Sydney Carton’s Sacrifice: A Tale of Redemption and Justice
Sydney Carton’s Desperate Measures
Negotiations for Darnay’s Access
Sydney Carton and John Barsad negotiated about Charles Darnay. Meanwhile, Mr. Lorry and Jerry Cruncher were also speaking. Jerry’s past had finally caught up with him, and now Mr. Lorry knew the truth, which angered him. Jerry tried to keep it a secret, offering to have young Jerry take his place at Tellson’s so he could become a full-time “Resurrection-Man”. Carton and Barsad’s negotiation led to a deal which would allow them to see Darnay in prison. It was Carton’s skills as a lawyer that made this possible.
Carton Comforts Mr. Lorry
Mr. Lorry was not satisfied, knowing this was not safe for Darnay, and he began to cry. Surprisingly, Carton comforted him. Carton wanted to keep Lucie Manette from seeing Darnay to protect her. He asked Mr. Lorry how she looked when he went to see her. Mr. Lorry said she was anxious, unhappy, but beautiful.
Carton sighed when he heard this and seemed to become unaware of everything for the time being. His disorientation led him to step on a burning log without realizing it until Mr. Lorry told him. Carton’s faraway expression reminded Mr. Lorry of the prisoner’s expression.
Carton’s Reflections on Life and Legacy
Carton asked Mr. Lorry if his work was done. Mr. Lorry said it was, because he left the minutes perfectly safe. Carton then questioned why Mr. Lorry didn’t leave Paris when he had a passport which allowed him to.
Carton remarked how great Mr. Lorry’s life must have been, that he would be missed when he left the world. He stated that if nobody loves or respects you, and if you have done nothing to be remembered by, then your life will be a curse instead of a blessing. Mr. Lorry agreed to this statement. Carton sat in silence.
Strangely, Carton began to ask even more questions. He asked if Mr. Lorry remembered his childhood, and realizing that Carton yearned for it, Mr. Lorry said that now he was closer to death. “But you are young!” exclaimed Mr. Lorry to Carton.
Carton’s Solitary Preparations
A Journey Through Revolutionary Paris
Carton and Mr. Lorry separated as they approached Lucie’s gate. Carton walked the path Lucie walked daily to La Force. At La Force, he met the Wood-Sawyer, who happily told him about how the guillotine was killing so many people. Regretting the conversation, he found his way to a chemist’s shop where he bought some chemicals that, if put together, would form a powerful sedative.
He crossed the Seine River, wandering past all of the theaters. Particularly, he helped one child who gave him a kiss. He wondered, then began to talk to himself until he fell asleep by the river. He woke next morning to a whirlwind, met Mr. Lorry, and went to Charles’s trial.
Charles Darnay’s Second Trial
Denunciation and Doctor Manette’s Plea
The trial was in full swing. The “Jacques” were in attendance, including Jacques Three and The Vengeance. The prosecutor stated his case: Darnay had been denounced by Monsieur Defarge, Madame Defarge, and Doctor Manette.
Doctor Manette claimed that he was not against Darnay and got into trouble for speaking out. He spoke on behalf of Darnay’s innocence, but the fate of this trial relied on a note of great importance that Defarge said he found when he was in the Bastille, in 105 North Tower.
Charles Darnay’s future rests in the hands of Doctor Manette.