A Tale Of Two Cities By Charles Dickens - 2091 Words

France, overflowing with misery from the French Revolution, was a broken state from 1789 to 1799; however, it is in this broken state that Charles Dickens becomes captivated and proceeds to compose one of the most remarkable stories of all time. Not only does Dickens capture the essence of the revolution itself through A Tale of Two Cities, but he also captures the tribulation of the French people. As portrayed in the story, being overcome with misery compels individuals to respond in various ways. The aristocracy chooses to completely disregard the well-being of those below them. The peasants resort to acting in savage ways as a result of their inhumane treatment. However, Darnay, Miss Pross, and Carton are exceptions to this unfortunate†¦show more content†¦This situation exemplifies the fact that Darnay acts out of moral duty and honor, rather than personal gain. Because of his integrity and desire to be of service to others, Darnay insists he shall return to France in or der to aid those suffering by explaining, â€Å"one cannot help thinking, having some sympathy for the miserable people, and having abandoned something to them...that one might be listened to, and might have the power to persuade to some restraint† (182). Triggered by Gabelle’s letter convincing him to return, Darnay now realizes all he has abandoned in France. He leaves Gabelle to be troubled by the repercussions of his absence, fails to uphold his responsibilities to the family name, and, most importantly, he lets his people down. Darnay knows â€Å"that in his horror of the deed which had culminated the bad deeds and bad reputation of the old family house, in his resentful suspicions of his uncles, and the aversion with which his conscience regarded the crumbling fabrics that he was supposed to uphold, he had acted imperfectly.† (186) Taking in consideration Gabelle’s letter, his regrets, and moral responsibility, Darnay feels the Loadstone Rock, symb olizing a magnet, â€Å"drawing him to itself† and luring him closer and closer to France (187). However, he is oblivious to the danger that lays ahead. As Dickens observes, â€Å"He knew of