Topic > Justice and Sacrifice in Charles Dickens' A Tale of Two Cities

Charles Dickens' A Tale of Two Cities qualifies as a classic as it presents timeless messages relating to justice and sacrifice that can be implemented in modern society. Justice is woven throughout the story, including through trials and judicial systems, as well as the long trial of the main character, Dr. Manette. Sacrifice can be seen throughout the novel through the idea that an improved French Republic can only come at a terrible cost, as characters sacrifice personal loves and loyalties for the sake of the revolution. These themes support the idea that this novel qualifies as a classic, as we can still learn from these lessons in contemporary society. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Dickens describes justice as an integral aspect of the French Revolution of 1789. Scenes of trials and tribunals are present throughout the novel, including the trials of the main characters Doctor Manette and Charles Darnay. The narrator states, "If all laws, forms, and ceremonies had not first been so monstrously abused, that the suicidal revenge of the revolution would have been to scatter them all to the winds." The high mode reveals information about Darnay's upcoming trial after he was previously found innocent. The revolutionaries attempted to implement a justice system and this usually resulted in justice not being served. During this period of time, the law and order system was abused and those who were persecuted by the law were forced to rebel. In the novel, however, the revolutionaries are seen to abuse the legal system and deny justice to others. “Otherwise the governor would flee and the blood of the people (suddenly of some value, after many years of uselessness) would not be avenged.” The symbolism of "people's blood" represents their freedom and other similar aspects of their life, the desire to be avenged by the Revolution. This indicates that farmers want to see justice served to those who were previously oppressed. “Death is nature's remedy for all things, and why not legislation's too? As a result, the forger was put to death; the issuing of a bad note was put to death; the illegitimate person who opened one was put to death”. The metaphor develops the idea that the law is not fair, as Dickens criticizes a justice system that fails to distinguish between serious crimes and minor crimes, thus creating an unjust justice system. Throughout the French Revolution, justice is an integral aspect of the struggle on behalf of both the English and the French, particularly the characters Doctor Manette and Charles Darnay. Sacrifice is a key element of the French Revolution, as Dickens describes the notion of sacrifice as necessary. for happiness throughout the novel. “This property and France are lost to me… I renounce them… I would abandon it and live differently and elsewhere. It's a small thing to give up. What is it if not a desert of misery and ruin?”. The pessimistic tone of voice portrays the sacrifice in the voice of those who wish to start a better life in France. Charles Darnay gives up his land because of the remorse he feels due to the crimes his family committed in the name of status and wealth. Here Darnay is sacrificing a great deal of wealth in the name of revolution. Sydney Carton demonstrates self-denial, as she declares her love for Lucie Manette: "If my career were of a better kind and there was any opportunity or capacity for sacrifice in it, I would accept any sacrifice.