Darnay and Carton .
Characters in a Tale Of Two Cities seem to be paired as opposites, for example Charles Darnay .
appears capable and accomplished , while Sydney Carton seems lazy and lacks ambition. .
Similarly, Ms. Pross is a respectable English woman who keeps order, where Madame Defarge .
Represents the opposite of Ms. Pross, a cold hearted revolutionary. As the book goes .
on these doubled characters come to be more as twins than as opposites. By the end of the end of .
the book, Carton transforms himself from a good-for-nothing to a hero whose goodness might .
even surpass Darnay's and Ms. Pross becomes the opposite of what she once was. .
.
Carton is a rude, lifeless alcoholic attorney who works with Mr. Stryver. Carton has no real .
goals in his life and doesn't seem to be in search of any. Early in the book Carton starts off as a .
low life drunk, "Carton, who smelt of port wine, and did not appear to be quite sober" (89). Also, .
Carton has no sense of self-worth which is demonstrated when Carton says, " I am a disappointed .
drudge, sir. I care for no man on earth, and no man on earth cares for me" (89). When Carton .
drinks at the Bar with Mr. Stryver, Stryver describes him as, "Your way is, and always was, a .
lame way. You summon no energy and purpose" (95). Carton is also described as, "Sydney .
Carton, idlest and most unpromising of men" (92). He almost feels imprisoned by his purpose .
lacking life "Then later that night , Climbing into a high chamber in a well of houses, he threw .
himself down in his clothes on a neglected bed, and its pillow was wet with wasted tears" (97) . .
Before Lucie weds Darnay, Carton confesses his love for her, "O Miss Manette. think now and .
then that there is a man who would give his life, to keep a life you love beside you" (156). This .
encounter marked a changing point in Carton's whole character. He showed Lucie a side of him .
that he himself didn't know he possessed.
