A Tale of Two Cities

Novel | Charles Dickens
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The character of Charles Darnay

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Critically comment on the character of Charles Darnay. [NU: 2022] 

In “A Tale of Two Cities” (1859), Charles Darnay is a man divided between two worlds. By birth, he belongs to the cruel French aristocracy. By choice, he lives a simple life in England. He refuses pride, wealth, and power. Instead, he follows honesty, love, and justice. Through him, Dickens (1812–1870) shows that true nobility comes from character, not from birth.

Soft-hearted person: Darnay refuses his family title and leaves Paris for England. In England, he lives like an ordinary man and works as a tutor. He hates the French aristocrats’ system, where the poor are oppressed. 

Falls in love with Lucie Manette: In England, he meets Lucie Manette and marries her with Doctor Manette’s consent. Before the marriage, he honestly tells Doctor Manette that he belongs to the Evrémonde family.  He says:

 “ I am a Frenchman born, (Book two, chapter XXIV)

yle="font-weight: 400;">Here, Charles Darnay reveals that his actions or decisions are influenced by his birthplace, France.  Then, he becomes a loving husband and leads a happy life. 

Kind and brave: Darnay is kind and courageous. When his family’s old servant, Gabelle, asks for help, Darnay goes to France to save him, even though it is dangerous. Sadly, he is arrested and imprisoned. 

Lucky character: He is sentenced to death. But when Sydney Carton sacrificed his life in Darnay’s place, he was saved. This moment is deeply moving, as Carton thinks,

 “It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done.” (Book Three, Chapter XV).

In short, Darnay is noble, honest, and brave, but sometimes takes risky decisions without thinking of the danger.  Though born into wealth, he supports justice and the common people. He is an ideal man. But Sydney Carton’s sacrifice outshines his courage. 

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