A Tale of Two Cities

Novel | Charles Dickens

Dickens’s art of characterization with reference to Lucie Manette

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How does Charles Dickens present the character of Lucie Manette in his "A Tale of Two Cities?" [NU:2015, 20, 22] ★★★

Or, Sketch the Character of Lucie Manette. Or comment on Dickens’s art of characterisation with reference to Lucie Manette.

“A Tale of Two Cities” (1859) is a famous novel by the g

reat Victorian writer Charles Dickens (1812–1870). In this novel, Dickens portrays two distinct types of characters: good and evil. Lucie Manette is one of the most important and good characters. She is the heroine of the novel. She is a young, beautiful woman with golden hair and blue eyes. She has all the good qualities of a kind and gentle human being.

Identity of Lucie Manette: Lucie Manette is the loving daughter of Dr. Alexandre Manette. She was born in Paris but grew up in London. Later, she marries Charles Darnay, the hero of the story. As we read the whole novel, we see many special qualities in her character. Let us discuss the characteristic features of Lucie. 

A Loving and Beautiful Young Woman: Lucie is a kind, loving, and beautiful young lady. When we first see her in the story, she is only seventeen years old. Dickens describes her as slim, with golden hair and blue eyes. Mr. Stryver, Sydney Carton, and Charles Darnay all fall in love with her because of her beauty and gentle nature. Carton  promises Lucie,

“For you, and for any dear to you, I would do anything.” (Book two, Chapter XIII )

Though Carton confesses his love to Lucie and promises to sacrifice anything for her, she chooses Darnay as her husband.

Motivator of Selfless Love: After spending eighteen years in prison, Dr. Manette loses his physical and mental strength. But Lucie’s deep love and care help him recover. Her love heals him and brings him back to life. This shows that love is a great medicine for both body and mind. Dickens says about Louie: 

“She was the golden thread that united him to a Past beyond his misery...” (Book Two, Chapter IV)

A Kind and Sympathetic Woman: Lucie is very kind and gentle. When Sydney Carton feels hopeless about his life, Lucie gives him hope. He loves Lucie very much. He says to her:  

“You have been the last dream of my soul.”- Second Book, Chapter XIII 

She also feels deep sympathy when Darnay is accused of treason. Her warm heart and soft nature make her a truly lovable character.

Symbol of Hope: In the whole novel, Lucie is shown as a symbol of hope and goodness. Her presence brings peace and change. She stands like a light in the darkness of the French Revolution. Dickens uses her to show the power of love, hope, and faith.

A Sensitive Wife: Lucie is a very loving and caring wife. When Darnay is in prison, she goes every day to stand on the street so that he can see her from the prison window. She also prays to Madame Defarge for mercy, which shows how sensitive and emotional she is. In every hard time, Lucie supports her husband with love.

A Patient and Realistic Woman: Lucie is very patient and practical. Though she lost her mother and lived alone from a young age, she never complained. Even after marrying Darnay, she suffers because of the revolution and Madame Defarge’s threats. But she never loses hope. When her husband is sentenced to death, she says:

“I can bear it, dear Charles; I am supported from above. Don’t suffer for me.”  (Book Three, Chapter XI) 

This line shows that Lucie is strong, brave, and full of faith. 

In short, Lucie Manette is a symbol of love, peace, and hope in "A Tale of Two Cities". Dickens creates her as a perfect example of kindness and sacrifice. In the middle of war and violence, she brings light, comfort, and strength. Lucie remains one of the most unforgettable and beautiful characters in English literature.  

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Charles Dickens
Literary Writer