the most memorable character in the novel. Dickens shows that he is round changing from a “jackal” and an alcoholic into a hero (although it is impossible to call him a protagonist), sacrificing his own life for a woman he loved, but could never be with. In some ways, he can relate to the active reader because of his deep interest in the events that are going on. Another major character would be Mr. Jarvis Lorry. He is a flat character and the perfect image and representation of a Victorian-English hero. His generosity, supportiveness, and kindness are reflected upon his virtuous actions. He is the first major character introduced in the novel and is …show more content…
Although this does not send out a moral message (not all themes do so), it contributes to the novel’s tone. The storming of the Bastille, the renewal of Doctor Mannette’s (another major character) mind, and Sydney Carton’s foresight of a new French empire are all examples of carefully crafted events that help show the presence of this theme. In fact, the entire novel is about renewal, regeneration, and rebirth. The problem in this story, endangerment of the Darnay family (also major characters and protagonists), is solved by Carton’s sacrifice. In his foresight, the third generations of the Darnay family name their children after Sydney. This also shows resurrection in some