 |
The aspect of Resurrection in Tale of Two Cities Critical Study |
Definition: According to the Cambridge Dictionary, resurrection is “the act of bringing something that had disappeared or ended, back into use or existence”. Resurrection implies revival and rebirth. (https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/resurrection)
Defining traits of Resurrection
1) Resurrection entails peace, transformation, and a desire to evolve. On an emotional level, resurrection revives one’s hope in the possibility of a better life. The process of rebirth signifies that things may improve or one may evolve for the better. The novel highlights the aforementioned aspects of the resurrection. For example, Dr. Manette experiences the transformative aspect of resurrection by transitioning from insanity to sanity, imprisonment to freedom, and by moving on from a living death in Bastille to a meaningful life enriched by his loved ones and his much acclaimed medical practice. The company of Lucy, Miss Pross, and Mr. Lorry arouses a desire to heal in Dr. Manette while his contribution through his medical practice makes him feel productive.
2) The novel also highlights several ways through which an individual can experience resurrection. Resurrection can be experienced through a) the help of loved ones b) through another person’s faith in oneself c) through experiencing an epiphany which is accompanied by a deep-rooted realization and a newfound desire to improve.
In Dr. Manette’s case, Lucie’s love is the primary reason for his resurrection. This healing impact of Lucie on Dr. Manette is evident from the following lines:
“Only his daughter had the power of charming this black brooding from his mind. She was the golden thread that united him to a Past beyond his misery, and to a Present beyond his misery: and the sound of her voice, the light of her face, the touch of her hand, had a strong beneficial influence with him almost always” (Dickens 79).
Resurrection experienced as a result of another person’s faith in oneself is evident from the transformative impact of Lucie’s belief in Carton. Throughout the course of the novel, Lucie is the only individual who strongly believes that Carton is capable of redeeming himself. This strong conviction of Lucie is highlighted in the following comment she makes to Darnay in relation to Carton:
“… I am sure that he is capable of good things, gentle things, even magnanimous things” (Dickens 214).
Lucie’s faith grants a newfound meaning to Carton’s existence and rekindles the passion deeply buried in his heart – a passion to fashion himself anew and to make constructive use of his life. The following acknowledgment made by Carton, reveals the new hope inspired in him by Lucie.
“Since I knew you, I have been troubled by a remorse that I thought would never reproach me again, and have heard whispers from old voices impelling me upward, that I thought were silent for ever. I have had unformed ideas of striving afresh, beginning anew, shaking off sloth and sensuality, and fighting out the abandoned fight. A dream, all a dream, that ends in nothing and leaves the sleeper where he lay down, but I wish you to know that you inspired it…And…I… wish you to know with what a sudden mastery you kindled me, the heap of ashes that I am, into fire…” (Dickens 154)
From this moment onwards, Carton undergoes silent transformation and embarks on a path of self-evolution which eventually leads to his spiritual resurrection.
3) Epiphany or a moment of profound realization that leads to a dramatic transformation is experienced by both Carton and Mr. Cruncher. In Mr. Cruncher’s case, the killing rampage in Paris results in an epiphany. He realizes that he has been gravely wrong in terms of his secret profession as a body snatcher and his harsh behavior toward his wife. After witnessing a series of useless deaths in the midst of the revolution, he makes the following earnest acknowledgment to Miss Pross in the chapter entitled, “The Knitting Done”
“…take notice of two promises and wows…in this…crisis…never no more will I do it [bodysnatching], never no more!” (Dickens 377). Hence, Cruncher experiences resurrection by foregoing the profession of a resurrection man.
In Carton’s case, the epiphany is slightly more complex and spiritual in nature. Spiritual resurrection takes place through engaging in a deed that transcends time, space, and physical limitations. For Carton, the moment of epiphany is experienced in the chapter entitled, “The Game Made” after he purchases something from the chemist’s shop, wanders alone on the streets of Paris, and keeps repeating the following phrase to himself: "I am the resurrection and the life, saith the Lord: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me, shall never die" (Dickens 325). This phrase makes him realize some profound truth about self-transcendence, self-sacrifice, and eternal salvation. After the night wears out and dawn emerges, it almost seems as if Carton has been resurrected in spirit. It is stated that: “…the glorious sun rising…river sparkled under it” (Dickens 326). He seems resolute from this moment on- as if he has made some significant, life-altering decision. This decision is later revealed to be the ultimate sacrifice that he chooses in order to liberate Darnay. It is almost as if he experiences a Christ-like resurrection at the moment of his execution. His face is regarded as “the most peaceful man’s face ever beheld” and at the moment of his death, he seems both “sublime and prophetic” (Dickens 390). Aside from the eternal tranquility experienced by him, Carton’s resurrection resides in the fact that he holds “a sanctuary” (Dickens 391) in the hearts of Lucie and her loved ones; his memory lives on.
5) Similar to the individual resurrection, a resurrected society is a harmonious and just society. No societal resurrection is evident in A Tale of Two Cities. Within the context of the novel, it seems as if only individuals are capable of resurrecting themselves. Paris and London remain more or less the same. No marked or visible improvement is evident in terms of the prevalence of justice and harmonious social order. Innocent victims such as the seamstress, Charles Darnay, and Carton become sacrificial lambs in the French revolution.
Credit goes to Ma'am Saima Najib
...
Comments
Post a Comment