Throughout A Tale of Two Cities the major theme, "Recalled to life" exists and flourishes. It all begins when Jerry Cruncher receives a letter that states "RECALLED TO LIFE"; this simple quote sums up, and foreshadows most of the happenings in the novel. The simple letter "RECALLED TO LIFE" corresponds to Dr. Manette and one of the many times he was "Recalled to life". The first and most dramatic instance in which Dr. Manette was "Recalled to life" occurred at the beginning of the novel when Lorry and Lucie discover the mad doctor. When asked his name, Dr. Manette responds "One Hundred and Five, North Tower", concluding him as mad. Later Lorry and Lucie nurse the doctor back to health, thus he was "Recalled to life". Afterward Dr. Manette repeats the process of going mad after finding out about Charles Darney's secret and once again is "Recalled to life" by Lucie.
"Recalled to life" also clearly relates to Charles Darney numerous times. The first time Charles is "Recalled to life" occurs at the beginning while Charles is on trial for treason. Most certainly, Charles would have been tortured and executed if found guilty but Sydney Carton, who is representing Charles, uses his wit to save Charles and recall him from life. Later in the novel Charles is "Recalled to life" with the help of Sydney Carton. .
The final and most significant instance of the popular theme "recalled to life" involves both Sydney Carton and Charles Darney. At the end of the novel, Charles, despite Dr. Manette's attempts to save him, is on trial once again for treason. The only person left to revive Charles from a certain death, Sydney Carton, must first change himself. Sydney Carton, regardless of his intelligence, has led a drunkard, meaningless life. Sydney cunningly switches places with Charles Darney and sacrifices himself to make Lucie happy. Sydney says "It is a far, far better thing that I do, then I have ever done, it is a far, far better rest that I go to than I have ever known.
