How is Sydney Carton described?
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Carton is portrayed as a brilliant but depressed and cynical drunkard who is full of self-loathing because of what he sees as his wasted life. He feels a deep unrequited love for Lucie Manette, who nevertheless inspires him to try to be a better person.
What does Sydney Carton say about his life?
He describes his existence as a supreme waste of life and takes every opportunity to declare that he cares for nothing and no one. But the reader senses, even in the initial chapters of the novel, that Carton in fact feels something that he perhaps cannot articulate.

What positive traits does Sydney Carton have?
Sydney has a dramatic life and is an alchoholic who sees nothing positive in himself. Carton demonstrates a sensitivity which helps others in the long run.
Is Sydney Carton a hero give reason?
Heroism prompts him to let his rival marry the girl he loves, because he knows it is best for her. Heroism prevents him from leaving Lucie’s life as a spurned lover, and instead enables him to remain a caring friend.

What do Carton and Darnay talk about?
When Darnay talks about Carton as “a problem of carelessness and recklessness,” Dickens adds that he is speaking of Carton “as anybody who saw him as he showed himself.”While this statement may seem like a defense of Darnay’s remarks, it actually comments on Darnay’s inability to “see”Carton’s real self, even after …
How is Sydney Carton a hero?
Heroism allows him to know Lucie with a “blameless though an unchanged mind’ (242) after her marriage. Through his ardent love for Lucie, Carton grows in strength of heart and begins to demonstrate heroism. Through several minor events, Dickens further develops Carton’s character and demonstrates his growing heroism.
How is Sydney Carton resurrected?
The book begins with Dr. Manette being ”recalled to life” after 18 years in prison, and it ends with Sydney Carton achieving a form of resurrection through sacrificing himself.
What negative impression do we get from Carton?
Something especially reckless in his demeanor… gave him a disreputable look.” (p. 57) From this description we get the impression that Carton is a slacker and that he doesn’t care about appearances. We also learn that he is a drunk.
How does Sydney Carton change throughout the book?
Carton is softened and changed by his love for the beautiful Lucie Manette. He becomes acquainted with Lucie and Doctor Manette at the trial of Charles Darnay in London, and is soon a familiar face at the Manette home. One night, Carton opens his heart to Lucie.
What are Sydney Carton’s last words?
He “see[s] the lives for which [he] lay[s] down his life” (435). His final thoughts are some of Dickens’ most immortal lines: “It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to than I have ever known” (Ibid). This is the end destined for Sydney Carton.
What is the character analysis of Sydney Carton?
Character Analysis Sydney Carton. Carton, Darnay’s double and alter-ego, has wasted his life on alcohol and apathy. He makes his intelligence obvious through his ability to analyze cases for Stryver. He makes clear that he had the same opportunities for success as Stryver, but for some reason chose not to take them.
How is Carton Smart in the book?
Carton, Darnay’s double and alter-ego, has wasted his life on alcohol and apathy. He makes his intelligence obvious through his ability to analyze cases for Stryver.
How does Carton redeem himself in a tale of two cities?
By saving Lucie’s family, Carton redeems himself from sin and lives on in their grateful memory. The A Tale of Two Cities quotes below are all either spoken by Sydney Carton or refer to Sydney Carton.
What did the crowd say about Carton’s face?
They said of him, about the city that night, that it was the peacefullest man’s face ever beheld there. Many added that he looked sublime and prophetic. At Carton’s execution by the guillotine, the narrator describes the crowd’s reaction.