Have you ever read a book with so many themes it was hard to choose which theme to discuss? Well, I have, and the book was A Tale of Two Cities. "Love Conquers All" is the theme that stuck out most vividly in my mind. Love in this book is portrayed in many ways. The way of giving your life for a person you care about; showing compassion; and showing physical love (kissing, hugging, and hand-holding).
Madame Defarge was an evil woman who wanted revenge on the aristocracy. Miss Pross took care of her family; she loved them very much. When Madame Defarge went after Lucie, Little Lucie, and Dr. Manette; Miss Pross stood up for them. ""I know that your intentions are evil," said Miss Pross, "and you may depend upon it, I"ll hold my own against them." " (Dickens 451). This quote shows that Miss Pross would do anything for her family. Miss Pross eventually shot Madame Defarde in a struggle to save Lucie, Little Lucie, and Dr. Manette. Miss Pross's love conquered Madame Defarge's hate and evil.
Sydney Carton's love for Lucie caused him to give his own life to save Lucie's husband, Charles Darnay. Carton told Lucie, " For you, and for any dear to you, I would do anything- (188). This quote shows Carton's unconditional love for Lucie. Carton is compared to Jesus in the way that he sacrifices his life for Darnay and he is resurrected through Lucie's son, Sydney, who becomes a judge. Where as Jesus died for the people to be forgiven of their sins, and then he was resurrected from the dead on Easter day. Jesus also did not regret what he did like Carton did not regret what he did either shown in this quote: Carton said, "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." (462). Carton's love for Lucie conquers Charles Darnay's death.
Some people say that A Tale of Two Cities is too complex. But the complexity is what makes the book so interesting.